VS
At a Glance
Power
205 kW
230kW@3750
Torque
430 Nm
750Nm@2000
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
-
Towing
2000 Kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
7.6 s
7.8s
Engine
2393 cc
4921cc
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Lexus RX delivers 205 kW while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 230kW@3750. On fuel, the RX returns 8.7 l/100km while the Touareg uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 642 900 for the RX and R723 000 for the Touareg. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
205 kW
230kW@3750
Torque
430 Nm
750Nm@2000
0-100 kph
7.6 s
7.8s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
225km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2393 cc
4921cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
4
10
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.8L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
67.5 l
100L
CO2 Emissions
197 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4754mm
Width
1920 mm
1928mm
Height
1695 mm
1703mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2855mm
Ground Clearance
185 mm
233mm
Kerb Weight
2005 Kg
2536kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
—
1520kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
ELECTRIC
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
36
Warranty Distance
105000 Km
120000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Touareg
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Touareg
Practicality
Touareg
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Touareg
Lower starting price (R723 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or Touareg?
The RX uses 8.7 l/100km and the Touareg uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RX or Touareg?
The RX produces 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the Touareg delivers 230kW@3750 and 750Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and Touareg?
The RX starts from R1 642 900 and the Touareg from R723 000. The Touareg is cheaper by R919 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RX or Touareg?
The RX has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Touareg can tow 3500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RX or the Touareg?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.