VS
At a Glance
Power
173kW@3200
258kW@3500
Torque
317Nm@4800
850Nm@2000
Fuel
6.3L/100km
12.6L/100km
Towing
2000kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
7.8s
6.7s
Engine
3456cc
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 173kW@3200 while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 258kW@3500. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3L/100km while the Touareg uses 12.6L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R801 200 for the RX and R977 500 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
173kW@3200
258kW@3500
Torque
317Nm@4800
850Nm@2000
0-100 kph
7.8s
6.7s
Top Speed
200km/h
235km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456cc
4921cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
6
10
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3L/100km
12.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6L/100km
17.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
6L/100km
9.6L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65L
100L
CO2 Emissions
148g/km
333g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770mm
4754mm
Width
-1885mm
1977mm
Height
1690mm
1703mm
Wheelbase
2740mm
2855mm
Ground Clearance
175mm
300mm
Kerb Weight
-
2602kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
825kg
500kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
120000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus RX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
Touareg
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (6.3L/100km)
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Touareg
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.6L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or Touareg?
The RX uses 6.3L/100km and the Touareg uses 12.6L/100km on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. 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 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the Touareg delivers 258kW@3500 and 850Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and Touareg?
The RX starts from R801 200 and the Touareg from R977 500. The RX is cheaper by R176 300 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 2000kg 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.