VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
258kW@3500
Torque
227+e Nm
850Nm@2000
Fuel
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
12.6
Towing
2000 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
6.5 s
6.7
Engine
2494 cc
4921
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus RX delivers 227 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 258kW@3500. On fuel, the RX returns 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the TOUAREG uses 12.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 700 400 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
227 kW
258kW@3500
Torque
227+e Nm
850Nm@2000
0-100 kph
6.5 s
6.7
Top Speed
200 Km/h
235
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
4921
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
4
10
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
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
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
12.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
100
CO2 Emissions
29 when hybrid battery charged g/km
333
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4754
Width
1920 mm
1977
Height
1695 mm
1703
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2855
Ground Clearance
182 mm
300
Kerb Weight
2200 Kg
2602
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
—
500
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
36
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
TOUAREG
Practicality
TOUAREG
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.5 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Lower starting price (R977 500)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (12.6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or TOUAREG?
The RX uses 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the TOUAREG uses 12.6 on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RX or TOUAREG?
The RX produces 227 kW and 227+e Nm 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 R1 700 400 and the TOUAREG from R977 500. The TOUAREG is cheaper by R722 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 3500. 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.