VS
At a Glance
Power
183kW@6000
190 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
600 Nm
Fuel
6.3
7.8 l/100km
Towing
2000
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8
6.5 s
Engine
3456
2967 cc
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 183kW@6000 while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 190 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3 while the Touareg uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R769 400 for the RX and R1 494 300 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
183kW@6000
190 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
600 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8
6.5 s
Top Speed
200
228 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456
2967 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
90 l
CO2 Emissions
148
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770
4878 mm
Width
1885
1984-2193 mm
Height
1685
1697 mm
Wheelbase
2740
2904 mm
Ground Clearance
175
215 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1927 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
810-1800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
8
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
DRIVER
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
3
Warranty Distance
100000
120000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Touareg
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
Touareg
Pros & Cons
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R769 400)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Touareg
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or Touareg?
The RX uses 6.3 and the Touareg uses 7.8 l/100km 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 183kW@6000 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the Touareg delivers 190 kW and 600 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and Touareg?
The RX starts from R769 400 and the Touareg from R1 494 300. The RX is cheaper by R724 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 and the Touareg can tow 3500 Kg. 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.