VS
At a Glance
Power
205 kW
250kW@4000
Torque
430 Nm
800Nm@1750
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
9.1
Towing
2000 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
7.6 s
5.8
Engine
2393 cc
4134
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 205 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 250kW@4000. On fuel, the RX returns 8.7 l/100km while the TOUAREG uses 9.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 626 600 for the RX and R776 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
250kW@4000
Torque
430 Nm
800Nm@1750
0-100 kph
7.6 s
5.8
Top Speed
200 Km/h
242
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2393 cc
4134
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
9.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.9
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
67.5 l
100
CO2 Emissions
197 g/km
239
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4795
Width
1920 mm
1940
Height
1695 mm
1704
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2893
Ground Clearance
185 mm
220
Kerb Weight
2005 Kg
2297
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
—
1642
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
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
36
Warranty Distance
105000 Km
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 (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Lower starting price (R776 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8s)
Higher fuel consumption (9.1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or TOUAREG?
The RX uses 8.7 l/100km and the TOUAREG uses 9.1 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 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the TOUAREG delivers 250kW@4000 and 800Nm@1750 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and TOUAREG?
The RX starts from R1 626 600 and the TOUAREG from R776 000. The TOUAREG is cheaper by R850 600 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.