VS
At a Glance
Power
173kW@3200
258kW@3500
Torque
317Nm@4800
850Nm@2000
Fuel
6.3
12.6
Towing
2000
3500
0-100 km/h
7.8
6.7
Engine
3456
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 173kW@3200 while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 258kW@3500. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3 while the TOUAREG uses 12.6 — 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
7.8
6.7
Top Speed
200
235
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456
4921
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
6.3
12.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6
17.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
9.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
100
CO2 Emissions
148
333
Dimensions
Length
4770
4754
Width
-1885
1977
Height
1690
1703
Wheelbase
2740
2855
Ground Clearance
175
300
Kerb Weight
—
2602
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
3500
Load Capacity
825
500
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
100000
120000
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 (6.3)
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Few notable weaknesses
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.7s)
Higher fuel consumption (12.6)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or TOUAREG?
The RX uses 6.3 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 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 2000 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.