VS
At a Glance
Power
273 kW
257kW@6800
Torque
460+e Nm
440Nm@3500
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
13.8
Towing
2000 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
7.5
Engine
2393 cc
4163
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 273 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG produces 257kW@6800. On fuel, the RX returns 6.5 l/100km while the TOUAREG uses 13.8 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 797 900 for the RX and R706 855 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
273 kW
257kW@6800
Torque
460+e Nm
440Nm@3500
0-100 kph
6.2 s
7.5
Top Speed
210 Km/h
234
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2393 cc
4163
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
13.8
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
19.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
100
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
329
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4754
Width
1920 mm
1928
Height
1695 mm
1726
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2855
Ground Clearance
183 mm
237
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2257
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
—
1570
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
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH 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 (6.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Lower starting price (R706 855)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (13.8)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or TOUAREG?
The RX uses 6.5 l/100km and the TOUAREG uses 13.8 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 273 kW and 460+e Nm of torque while the TOUAREG delivers 257kW@6800 and 440Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and TOUAREG?
The RX starts from R1 797 900 and the TOUAREG from R706 855. The TOUAREG is cheaper by R1 091 045 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.