The choice of an elite car today should be based on your own opinion and emotions from the test drive. At their core, the technical aspects and actual reliability of most cars in this segment are approximately the same. Previously, it was believed that Toyota produced indestructible cars; Volkswagen had certain problems with reliability. And this often tipped the scales in favor of the Japanese car. On the other hand, there have always been people who preferred only European technology. And such admirers always bought the Germans. Today it is difficult to find fans of a specific brand or a specific country of production. Many German owners are happy to switch to Japanese, and lovers of Japanese reliability prefer German comfort. But Japan and Germany still remained unchanged leaders and avid competitors.
Toyota Prado or Volkswagen Touareg - this question remains open. Many people cannot choose a car for themselves that actually meets the quality parameters and expectations of an elite crossover. The problem is that the car must be of really high quality, reliable and very attractive in all respects. And these parameters have their own characteristics for each person. So you should always evaluate the possibility of purchasing on a purely individual basis. Below we will present several facts that will help you choose a car for comparison. We’ll also talk about the common advantages and disadvantages of cars, and recommend certain trim levels and engines. Having examined these market representatives in this way, we will try to draw a conclusion and choose the best option among them.
Snowy and off-road conditions
Answering the question which is better than the Tuareg or Prado 150 in off-road conditions, the first place is unconditionally awarded to Toyota. Prado will cope with any obstacles in its path. And after the implementation of the “CRAWL” system, the owner can forget about the gas pedal at low speeds. The Tuareg loses to its opponent at least because it is a crossover. But this car can easily cope with bad weather conditions and get out of any mud. Other crossovers cannot even boast of this, so we give the Tuareg a “plus”.
But it’s too early to go shopping for a Prado: the Tuareg has something to surprise us with. The car's suspension is much softer, it is pneumatic and can increase ground clearance by 3 cm. Even when driving on an uneven country road, the driver will not shake in the seat, as it would in a Land Cruiser.
When you get behind the wheel of a Kruzak, you immediately feel the character of the car: with it you can conquer any peaks, nothing will become an obstacle on the way. The only car that rivals the Prado in off-road driving is the Touareg with 4Motion all-wheel drive. It has all the qualities of an SUV, has rigid locking and air suspension.
The only negative is that buying such a car can seriously hit your budget.
Land Cruiser is ready to travel on any roads already in the starting configuration.
Comparison of different characteristics
Many drivers do not know what to choose - Toureg or Prado. Let's compare the characteristics of these two models.
Prado
Let's first consider the characteristics of the Toyota Prado:
- The car has been present on the Russian market for a very long time. During this time, the Prado has proven itself to be a reliable car with very attractive external characteristics.
- The cost ranges from 2 million rubles, the most expensive equipment costs about 4 million.
- The manufacturer offers two engine options: 2.7 and 4.0 liters. at 163 and 282 hp. respectively. Both engines are petrol. They have the highest degree of reliability.
- There is also an offer for lovers of diesel engines: a 2.8 liter engine with 177 hp. This engine is considered a worthy competitor in the market for similar mechanisms.
- The basic configuration is equipped with a manual transmission, all other configurations are equipped with an automatic transmission. In terms of design, the Prado is a full-fledged frame SUV.
- Usually, buyers do not have problems choosing this car, since the manufacturer offers many different trim levels. Usually, after taking a test drive, the buyer immediately decides on the configuration.
- The advantage of the Prado is less plastic in the interior and a more attractive design.
Touareg vs Prado
Tuareg
Now let's look at the characteristics of the Volkswagen Touareg:
- The class is the same as that of the Toyota Prado. The initial cost is slightly higher, it starts from 2.6 million. The cost of the most expensive configuration is 3.9 million.
- The gasoline engine has only one modification - 3.6 liters and 249 hp, without a turbine.
- There are three modifications of the diesel engine: 3 liters for 204 and 245 hp, there is also another one for 333 hp. on the turbine.
- The gearbox is automatic with a high degree of reliability. There is no mechanics. The cars are equipped with an all-wheel drive system, which turns them into full-fledged SUVs.
- The manufacturer also presents many different configurations. When purchasing a car from the factory, the client can order the equipment that is ideal for him. If desired, you can even assemble an individual car package.
- Owners of the Volkswagen Touareg note a high degree of comfort during even the longest trips, which is greatly facilitated by many additional functions.
- Volkswagen Touareg is one of the elite German cars. Another advantage is the use of expensive materials in interior decoration.
Volkswagen Touareg I vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120
Salon and options
The updated Tuareg is restrained inside, without unnecessary bends; the location of the buttons on the Volkswagen panel is thought out much better than that of the Toyota. Everything is in its place, so you will quickly get used to it and use the necessary options almost with your eyes closed. The car has a stylish center console with a monitor. Here the Prado and Tuareg have one problem: the sensor works with delays. The backlight in the Volkswagen has also been updated - the red one has been replaced with white. This is a smart decision on the part of the manufacturer: after all, the bright color is difficult to read, which is noticeable when driving at night.
Plus the Tuareg has finishing materials. Toyota manufacturers standardly used plastic made to look like wood. And the Volkswagen's trim is natural olive wood. Externally, the second option looks presentable and luxurious.
The updated Kruzak's interior is down to the smallest detail similar to the Prado 200. Compared to the Tuareg, even the convenient buttons, stylish console and large display of the Kruzak are a loser. And all because the crossover philosophy from Volkswagen is not only status, but also comfort. It's all about the location of the main parts.
The advantage of the Kruzak was large, convenient washers for switching the drive and adjusting the transmission. Only they should be located below the gear shift lever, but not on the central panel. In this regard, the Tuareg has every last button in the right place. When it comes to comfort, you don’t have to choose which is better - the Land Cruiser 200 or the Tuareg. The second option is an obvious winner.
If we compare the rear ends, both cars do not cause any complaints.
The second row is roomy and comfortable. The advantage of the Land Cruiser is that the backrest of the sofa is tilted, so that passengers who occupy the rear seats will have a more comfortable ride. The Kruzak also wins in terms of trunk capacity. The difference is small - 621 liters versus 580 in the Tuareg, but it is still there.
Are cars inferior to competitors?
Explorer and Prado
If you compare the Ford Explorer and Prado, you should immediately notice that the former is no longer produced on a frame. The Ford is larger in capacity and weight, but it is also about 20% cheaper. Ford is not available with a diesel engine.
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If you compare the appearance of these two cars, then this is again a matter of personal preference. The exterior of the Prado is considered to be more brutal, while the design of the Ford Explorer is more family-friendly.
- It is believed that the Ford's interior is more suitable for carrying passengers in the back seat than the Prado.
- Ford has created more comfortable conditions. This also applies to the comfort of the seats and the width of the space between the front and rear seats. The only thing is that the Prado has more headroom.
- The trunk is larger in the Explorer.
- The rear door in the Explorer opens upward and is equipped with an electric closer. In the Prado, the door opens to the side and only manually.
Volkswagen Touareg vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120 (side and front photos)
Touareg and Explorer
German manufacturers provide a 10-year warranty on their cars, while Americans only provide a 5-year warranty.
- Both cars have independent suspension, approximately the same height and width (1.70/1.73 m and 2/1.94 m - Ford and Touareg, respectively).
- The wheelbase is also almost identical - 2.86 and 2.89 (Ford and Touareg).
- Volkswagen has a much larger gas tank, it is designed for 100 liters, while the Explorer has only 70 liters.
The main difference and advantage of the Volkswagen Touareg from the Ford Explorer is the presence of all-wheel drive. But at the same time, the first, unlike Ford, does not have front-wheel drive.
Among the advantages of the Tuareg:
- more torque (550 Nm versus 318 for Ford)
- faster acceleration (7.8 s versus 10.9 s for Ford)
- higher maximum speed (217 km/h, while Ford has only 193 km/h, and in fact even 160 km/h).
The Tuareg also has much lower fuel consumption - 7.44 liters per 100 km, while the Ford has 15.23 liters. But at the same time, the Tuareg’s emissions are almost two times lower. The Touareg has a greater load capacity (686 kg versus 450 for the Ford).
If we take for comparison the approximate annual cost of service for these cars, it will be 46,950 and 31,800 rubles for Touareg and Ford, respectively. OSAGO policies cost the same - 10,983 rubles each.
Touareg and Prado (front view)
Main advantages of Toyota
Kruzak is a veteran among SUVs. It harmoniously combines elegance and reliability. Among the advantages we note:
- Sufficient capacity - the car is suitable for large families and young people who like to travel in groups.
- Comfortable rear sofa, plenty of free space.
- An advantage will also be the possibility of purchasing a seven-seater version of the car (two folding chairs in the trunk are expected).
- Even the standard equipment has 7 airbags. You don’t have to worry about your safety and the safety of your passengers.
- The most affordable configuration has excellent electrical equipment: audio system, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, alarm system and many other adjustments.
- Those who like to drive will like the presence of a sports suspension mode.
- The last but obvious plus is the excellent capabilities of the all-terrain vehicle: the Kruzak is not afraid of any off-road conditions.
Among the disadvantages of comparing the Volkswagen Touareg and Toyota Prado, experts note the ill-conceived interior and clumsiness when driving on a flat road.
What did the Toyota update bring?
Before comparing Touareg or Prado, it’s worth focusing on the changes in the second car. Not only the radiator grille has been updated, which has become more massive, but also the LED headlights. In addition to such visual changes that immediately catch the eye, it is worth focusing on the modernization of the internal elements of the vehicle. A new 4.2-inch monitor adds chic to the interior, and the center console has also changed.
At the same time, no revolutionary changes are observed in the interior. It’s just that the huge number of different gadgets that did not help, but on the contrary, distracted people, has not decreased. And all the devices are attached to plastic, which is a bit too much in this car.
If the designers strived for maximum grace, then, alas, they could not achieve this. On the other hand, all the buttons are collected in one place, which is good news.
And the trunk has become more than spacious. There is plenty of space for everything, which is suitable for all those who like to travel long distances in their car. A 50-inch diagonal plasma TV can easily fit there, without the need to fold down the rear seats. Some people complain about the inconvenient right tailgate, which you have to constantly bypass when stopping near the sidewalk, but this is not such a problem.
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If you need to compare the Volkswagen Touareg and Toyota Prado, it is worth noting that the second car is practically a comfortable ship, which is distinguished by a surprisingly comfortable fit. Although this crossover is relatively large, everything in it is placed quite compactly and conveniently. I'm glad to be able to adjust the driver's seat in all available ways. At the same time, even if you easily move it all the way, the rear passengers will not feel any discomfort - there will be enough space for their legs. Is there anything to contrast with Volkswagen for this?
Features of Volkswagen
The Tuareg also has comfortable rear seats that are adjustable in angle. The security system is serious: the car is equipped with six airbags. The finish that wins in the fight between the Tuareg and the Prado is leather steering wheel, wooden inserts. All this looks more elegant and more expensive than the plastic in the Kruzak. Climate control, powerful audio system with CD changer and other modern electrical equipment.
All the buttons are in a visible place - the manufacturers have done their best here, the console is very convenient to use. For an additional fee you can get the following “tricks”: Area View, cargo locks in the trunk.
And if the Kruzak has a full-size spare wheel hidden, then the Tuareg is at a disadvantage here even in the expensive 4Motion all-terrain modification.
What's better to buy?
Some car enthusiasts will say that comparing a crossover and an SUV is a futile task. Both cars are good in their own way, so when asked what to choose - the Prado or the Touareg, answer based on your personal preferences. The TLK is a real all-terrain vehicle that is not afraid of deep ruts, mud, holes, snow and other obstacles on the way. If you are a big fan of traveling outside the city to the country, to the river for fishing or to the forest for a picnic, then buying a Kruzak would be a logical decision.
Consider your financial capabilities: a Tuareg will cost more. Its average cost is 3,929,000 rubles. And that's just for the standard package. For a Land Cruiser you will have to pay 3,253,000 rubles. This difference may seem significant to some.
Those who travel around the city, and need an SUV only on holidays for rare trips outside the city, should definitely choose the Tuareg. This is a versatile passenger car that has all the qualities of an SUV, but only at a higher price. When comparing mileage in the Toyota vs Volkswagen battle, the first option will win. The Japanese are famous for producing cars that not only last longer, but are also cheaper to maintain. The air suspension of the Tuareg will have to be protected like the apple of your eye.
Let's sum it up
There is a version that Japanese cars are more practical than German ones. The Toyota Prado proves this in comparison with the Volkswagen Touareg. But the Germans demonstrate more interesting qualities in trim levels and versions. You can find individual equipment and get elite interior equipment for the same money. Many people believe that the Prado is cheaper than the Touareg. In numbers this is indeed true, but if you compare the trim levels and engines, the German has gone far beyond the capabilities of a Japanese practical crossover. There are many individual factors that are worth evaluating.
The best place to start comparing is with a test drive. Most potential buyers already at the stage of such a trip determine what exactly they like best. Most often, it is possible to select not only the model, but also the configuration without any particular difficulties or problems. But without personal use, it is increasingly difficult to achieve a really good understanding of the cars in this segment. It's worth noting that the large number of competitors makes it even more confusing. However, follow your heart, read reviews and choose the model that you like. What luxury crossovers do you prefer on the modern market?
