VW wants a piece of the Lexus RX350 pie with the new Touareg 2. Do you think it has the goods?

With the launch of its restyled Touareg 2, Volkswagen pushes one of the world’s most successful premium SUVs to a new plateau. No small feat for a vehicle that has set records – from the highest volcanic peaks in Chile to the dunes of the legendary Dakar Rally.

A completely redesigned front end demonstrates the extent of the changes on Touareg 2. The new Touareg 2 now is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its new stylized front grille — chrome on V6 FSI and matte chrome on V8 FSI and V10 TDI — with chrome eyebrows standard on all models. A redesigned front bumper, new side mirrors with improved airflow, and sleek, new organically shaped headlamp housings with polycarbonate lens covers further distinguish the Touareg 2 from its predecessor.

The changes continue to the rear of the vehicle, where a new roof edge spoiler sharpens the look, improves aerodynamics, and aids fuel efficiency. The brake light housings have an improved LED lighting visual effect and feature a sporty new dark “glazing” treatment. Below the rear bumper, but not forgotten, the exhaust system tailpipes also have been massaged for a fresh new look.

VW says the Lexus RX530, Volvo XC90 and the Acura MDX are the key competitive vehicles they hope to steal sales from. Do you think the new Touareg 2 has the goods to make a dent against the others?

sewingmachine - 7/19/2007 9:51:24 PM

+3 Boost

no. also its way to expensive.

lewishamiltonpimp - 7/19/2007 10:27:41 PM

+3 Boost

Yup. Like a fully optioned $40K Passat.

PARTS53190 - 7/20/2007 11:12:29 AM

0 Boost

after working for volks for 5 years and coming over to lexus i say never will volkswagen come close to a lexus .

jeffy210 - 7/19/2007 10:54:28 PM

+2 Boost

I have always had an interest in this car. If they bring over a decent diesel, I will strongly consider this for my next purchase.

Baapo - 7/20/2007 1:19:09 AM

+2 Boost

The V10 TDI twin turbo is among the best diesels out there mate...just a tad too expensive...

chewy - 7/20/2007 1:51:25 AM

+3 Boost

V6 TDI coming next year.

A great luxury offroader.

EnnNorak - 7/20/2007 10:57:56 AM

+1 Boost

Yes! A diesel for me also and VW must include the same AWD system that is now found on the Audi A6. I want that Torsen center differential -- Are You Listening VW?

r_driver04 - 7/23/2007 1:17:11 PM

+1 Boost

I'm impressed with the look and capabilities. But their reliability has got to improve drastically. But then again, can anybody name a reliable luxury suv that can actually go offroad? And you can't use any Toyota or Lexus products.

lexusis350 - 7/19/2007 11:03:47 PM

-1 Boost

Volkswagen has "goods"? I think not.

Agent009 - 7/20/2007 9:04:37 AM

+1 Boost

You obviously never looked at the pictures. They are a contender for sure.

daytonaviolet - 7/19/2007 11:59:08 PM

+1 Boost

NO WAY. Volkswagen may be getting better about reliability but they're not ready to go up against Lexus or Acura.

Lexus - 7/20/2007 12:21:25 AM

-1 Boost

No!...it will Not..., I severals of this VW Touareg on the street, they are Not very attractive at all. It won't still sales from the Lexus or Acura because both of this brand are in the premium segement.

VW is for the mass and an alternative for Audi, BMW, Lexus, MB Acura or Infinit brand. And if it true that it cost $40k or more, than it to much for a VW. The dent it going to make is with Hyundai, GM or Ford brand.

Lexus - 7/20/2007 12:49:02 AM

-2 Boost

The Phaeton failed it the U.S. because it cost over $100K. You can get a A8L, BMW 760i, MB S-class or Lexus LS with that kind of money.

Plus $100k for a for an over size VW Passat, I don't think so. American consumers are NOT as dump as many of you would think.

Baapo - 7/20/2007 1:16:49 AM

+4 Boost

With all due respect, the Touareg was C&D's Best Luxury SUV in 2003 and MT's SUV of the year for 2004; it's easily a better off-roader than either the MDX or RX350

In terms of value for money, it's a match for the Acura MDX; both comparably equipped cars can be purchased for 50K...quite a contrast to the BMW X5 3.0 which my wife just purchased which is easily the worst value luxury SUV in the segment...

M35MT - 7/20/2007 8:50:17 AM

+1 Boost

Correct - the Touareg is a better off roader than the MDX or RX. But it is still over priced. I'm not sure that it's enough of a bargain when compared to the Q7.

Good looks, quality fit n finish, not very reliable.

610looper - 7/20/2007 1:06:18 AM

+1 Boost

Why not, Toyota has the Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, and LandCruiser and they don't do anything the Toureg can't. Except maybe cost more money depending on the model and accessories. Plus, on one-hand the RX & Highlander is based on a Camry platform, the Toureg was built to be a truck from the start and combines the car, truck and luxury combination not offered with the Lexus. V6, V8, or Diesel.

Also, the Lexus has been out longer, so it's had more time to mature and improve from 330 to 350/400.

I say why not. Go ahead DoubleV

rack - 7/20/2007 1:11:06 AM

0 Boost

There is one thing the Toureg cannot do, and that is stay off the list(s) of the least reliable vehicles.

Baapo - 7/20/2007 1:38:05 AM

+1 Boost

The RX350 is really good value for money and I think the Touareg will be hard pressed to cut into its sales; the Lexus probably belongs in a different segment altogether...

The GX/LX, MDX, Q7, XC90, X5 are more reasonable targets...

Agent009 - 7/20/2007 9:11:38 AM

0 Boost

I agree they are too different segments. The RX is a fine car but more of a boulevard cruiser, the Touareg is more testosterone vehicle and would decimate the RX off road.

Two different buyers and two fine vehicles.

atomicbri - 7/20/2007 6:09:05 PM

+1 Boost

A friend of mine had an RX and her SUV was in the shop often, and she was wondering where all her Lexus quality was.... Transmission went on the blink, several lights saying something was wrong with her all wheel drive never seemed to get fixed. So for you all to constantly say Lexus is infallible is a wrong thing to say. Cars are cars, and yes Lexus is built well. But they still have issues. If you EVER look at the reliability indexes... they still have problems per 100 cars.... just a lot less than others. I have yet to see any car have 0 problems per 100 cars on JD Power's index. The VW is a good car and is quite nice inside, feels better to me than an RX inside. RX still looks too much like a Toyota... same typography on transmissions and such. The VW inside was really nice. It will go anywhere off road if you so desire. The Toureag sells quite well for VW and it was good enough for Porsche to offer a version of it. Make comments folks if you have genuinely tried these cars out. Like I said I tried the TOureag and the RX and yes they are both nice. The VW feels every bit its price, but like you all say, people think VW as being a Beetle, which is a shame. Cause they do have fun and great cars. Maybe they are in the shop a few more times than the RX, but trust me, the RX goes to the shop as well!!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/20/2007 4:49:00 AM

+2 Boost

Thank god nobody buys the RX350 in Europe. Why? because it has no diesel engine. Almost all Touaregs here in Germany have the 2.5 or 3 litre diesel. Some even have the awesome V10.

I would buy the Touareg because of it's style and interior.

Kinger - 7/20/2007 4:54:03 AM

+3 Boost

My mum is currently on her second Golf and both have been great reliability wise, she has the 1.9 TDI with DSG box which I must say I was quite impressed by. With Porsche's help i'm sure VW can regain their quality reputation further, the Cayenne manages to be fairly good reliability wise.

Bmw8ter - 7/20/2007 7:21:47 AM

0 Boost

Who cares if the Touareg is an offroad capable SUV. Who the hell is going to purchase a high priced Touareg to go thrashing offroad in? That's what Jeeps and pickups are for.

I personally wouldn't buy either of the VW or the Lexus, as they're both ugly as piss.

M35MT - 7/20/2007 9:12:43 AM

0 Boost

RobertFrisk, if you think the Touareg is one of the most capable SUVs out there, you are mentally retarded.

lewissalem - 7/20/2007 9:33:46 AM

+3 Boost

I love German cars. But why does VAG insist on pushing the VW brand upmarket? They have a nameplate, Audi, which is meant for this.

But here we sit, waiting for a Q5 and the Tiguan, while the Korean companies beat them to the punch. VW really has to work on getting these products to market in a timely manner.

Htay7500 - 7/20/2007 10:25:19 AM

+1 Boost

this isnt a bad car, neat interior, good inside and out, nice front end, good off-road, but I prefer the LC and/or prado.

Htay7500 - 7/20/2007 4:26:35 PM

+1 Boost

also good engine, and had a tdi version w/ 500 sold which could haul a 747!!!!

Rupert - 7/20/2007 12:34:15 PM

0 Boost

I love the Touareg, and the VW badge doesn't bother me.
Way outsells the RX here in Britain, plus it looks really good, and has a great interior, costs less than its rivals (less than the RX350 in Britain), has some great engines (3.0 and 5.0 tdi especially) and has twice the ability off road of most of its rivals.
What's not to like?
I'd have one over an ML, X5 or RX like a shot, it's just so much better value for money.

quizz - 7/20/2007 1:24:24 PM

+1 Boost

So why would a typical RX buyer (soccer mom) by a Toureg? A few problems that soccer moms don't want:
1. bad reliability issue
2. more expensive than the RX, for what? Offroad power?
3. Soccer mom's don't go offroad

The Toureg's only appeal is to men who don't care about reliability and want a car that looks tougher than the sissy looking soccer mom SUVs out there.

david999 - 7/20/2007 1:50:54 PM

+2 Boost

The VW is way overpriced for the segment it competes in, ie, against Honda,
Toyota, and the North American makes. As for the RX, the new 2009 version will probably be on display at the Tokyo Show in October. Too bad for the Touareg 2
if it was meant to be a viable alternative to a brand like Lexus. Differnt leagues.

Will_ - 7/20/2007 2:23:14 PM

+3 Boost

Who cares if the Touareg can go offroad? Certainly not the main customers of midsize luxury SUVs here in North America. The Touareg is a very rare vehicle here in eastern NC; I don't see many. Plus personally, I don't think it looks too much better than any of its competition. It doesn't outshine any competition in luxe, nor in value, nor in reliability reputation, nor in brand recognition as a "luxe" brand...

AlexTx - 7/20/2007 2:23:44 PM

0 Boost

You guys are smoking crack...
No way that the T-Reg is too expensive compared to the RX.
A RX can easily reach over $50k and that with the V6 only.
My parents have a 2007 T-Reg and has been extremely reliable.
After the 2005 MY, the T-Reg has been extremely reliable so stop with this VW no reliable non sense.
The RX is nice, but too soft; does not handle well, smaller than the T-Reg, and just plain looking.
The T-Reg drives so well, has a powerful engine and is solid and well planted on the road.
Even the base model for 2008 include the power tailgate standard.
The 08 has more equipment for less.
There is a reason why the RX DOES NOT SELL OUTSIDE THE U.S.......
Boring vehicle.

USAWON - 7/20/2007 4:49:30 PM

-1 Boost

Please stop the insanity:
Toyota brought their LS400 to the USA in 1989 and sold it for $35,900(base)under the assumed name of Lexus. It was and still is a marketing ploy to create a luxury brand in America. Toyota's name was on every body panel and part for years. The same "Lexus" models that are on sale here in the US are available all over the world with different model names under the name Toyota. I dont think that a single Lexus dealership existed other than in the US until 2003. Nissan and Honda are doing the same thing. Im not saying Toyota doesnt make a good car but please stop the insane and dillusional thinking that they are on the same plateau of greatness that BMW, Mercedes, and even Audi are.

USAWON - 7/20/2007 4:50:47 PM

-2 Boost

USAWON - 7/20/2007 4:51:20 PM

-2 Boost

USAWON - 7/20/2007 4:51:20 PM

-2 Boost

USAWON - 7/20/2007 4:51:20 PM

-2 Boost

Bmw8ter - 7/20/2007 6:01:45 PM

+1 Boost

Stop the pissin' spamming you fool.

Rupert - 7/20/2007 7:35:42 PM

+2 Boost

Alex - I have too read that the Rx handles worse than the Touareg - Lexus' trademark floaty steering haunts it.

aerith604 - 7/20/2007 3:15:47 PM

+2 Boost

I doubt the touareg can cut into Acura's and Lexus's sales. The MDX is the best value in the luxury SUV market by far. My parents recently bought one, i test drove all the alternatives with them, but none of them offered the combination of performance, luxury, and value. I absolutely hated the RX, nice interior, but ugly as hell outside and drove like a marshmellow; boring as hell.

In Canada, the MDX is king of the luxury suv market and its gaining market share in the states, i doubt this VW contender can steal customers that are cross-shopping with the MDX, RX.

totokindom - 7/20/2007 3:27:57 PM

+1 Boost

My wife owns a Lexus RX 330 and as a former Touareg owner I can say that VW will never be in the same league as Lexus. Their customer service and customer care are the worst. I had a 06 Touareg that had broke down within the first month and spent 3 weeks in the shop before anyone could find the problem. Before the problem was solved VW was considering giving me another Touareg or buy it back. After 3 weeks problem solved but VW changed their mind about exchange or buy back. What did I get as a loaner? Chevy Cobalt. How is that for a $40+ SUV? The Touareg does not hold any type of value either. VW’s market is their low end cars because that is the type of service they offer. On the other hand Lexus will bend over backwards and do what it takes for customer satisfaction no questions asked. I would stay away form the Touareg and VW. I took a hit on the Touareg and went back to BMW. The Touareg was my first and last VW.

ctsang - 7/20/2007 3:35:30 PM

+1 Boost

when did vw become a luxury brand?

Lexus - 7/20/2007 5:26:21 PM

0 Boost

The only thing Touareg and VW Phaeton competiting with is with Kia, Hyundai and GM product. Maybe this Touareg has it purpose after all, how about competiting with the up and coming Chinese and India cars.

Lexus - 7/20/2007 5:31:48 PM

0 Boost

Even the name VW sound like a poor man car, Lexus stand for Luxury export United States.

VW-unreliable
poor quality
poor man car
People Wagon
undesire and the list goes on and on...

Lexus-highest level of Luxury fit for a Sultan or Emperor
High quality
Realibility
High end technology
First World 8 speed transmission
Prestige
and the list goes on and on...you get point? good ;)

Rupert - 7/20/2007 7:49:23 PM

-2 Boost

Pity the RX only has a 5 speed auto then, isn't it?
If we're playing silly games over number of transmission ratios, then isn't that the lowest in its class?
Plus a Touareg can tow a 155 ton plane.

Bmw8ter - 7/21/2007 12:23:04 PM

+3 Boost

If a man can pull a 70 ton plane, I would hope that a vehicle being hundreds of times more powerful would be able to tow atleast 2 times that weight. A lot of vehicles can duplicate the Touareg plane tow.

That fact is hardly relevant.

cdcdan - 8/11/2010 7:09:14 AM

+1 Boost

vw is way, way above lexus and any other japanese car... a top model phaeton is almost double the price of a an l600h ... some options, like ceramic brakes, are not even available for the lexus... and the refinement of the vw is far, far superior to that of the lexus... tons of leather, real wood, and so on...

Lexus - 7/20/2007 5:33:47 PM

+1 Boost

Formula1, whatever you Smokin right now bro must be some really good stuff. VW is more premium than Lexus??? are you on crack? I Don't think so. The only thing VW is competitin with is Kia.

speedmaster - 7/20/2007 7:36:41 PM

+1 Boost

Biases and fanboyism aside.

The VW Toureag does not compete with the RX 350. It's direct competitor is the GX470 ( a mid size body on frame SUV). The RX350 is a CUV (Crossover) car based vehicle. The GX and T-reg are "truck" based SUVs with proper 4WD hardware.

You simply cannot compare the two except in price bracket.
Just stating the facts.

Bringing up stuff like "First World 8 speed transmission" is not germane and non-sequiter to the title thread. The thread is about the Toureag vs the RX not the LS sedans.

Rupert - 7/20/2007 7:43:45 PM

+2 Boost

I don't think the Touareg was designed for the US, which is why some of you have trouble placing it.
You naturally want to compare it to similar sized non-premium vehicles from Nissan and Toyota, but it's too expensive.
Thing is, in Europe, there is only 1 non-premium large (ie bigger than Rav-4) SUV, and that's the Land Cruiser (and perhaps the Jeep GC). The VW competes with Merc, LR, Lexus and BMW by default, but for a lower price, and thus it occupies a unique market position, giving it strong sales due to a premium feel from a non premium brand. To me, it makes sense, to Americans, not as much, as you all think "VW - Toyota rival".
In Europe, VW is a step above, more like Saab or Volvo, and the XC90 is a key rival, and VW is a respectable middle class badge (the Golf has been for years the car of choice for middle class urbanites, and there is no shame in having a VW). I know many people who've picked the VW over the X5 etc.
And I think the Altitude model (don't know if you get it) looks amazing.

Matthew1 - 7/21/2007 5:25:33 AM

+1 Boost

"I don't think the Touareg was designed for the US"

Are you quite sure about that, Rupert?

So Volkswagen spend billions of dollars engineering a big SUV and didn't aim at at the biggest SUV market in the world?

Rupert - 7/21/2007 6:58:07 AM

+2 Boost

Well, if they did design it for the US, they designed it wrong.
Clearly (from what the Yanks on this site have been saying) it is priced and marketed completely incorrectly, Americans never did like expensive VWs, so why make a luxurious SUV? Why not make it a regular Toyota rival? I think that VW has made a mistake in the US...and being more expensive than the RX, that's just stupid. It's not in Britain.

Htay7500 - 7/20/2007 8:32:55 PM

0 Boost

its got good ground clearance,

Lexus - 7/20/2007 10:10:45 PM

+1 Boost

Rupert, thank you for clearifing the article, I really appreciate man. You got my respect bro! :)

autopro - 7/21/2007 11:16:16 AM

+1 Boost

agent 009 made a good point the rx350 is made for the street,and the vw is great off road.It won't make a dent in the rx's business,because the dealers are weak they can't compete with the new multi-million dollar dealerships with loaner cars and all the other service lexus dealers offer. Also the RX is a moving target thats about to change. The new RX will blow everyone away again.It takes billions to develop a world class vehicle and nobody has the money toyota does.

M53R - 7/22/2007 11:46:49 AM

+1 Boost

One of my relatives has a touareg V6 2006 and I wouldnt be off when I say the interior looks and feels better than in a Range Rover Vogue supercharged. The interior is fantastic and the quality is very high. But it was very underpowered and felt heavy. Im sure the V8 would fix that problem but then the price would just be too high. I would say it is better than the RX, like it or not. It beats the RX in every aspect but has a higher price. Also, my relative did not have any reliability issues.

no1listensanyway - 7/22/2007 12:43:05 PM

0 Boost

The Touareg is ugly, overpriced and slow and not to mention un - reliable. What is the point of spending that type of money for a SUV that smalll?

no1listensanyway - 7/23/2007 1:05:21 AM

+1 Boost

Once again your ignorance really shines. The RX and Touraeg shouldn't be compared to each other. If anything it should be compared to the Lexus GX. And yes I would prefer to spend my money on the "uglier, cheaper, blah blah blah, RX350" At least I know it will get me to my destination without breaking down, and when I go to sell it, I won't get killed on depreciation.

Formula1 stop attacking people's comments with your mindless bit*hing, nobody cares what you have to say.

johnct - 7/22/2007 9:11:23 PM

+1 Boost

Not a very strong comparison. The Tuareg sacrifices car like handling for very respectable off road ability, while the RX370 is an all wheel drive minivan with SUV looks.