Compare Tuareg and Prado. Toyota Prado or Volkswagen Tuareg - choose among the elite

When choosing a car, each future driver carefully studies the characteristics of the proposed cars in order to choose the best option. If you want to buy a powerful SUV station wagon, then you should pay attention to the Toyota Prado or Volkswagen Tuareg.

Both of these models are quite popular in our country, and each of them has its own characteristics. In some ways, the mentioned cars are similar, in some ways they differ, and in order to make the right choice, it is necessary to study in detail the information about them.

The Toyota Prado is a Japanese SUV that was launched in 1984. Its main advantage is cross-country ability. At the same time, internal comfort is maintained at the level of a passenger car. Now the fourth generation of the model is being produced, which has received many useful and attractive improvements.

The car is equipped with both diesel and gasoline engines. As for the gearbox, it can be manual or automatic. The number of steps varies from 4 to 6. The machine is literally crammed with all sorts of electrics. There are multimedia and navigation systems, electric heating and much more.

Many people choose Toyota Prado for unique design. The car has a really attractive and noble appearance. It emphasizes the high status of the person behind the wheel.

The car has a lot of configurations, so if it is decided to purchase just such a “horse”, then each driver will be able to choose the best option. If desired, you can supplement the standard car with additional functions.

Volkswagen Tuareg is midsize crossover which has been produced since 2002. At first it was produced in Bratislava, later the production was relocated to Russia. Now the car is equipped with an automatic transmission with 8 steps. As for engines, they can be gasoline or diesel. There is also a combination engine option, which combines a gasoline unit and an electric motor.

The suspension is spring, and the clearance is 200 mm. In the future, it is planned to increase it to 300 mm, which will make the Tuareg an excellent off-road option. Also, the device of the car includes many useful functions. For example, there is adaptive climate control, navigation and much more.

The Tuareg line is several trim levels that allow any buyer to choose what he needs. Any variation is reliable, the test drives carried out clearly showed the high level of safety of the model.

What common?

If you look at both models, then at first glance you can see a common feature, because both the Prado and the Tuareg are station wagons. This type of body is loved by many car owners. The station wagon allows you to place a lot of things in the trunk, and if necessary, you can even spend the night in the cabin by unfolding the seats. The number of seats in the cabin is five.

The engine size of Toyota and Volkswagen is not too different. The most common option is a three-liter engine. More precisely, the Prado has an internal combustion engine volume of 2967 cc, while the Tuareg has 2982 cc.

As for the cost of cars, in general, the run-up is small. Toyota Prado is offered at a higher price. You can buy a car for 2.5 million rubles. Volkswagen Touareg is a bit cheaper. To get behind the wheel, you must lay out 2 million rubles.

Car differences

Despite some similarities, the cars have many differences. When it comes to design, Japanese car is much more practical. There are not a lot of plastic parts here, as in the Tuareg. At the same time, the interior of the Prado is pleasant and comfortable. The German car used too many expensive materials for interior decoration, they look attractive, but require special care.

Toyota has a huge, roomy trunk. Volkswagen cannot boast of such. Yes, and in the back seat he has less space than the Prado. But in a German car, you can adjust the backrest of the sofa at your discretion.

But most motorists are not interested in the interior at all, but in the technical parameters. Tuareg moves along the road, even very uneven, as smoothly as possible. There is almost no noise in the cabin. The eight-speed gearbox provides smooth gear shifting. Thanks to this, the weight of the machine, which is just over 2 tons, is practically not felt.

As for the Toyota Prado model, it cannot be called silent. In addition, it has some of the awkwardness inherent in almost all massive SUVs. While overcoming bumps, the body sways, and in the cabin you can clearly hear the sounds of the engine and the noise of the wheels.

The maximum power of the Prado is 240 HP., and the Tuareg 173 , and this clearly highlights the Japanese car. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, while German transport will need 11.7 seconds. The Prado's maximum speed is 220 km/h, and the Tuareg can only reach the limit in 175 km/h. At the same time, the Japanese is more economical in terms of fuel consumption.

Who should choose which car?

In general, both models are attractive, stylish, powerful. But if you want to get exactly an SUV, then you should buy a Toyota Prado. The Japanese car has decent technical parameters that allow you to overcome almost any obstacles. It is suitable for those who often spend time outside the city.

If a person usually drives on city roads, and off-road occurs only occasionally on his way, then the Volkswagen Tuareg will do. In management, it is no different from a passenger car, but it also drives well over bumps without causing inconvenience. If you want to make it more powerful, you can purchase an improved package. True, and then the price will increase by about 700 thousand.

Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most popular European cars. This guest from Germany is suitable for off-road driving. But even he has competitors, and the Japanese Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is considered the main one.

Technical features of the models

Touareg or Prado - what to choose if you compare these cars according to their technical characteristics?

Volkswagen Touareg is a car that can be bought with eight engine options. Moreover, the most popular will be second-generation cars, which began to be produced in 2010 and are still being produced today.

The main types of engines are five options for 3 liters, one for 3.6 liters and two for 4.2 liters. Can choose . All cars have an automatic 8-speed gearbox.

In 2014, the car was subjected to significant restyling and the Touareg has new changes in connection with this. The car became more comfortable, the interior became available in two color shades, bi-xenon headlights were installed, an automatic braking system appeared after a collision with an obstacle, and steel springs became much better.

As for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the car is now in its fourth generation, which has become the most popular. The first sales of cars from this series began in 2009 and continue to this day.

On the Russian market, a car can be bought in one of three options - a turbodiesel with a capacity of 173 horsepower, a gasoline version with a capacity of up to 282 horsepower, and the smallest 2.7-liter gasoline engine.

Both cars have all-wheel drive. The Touareg has a slightly smaller fuel tank than the Prado, but the trunk volume, on the contrary, will be more spacious for a car from Europe.

As for another important indicator - clearance, here the result will be as follows - 215 mm. a Japanese car has exactly 200 mm. with a car from Germany. As for the number of passengers transported, in both cases it will be 5 people along with the driver.

Appearance

Both cars look attractive and simply cannot be overlooked on the road. The MLB Evo platform, which was previously used by the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentyaga, was chosen as the basis for the car. Therefore, with a closer look, you can see a significant similarity between these cars.

After restyling, significant changes appeared in the radiator grill - it became wider and was divided into three parts. Of these, the part in the center opens along with the hood, so getting to the engine is now much easier.

The headlights have also changed. Now bright LEDs will be used here, which will also illuminate blind spots. The front bumper has become not so prominent, its size has decreased slightly. From this, the car only won and did not lose anything in appearance.

As for the side parts, they have not changed much, so even without seeing the logo, you can easily guess what kind of car is in front of you. But the rear of the body has also changed, and only for the better.

A spoiler appeared at the top, the rear window turned out to be more rounded, and the optics were also only LED. The tailgate has become much smaller, so loading and unloading large suitcases will be difficult.

As for the roof, for the basic configuration it is only a solid type. For a small surcharge, you can buy a car with a sunroof. But the panoramic option is only available for the top version.

The appearance of the second car - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, is noticeably different from its counterpart. The front part of the car with a massive curved radiator grill became especially noticeable. Optics here can be of two options - halogen or LED.

And to emphasize the proud name "jeep", the developers installed a massive chrome-plated edging grille on the radiator. Thanks to its attractive appearance, this machine has won admirers all over the world.

The rear end has received not so many changes, but nothing has been lost from this. The side lights have become more expressive, the trunk lid has grown significantly and here you can definitely fit a large suitcase without difficulty. The loading line has shifted significantly down, which is especially liked by those who constantly carry something in their trunks.

The roof of this car is both solid and with a sunroof or panoramic.

Salon and trunk

When choosing a Japanese Prado or a German Touareg, many people prefer to get acquainted with the interior and trunk.

The interior of both cars is designed to carry 5 passengers, including the driver. Perhaps this is the only thing that these machines have in common. Everything else is different and deserves close attention before deciding which car to choose.

The Touareg comes standard with a nondescript 10-inch Control Display. As for the maximum configuration, it seems that the manufacturer decided to surpass all other car manufacturers and here a fifteen-inch touch-screen display appeared. And to drive a car, you don’t have to do anything else - just turn the steering wheel and follow the changes on the display.

In the center of the place there are two cup holders, as well as a charging panel where you can charge anything you want. The front seats, even in the basic version, received heating and cooling, electronic adjustment in 12 directions, and in the top version there is even a massage function for the passenger and driver.

The second row of seats is designed for three passengers. Each seat here can be easily adjusted depending on the needs of the person. Interior colors are available in 6 options. As for the trunk, its capacity was 810 liters.

Now you should visit the cabin of another car and evaluate all its advantages, and, possibly, find disadvantages.

The interior design of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a strict and modern car designed in the most strict colors. On the front panel there is an 8-inch touch screen. Despite the rather large size, it has one significant drawback - the image quality leaves much to be desired.

The driver's and front passenger's seats received maximum head and side support. They can be adjusted in 8 directions. True, in the basic configuration, the adjustment will be mechanical.

The steering wheel has a modern design and wood inserts. It can be adjusted both in height and depth.

Engines and transmissions

Which is better - Touareg or the popular Prado 150? The choice can be made after getting acquainted with car engines.

Prado is presented in three engine options. This:

1. Petrol for 4 cylinders, with a volume of 2.7 liters and a capacity of 163 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
2. Diesel for 4 cylinders, with a volume of 2.8 liters, with a capacity of 177 horsepower with a six-speed automatic.
3. Gasoline for 6 cylinders, up to 4 liters, with a capacity of 249 horsepower and a six-speed gearbox.

Touareg is usually equipped with a diesel engine with different power. Of all the engines presented, only one runs on gasoline. Gearbox automatic 8-speed. Both cars have all-wheel drive.

Dynamics and fuel consumption

Fuel consumption is an important indicator when comparing the German Touareg and the Japanese Prado. And here everything will depend on which engine is installed on the car.

On average, for both options, this figure will be 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Moreover, when driving around the city, it can increase, and outside the city, on the contrary, it will decrease.

Of course, it is not advisable to choose a car only by this indicator, although for many, fuel consumption will be decisive before buying the desired car.

Handling and maneuverability

You can also compare both cars in terms of cross-country ability. Here it is best to listen to the reviews left by the owners of these models after several years of operation.

If the car will constantly drive only off-road, then it is better to give preference to a diesel engine. This applies to both vehicles. Both cars do an excellent job with mud, and with branches on the roads, and with snow drifts. They also behave well when going up or down. Therefore, when traveling outside the city, as well as driving on country roads washed out in spring or autumn, both cars are suitable.

Safety

The main highlight in the security section is the night vision system that is built into the Volkswagen Touareg. And this is the first car that received such a thing.

Other standard safety systems on this vehicle include:

1. Front, rear and side airbags.
2. Pillow around the driver's knees.
3. Rear wheel steering system.
4. Color projection display.
5. Lane traffic control.
6. collision avoidance system.
7. Movement monitoring front and rear.
8. Blind spot monitoring.

And all this is already available for the base car model.

As for the security of the Land Cruiser Prado, the following systems are installed here:

1. Anti slip.
2. Help getting up or down.
3. Body stabilizer.
4. Choice of suspension mode.
5. Cruise control.
6. Road marking monitoring.
7. Pressure control.
8. Blind spot monitoring.
9. Pillows and curtains of safety.
10. Navigation.
11. Central locking.

If desired, a variety of types of heating can be installed on the car, including heating of the fuel system, as well as a washer for the windows. An individual set of functions for the requirements of the future car owner is not excluded.

Price of all packages

The price of cars in 2019 will depend on what exactly the car is equipped with. So, for example, for the Touareg it would be:

1. Elegance - 60,675 euros.
2. Atmosphere - 66,355 euros.
3. R-Line - 73,315 euros.

What other innovations the manufacturer will offer this and next year, we can only wait.

At what price did you buy a Prado car? Here, too, it all depends on what will be the equipment of the car and how many additional functions will be included. Therefore, only approximate prices can be quoted. This:

1. Classic - 2,249,000 rubles.
2. Standard - 2,546,000 rubles.
3. Comfort - 2,922,000 rubles.
4. Prestige - 3,551,000 rubles.
5. Safety suite (5 places) - 3,955,000 rubles.
6. (7 seats) - 4,064,000 rubles.

Both cars are not cheap pleasure. Therefore, only people with high incomes can afford to buy such a car.

Which car do you prefer

What to choose: Prado from Japan or Touareg from Germany? Both cars are worthy competition to each other. Both are all-wheel drive, which means drifts, snow, mud and puddles are not afraid of them.

And the manufacturers of these jeeps are worthy automakers that you can trust. But if you want a more spacious car, then it is better to choose Prado, and if you need a real fighter against the elements, then the choice is for Touareg.

Today, 2 famous SUVs are presented to our court. Let's see which is better: Volkswagen Tuareg or Toyota Prado.

To be fair, both SUVs are not completely new. The second generation Tuareg came out in early 2010, and 4 years later the car received a restyling, which is still on sale. Of course, over the past 8 years, additional options and equipment have been added, but, in general, we have 2014-2015 cars in front of us.

And although Toyota launched an updated SUV in 2018, it also cannot be called completely new. The car is already the second retailing of the Prado 150 modification, so there is no need to wait for cardinal changes. Still, engineers and designers have done a lot of work on the car, so it's worth seeing what they did.

Appearance

Consider the changes in both models relative to their pre-styling versions, and then we will try to objectively compare the cars with each other.

Prado

Toyota Prado borrowed features from the new Land Cruiser 200. The front is clearly similar to the “muzzle” of the older brother. The radiator grille of the new Prado has become more powerful and expressive. This added an array to the already brutal image of an SUV. The front part of the car has undergone the most significant changes. The stern and profile retained the features of the 150th Prado.

The updated Land Cruiser was designed on an existing platform. The wheelbase, width and height remained unchanged, while the length increased slightly. Now it is 4840 mm.

The square proportions of the 2016 Toyota Prado were preserved due to the almost identical characteristics of height and width. With its appearance, the car embodies calmness and confidence. But not as confident as the new Volkswagen Touareg.

Updated Prado 2018 looks like a tank. And off-road, he behaves like a combat vehicle - calmly, evenly and slightly shaking. As for the exterior design, the SUV turned out to be attractive. There is no frills in it. The appearance is harmonious and balanced.

Tuareg

Against the background of the "Japanese" Tuareg 2018 looks smaller. It seems to be more pressed to the ground, and it's not just the clearance. The German SUV is 136 mm lower and 85 mm wider than the opponent. Due to this, the VW looks sportier.

Its German design is concise and attractive. The body contains a minimum number of stampings and pretentious elements. In the new version of 2014, there is a little more chrome. Chrome edging adorns the bottom of the car around the entire perimeter.

The design of the front part has increased the number of horizontal lines. They are present on the grille, headlights, bumper and air intakes. The front optics are bi-xenon headlights with LEDs. The most striking difference between the new model and the pre-styling version is the modified geometry of the central air intake on the front bumper. Now it is upside down and resembles the letter "A".

The appearance of the car is not full of decorations and curves, but embodies the German style and status. With a minimum number of body lines, it looks aesthetically pleasing and solid. It is not surprising that it is bought by wealthy men who care about style without pathos.

Summary

It is difficult to compare the appearance of SUVs. Both cars correspond to the image and philosophy that the creators of the cars adhered to. Therefore, which one is more attractive is up to you.

Salon and options

As often happens, inside the car the situation is the same as outside. The interior of the Touareg looks solid and strict without unnecessary bends, and the Prado's interior is distinctly reminiscent of the Land Cruiser 200.

In the updated Volkswagen Tuareg, several interior color options are presented. For an additional fee, you can order the "Exclusive" trim, where you get more comfortable seats in the first and second rows, elegant and precise stitching, as well as harmonious colors. The red backlighting of the buttons has been replaced with white. This is a handy solution as the red was rippled and hard to read, especially at night.

Although Toyota rarely lags behind competitors in terms of ergonomics, compared to the VW, the “Japanese” has lagged behind. The layout of the buttons in the "German" is thought out much better. Everything is in its place. Convenient multifunctional steering wheel and stylish center console. There is a monitor in the middle, which, like in the Land Cruiser Prado, has slight delays in the sensor response.

The colossal superiority of VW over the competitor is the choice of materials. In contrast to the "Toyota" plastic, "disguised" as a tree, the interior of the Volkswagen is decorated with real olive wood inserts. It looks more expensive and sleeker.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado received an updated interior, largely borrowed from the LC 200. Large buttons, an attractive center console with a large display. It looks solid enough, but not compared to the competitor.

If a Japanese crossover, such as Mazda, Nissan or Mitsubishi, stood nearby, then the Prado would not yield to them at all. But next to a car whose philosophy is based on status and comfort, Toyota is clearly losing.

The main decoration of Prado are the washers for switching the drive and adjusting the transmission. They are stylish, large and comfortable, but they are located in the wrong place. Their place is below, between the armrest and the gearshift lever, but not on the center console.

The second row in both SUVs is roomy and comfortable. The advantage of the Prado is the inclination of the back of the sofa. The “Japanese” has a large amplitude of angle adjustment, which allows passengers on the back sofa to feel more comfortable.

In terms of trunk capacity, the Prado wins: 621 liters versus 580 liters. When the rear seats are folded, the floor in Toyota is smoother, and a full-size wheel is installed under the trunk, while Tuareg owners can only be content with a stowaway.

But the advantage of the "German" in the air suspension. Thanks to it, you can lower the rear of the car to make loading easier.

As for the technical component, both cars are equipped quite well: adaptive cruise control, automatic light switching system, surround view system (4 cameras) and other options. The only significant difference is in the ride quality control. To be able to block the differential and freely adapt the suspension to different types of coverage, you will have to seriously pay extra for the Tuareg. You will need to buy a car with 4XMOTION suspension, not the standard 4MOTION. In Prado 2017-2018, all the options necessary for off-road, including "CRAWL" - adaptive cruise control specifically for "off-road", are included by default.

Driving performance

Of course, the “Japanese” is better prepared for off-road. Pradik is the champion in this discipline. It confidently and leisurely overcomes any obstacle, and by turning on the CRAWL system, you do not even have to work the gas pedal. Without technical equipment and 4XMOTION suspension, the competitor loses significantly. Of course, it will overcome mud and snow as well as most crossovers, but in comparison with the champion, its off-road qualities leave much to be desired.

However, the Tuareg's suspension is much softer and more gentle on passengers. Even on bumps, it does not shake the driver in the seat like the Prado. This is a plus of the air suspension, which, by the way, can increase the car's ground clearance by 300 mm. With an improved chassis and all the settings, the Tuareg will compete with the Prado, but you will have to pay extra for this.

Prices

Prado is available with 3 types of units:

1. 2.7 liters. 163 HP (petrol);
2. 2.8 liters. 177 HP (diesel);
3. V6 4.0 l. 249 HP (petrol).

When thinking about what to buy, most drivers will prefer a diesel unit. However, the Prado is a heavy car, and 177 hp. for optimal dynamics it is not enough. It is better to choose a 4-liter engine. Its cost starts from 3,205 thousand rubles, and ends with almost 4 million. The initial price tag for a car with a 2.7-liter engine is 2,249,000 rubles.

The initial version of the "Classic" with a 2.7-liter unit. equipped with a 5-speed manual. On others, 6AKPP is installed.

Tuareg on the Russian market in 2018 comes with 3 types of motor:

1. V6 TDI 3.0L. and a power of 204 hp. (diesel);
2. V6 TDI 3.0L. and a power of 245 hp. (diesel);
3. V6 TFSI 3.6L. and a power of 249 hp. (petrol).

All engines are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. According to 2018 data, the price of a Tuareg with a gasoline engine starts at 3,029 thousand, and the upper price tag is 3,679 thousand (R-Line Executive equipment).

SUVs with diesel engines cost from 3,139 thousand rubles. The cost of the car in the maximum configuration, 245-horsepower engine and improved suspension is 3,879 thousand rubles.

This is interesting! When deciding what to choose and comparing prices, you understand that with a complete assembly, the “German” will cost less. But which car is better?

What is better to buy?

Both cars are good in their own way. The Japanese SUV, like its ancestor Toyota Prado 120, is a real tank. He does not disdain dirt and impassability. If you do not just drive from the city to the country, but are fond of hunting, fishing and various extreme sports, choose the Land Cruiser Prado.

Those who appreciate comfort and style, spend more time on the pavement, and an SUV is needed for a rare outing in the mud and snow, you will definitely like the Volkswagen.

And if you choose cars with mileage, which will be better? Surely, many will prefer Toyota. Firstly, the “Japanese” are more durable and cheaper to maintain, and secondly, the air suspension of a used Tuareg can be fraught with many surprises. This, of course, also applies to a new car, whose owners are trying to be careful about overcoming rocky surfaces.

The question of which is better: Prado or Tuareg has been around for a long time.. It should be said right away that the path to success for these cars was quite different.

Both the product and the product of German automakers were able to become leaders in the domestic car market. It is all the more relevant to talk about this confrontation due to the fact that Toyota has recently been updated.

Before comparing Tuareg or Prado, it is worth dwelling on the changes in the second car. Updated not only the grille, which has become more massive, but also LED headlights. In addition to such visual changes that immediately catch your eye, it is worth stopping at the modernization of the internal elements of the vehicle. A new 4.2-inch monitor adds chic to the cabin, and the center console has also been redesigned.

At the same time, there are no revolutionary changes in the interior. Just a huge number of different gadgets that did not help, but rather distracted people, did not decrease. And all devices are attached to plastic, which is a bit too much in this car.

If the designers were striving for maximum elegance, 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 roomy. There is plenty of room for just about anything, which is suitable for all those who like to cover long distances in their car. A 50-inch plasma TV can easily fit in there, with no need to fold down the rear seats. Some blame the inconvenient right tailgate, which you have to constantly bypass, stopping near the sidewalk, but this is not such a problem.

If you need to compare the Volkswagen Tuareg and Toyota Prado, it is worth noting that the second car is an almost comfortable ship, which differs in a surprisingly comfortable fit. Although this crossover is relatively large, everything in it is placed quite compactly and conveniently. Pleased with the ability to adjust the driver's seat in all available ways. At the same time, even freely pushing it all the way, the rear passengers will not feel discomfort - there will be enough space for the legs. Is there anything to oppose to this Volkswagen?

Pride of the German car industry

If we compare the Volkswagen Tuareg and Toyota Prado, then it is worth dwelling on the merits of the first model. The German vehicle offers us a slightly smaller trunk, but it is much more convenient to use. Adjustable air suspension allows you to change the top line of the rear bumper. As a result, it can drop 17 cm lower than the competitor from Japan. In addition, there is a 5 door. So if you like to relax in nature, choosing a Volkswagen Tuareg or Toyota Prado, the first option will be more preferable. 5 door not only helps to get easy access to the car, it also serves as a good umbrella in case of rain.

Cool video test drive: Volkswagen Tuareg or Toyota Prado

But with Volkswagen, not everything is so perfect. Rear passengers are not as comfortable here as in the case of Toyota, although the language will not turn out to be called a car. The sofa is great for two large men with a slightly above average height.

If we talk about the interior, then everything is at the highest level. For decoration, only the best materials were taken, and ergonomics are at their best. Even now, such a car is a reference.

How cars feel while driving

If we talk about which is better: Toyota Prado or Volkswagen Tuareg, then it’s worth raising the question about driving vehicles. Let's start with a German car. On the go, such a car is as easy as not so overall cars. At the same time, the sound insulation here is just on top. As a result, only the quiet sound of the engine enters the cabin. There are rolls in corners, but they are small. Feedback on the steering wheel works without interruption, and the thrust of the diesel power unit for 245 horses is simply amazing. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts very smoothly. As a result, it is even hard to imagine that you are driving an SUV weighing as much as 2 tons.

If you think: “Prado or Tuareg, what to choose?”, Then it’s worth saying right away that a Japanese car will not ride as smoothly. Although behind the wheel it is felt that the car is very reliable, but here it behaves quite clumsily. In principle, this is forgivable for an SUV, but constant rocking does not add convenience. Yes, and in the cabin you can constantly hear the noise of the engine, which indicates gaps in the sound insulation.

If you compare Tuareg and Toyota Prado, then while driving the first car you feel like on an easy walk, but when you drive a Japanese, you should be ready for serious and painstaking work. No wonder the Land Cruiser is preferred by people with a tough and straightforward character. At the same time, with Toyota you can be sure that it will not let you down. With her, even in fire, even in water - nothing will become an obstacle. As a result, off-road driving will allow you to fully reveal all the advantages of the Prado. It is here that the car will show its full power thanks to the hard differential locks.

But, comparing Tuareg or Land Cruiser, you don’t need to think that it can prove itself exclusively on asphalt road surfaces. Thanks to a wide off-road arsenal, Volkswagen will not yield to its competitor almost anywhere. But there is one small nuance. Only one set of Tuareg has the full qualities of an SUV (Tuareg 4Motion). That's where you'll find hard locks paired with air suspension. But for this you will have to fork out more. But the Prado is ready for off-road driving from the start.

The main advantages of Toyota

When choosing between Tuareg or Land Cruiser Prado, it is worth highlighting the advantages of the second car:

• a lot of free space for rear passengers;
• available 7-seater version;
• just a huge trunk;
• full-size spare;
• 7 airbags;
• excellent electrical equipment (air conditioning, audio system, power windows, etc.);
• good permeability.

Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the not too elegant interior and the relative difficulty of driving around the city and the highway.

Volkswagen Features

Making a choice of Toyota Tuareg, in favor of the last car says:

• adjustable rear sofa;
• 6 airbags;
• availability of climate control;
• leather trim steering wheel;
• modern electrical equipment;
• excellent ergonomics;
• classic and elegant interior.

Of the minuses here is that a real SUV comes only for a surcharge.

What to choose

If you are determined to choose Tuareg or Prado 150, then it is worth saying that the first car is a universal passenger car that can become an SUV only for a surcharge. Toyota is an SUV right away, but comfort here is an order of magnitude lower.

It turns out that Volkswagen is somewhat universal of its competitor, but is it worth overpaying for it? Without trying yourself behind the wheel of these cars, it is impossible to unambiguously answer the question, because everyone has their own preferences.

Video test of the new Tuareg:

Two seasoned SUVs in an unequal battle that ended twice - before and after a comparative test drive ... I love such test drives. For the lack of freshness. An ultra-modern sports "German" against a slightly archaic, slow "Japanese", while both with the same volume of diesel engines - 3 liters.

Such tests are initially sprinkled with red pepper, sprinkled with lemon juice and smell like rumbling cracklings and begin long before we take the cars to the dealerships. This time Ivan Evdokimov went further, he decided to finish this test even before meeting his rivals. "Do you have doubts about the winner?" he asked me and looked with such a smirk that I hesitated. There were definitely doubts, albeit insignificant ones. I got stuck on the VW Touareg because of my stupidity, but not on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado ... As a suggestible and doubting person, I pushed these doubts deep into the subconscious. And locked. In the meantime we got the cars and for the first few days I took the Prado. Ivan, stroking his Touareg, quipped: “Look. He is not interested in this fight. He has already won. He doesn't even hate his opponent. He's just bored." At that moment, I finally believed my colleague, and I dropped a small concrete bunker with contradictory thoughts walled up in it even deeper - to the bottom of the inner ocean - and sprinkled it with sand. All the following days I spent in anticipation of a meeting with Touareg. I drove the Prado like it was not for real. It's like a Deep Purple fan listening to AC/DC with one ear. Friends asked me: how do you like Toyota? I answered: Volkswagen is better.

…BREAKING BOTTOM SEDIMENTS

Until suddenly he began to enjoy the pleasant diesel grunt of Toyota. Fat lamb. High ceiling. Listening to the sensations, I realized how close the atmosphere created by this SUV is to me. If you press the gas gently, then something like the gurgling of a geyser mixed with the flight of a beetle is heard in the cabin, and the suspension shakes the body like a balloon basket. If you squeeze it to the fullest, then it will roar like a hippopotamus, into which a diesel locomotive drove, and aeronautics will be replaced by a sailing regatta. Whom only I did not feel at the wheel of Prado. A leisurely mushroom picker making his way towards the forest. A sober tractor driver going to the bookstore for a volume of Jean-Paul Sartre. A retired grandfather, to whom the devil himself climbed under the rib. Enough impressions. But all the time it was pounding in my head: “I’ll sit on the Touareg ...”

I wanted to ride a Volkswagen in a solemn atmosphere. Making a prayer. Morally prepared. But unexpectedly, our photographer Sasha asked to drive the VW aside, but Ivan was not around. Everything that happened to me during a short trip on the "winner of this comparison test" can be described rather confusedly. I'll try to use purely technical terms. I was surrounded by some unpleasant sticky fog. It was as if I, sweating, had spent several unpleasant minutes in a smoky, cramped and gloomy little room. “Maybe it’s just fatigue,” I thought. “Or I picked the wrong moment to meet.”

Then, when we finally switched cars, the armored bunker, full of doubts, came to life, stirring up bottom sediments, churning the oceanic waters of my subconscious around it and rushing to the surface with a ballistic missile. Its doors opened - and conflicting doubts, taking shape in one powerful wedge, rammed my brain. Inside me freely and openly, throwing off the load of reflection, there was a cry: “Touareg is a dark, narrow, cold cave! I suck here!! Give Prado back!!!. I want to ride in a normal SUV where I can sit down without banging my head against the doorway. Which resembles a meeting room, not a closet. And I'd rather listen to the motor, whose voice certainly can not be confused with a bread machine.

WHO IS JUST GOING?

We spent the whole day off-road, in the sands of quarries near Moscow. Rivals are equipped with all the technologies not only for confident, but also for quite comfortable off-road progress. For example, Prado has a very convenient all-round view of the Multi-terrain Monitor and a system for displaying the angle of rotation of the wheels. The Touareg has a similar option called Area View. Both SUVs have locks, downshifts, and downhill assist. It's easier to say what they don't have. For example, the “German” does not have off-road cruise control, which the “Japanese” calls Crawl Control. I set the speed - and the car itself supports it, even on the descent, even on the rise. And the “Japanese”, in turn, does not have air suspension front and rear, but only hydraulics on the rear axle to increase the load capacity. In addition, Toyota is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, while Volkswagen has an automatically connected one.

And although Ivan all this time praised the “German”, saying: “Look, he’s just going, you don’t have to do anything,” I retained the opposite view - “just going” is precisely the “Japanese”. The Touareg either broke into a frenzied slip with a cut-off in terms of speed overtaking it, or quietly crept. And Prado always remained at about the same pace - he didn’t flog a fever, but he didn’t make a quiet one either. According to the reaction to the right pedal on the treacherous sand, Toyota is more adequate. You don’t even need to dose: you press it - it goes, let it go - you get up. Volkswagen requires a jeweler's approach, play and intrigue. This is quite technically understandable. At first glance, both engines of our rivals are diesel, the same volume of three liters. However, the nimble diesel Touareg is crammed with six nerve cylinders. The pistons in them rush about like bubbles in a kettle at the last stage of boiling. The Prado motor is made of four thick hardened cylinders with huge “shoulders” that work slowly, but extremely thoroughly.

After that, we found a wide primer for the BelAZ mining vehicles and rushed to compare the suspensions of our rivals. The Touareg has an independent circuit with pneumatic elements front and rear. Prado has a couple of cargo accessories: a spar frame and a rear axle. "Japanese" drove as if on the way to the Bolshoi Theater. "German" trotted behind at a similar speed, but sounded like the Grand Symphony Orchestra. Tchaikovsky, knocking and rattling suspension, creaking trim. In general, he imitated a mess in an airplane when it hit a series of air pockets. Gradually, a bleak picture for Volkswagen took shape: a cramped, hysterical car. Although it handles much better and on a relatively flat road it is surprisingly quiet…

COOK VS ATHLETE

Ivan practically did not participate in the test. Formally, he was driving, but he considered our actions an unnecessary farce. Although occasionally it broke through: “Toyota looks like a fat woman. Look at her from behind. Huge ass like a cook." At the same time, he looked lovingly at the Volkswagen, smacked his lips admiringly and painted it as a lean, muscular fighter. “Vanya,” I answered, “my cook is fat, but she cooks a delicious dinner, and your athlete must have killed someone and is now looking for the nearest well to hide the corpse.” Touareg is more dynamic, more modern. Who is arguing! Its owner will be in time everywhere and will buy everything. Only I'd rather drive my Prado, making a natural loud sneeze. If at the same time I'm late somewhere, it's okay. That's not the point. Since only I can be considered the only participant in the test, and only my voice is real, I declare: finally, irrevocably and forever and ever, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado wins. Yes, he could not keep up with the "German", but he was not going to catch up.

CAUTION, TECHNICAL DETAILS

VW Touareg is a modern car that combines the qualities of a station wagon and an SUV. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a classic SUV with a frame structure and a solid rear axle. These machines behave accordingly. The VW is better on pavement, faster on dirt, but not designed for constant off-road forays. Toyota is heavier, its suspension works worse due to large unsprung masses, it sways more strongly. But on the other hand, it is designed for long-term loads in bad roads. VW is more dynamic, its engine consumes less fuel. The Toyota motor is resilient and has been designed over the years, which inspires hope for a long service life. But it has four cylinders, and the VW engine has six. Toyota has a frame, while VW has a hard locking rear axle. They are very different.

Text: Dmitry LEONTIEV

Photo: Alexandra STRAKHOVA-BARANOVA