MT Comparo: Touareg TDI vs. RX450h vs. ML320 BLUETEC vs. X5 XDRIVE 35D

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02-10-09, 09:22 AM

#46

Allen K

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Despite the fugly grill on the Venza, I'd pick it over the new RX. Lexus should be happy that Toyota isn't releasing a Venza hybrid.

02-10-09, 10:02 AM

#47

RXSF

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the reason why so many people like the venza is because from the side, it is basically a 2RX. it gets all the old bits that are going to be retired from the RX. as for them looking alike on the interior? i dont see it except for the placement of the shiftknob. the RX is much more elegant despict that curved dash. might get some getting used to, but i dont find it a deal breaker

02-10-09, 10:05 AM

#48

MPLexus301

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen K

Despite the fugly grill on the Venza, I'd pick it over the new RX. Lexus should be happy that Toyota isn't releasing a Venza hybrid.

Venza Hybrid will be here within a year and a half.

02-10-09, 10:07 AM

#49

toy4two

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FKL

The Touareg "2" dropped in 2008 (released in Europe a year earlier). Volkswagen describes the vehicle has having "2300 redesigned parts", and added more features (radar cruise, blindspot mitigation, new seats, a new 620 watt Dynaudio). You can spot it most obviously by it's face lifted front end and darkened tail-lamps. If you remember, there was a big marketing push alongside the Bourne Ultimatum in 2007 for the Touareg 2. The new 09 TDI just has the new engine.

VW owners on Touareg forums who have owned both "1" and "2" say "1" was the better version. The engine in the new one sounds better though.

02-10-09, 10:07 AM

#50

pagemaster

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MPLexus301

Venza Hybrid will be here within a year and a half.

I doubt we will see a Venza hybrid. It would of been introduced with the current launch

02-10-09, 10:56 AM

#51

DustinV

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dunnojack

i don't like motor trend.

in the last 20 something years, they've consistently picked unreliable crap cars as their top choices.

the VW Toe Rag? come on..... that thing is the least reliable in the bunch

So what does reliability have to do with a comparison test like this?

Nice logic, pal.

02-10-09, 11:03 AM

#52

MPLexus301

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Quote:

Originally Posted by pagemaster

I doubt we will see a Venza hybrid. It would of been introduced with the current launch

Once again, a Venza hybrid is coming. The only thing that could delay it are current economic conditions, but there are plans for the car already.

02-10-09, 11:03 AM

#53

SLegacy99

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Quote:

but it's almost completely lacking in "SUV" feel

Hence the whole point of the name crossover utility vehicle. Doy. And Ive never even studied journalism.

And I too heard that a Venza hybrid is in the works. Would be a great option if it costs say at least $5k less than the Highlander Hybrid. Pair it with the 2.5L I4.

02-10-09, 11:06 AM

#54

MPLexus301

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DustinV

So what does reliability have to do with a comparison test like this?

Nice logic, pal.

Probably about the same relevance as the size of the gas tank and total cruising range

02-10-09, 11:16 AM

#55

IS-SV

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"but it's almost completely lacking in "SUV" feel"

To get real SUV feel you need a solid rear axle, pushrod motor, poor aerodynamics for lots of wind noise, 4 speed auto tranny, 75 series tires for poor steering precision, etc.

02-10-09, 11:30 AM

#56

LexBob2

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Quote:

Originally Posted by IS-SV

Don't forget to add 5,000 lbs GVW.

02-10-09, 11:35 AM

#57

IS-SV

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LexBob2

Don't forget to add 5,000 lbs GVW.

More like 5000 pound plus curb weight, with GVW over 6000 pounds for a body on frame setup...

02-10-09, 12:10 PM

#58

FKL

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Quote:

Originally Posted by toy4two

VW owners on Touareg forums who have owned both "1" and "2" say "1" was the better version. The engine in the new one sounds better though.

Only in the same way Passat B5 owners will claim theirs is better than a B5.5. In reality, there are countless improvments on the Touareg 2, from fixing some serious problems with the incredibly and almost stupidly advanced onboard vehicle comfort computer (which drained the battery if you didn't lock the car and set it to sleep mode) to a new revision for the engines. They fixed a lot, and as with the Passat of the same time, is more reliable. Plus it looks better