Many off-road enthusiasts face a difficult choice: Tuareg or Prado? Both cars belong to the class of light trucks or SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). And the drivers of Volkswagen Touareg and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in large cities such as St. Petersburg or Moscow do not often face real off-road conditions. However, motorists appreciate this kind of transport for off-road capabilities. In order to choose which option is better, it is worthwhile to conduct a comparative analysis.
Classic and modern
From a structural point of view, both cars are different: Prado is an implementation of the classic off-road canon with a powerful spar frame. Whereas the Touareg is made on the basis of a carrier body. At the same time, both models have good corrosion resistance, which for our realities is quite justified. Although driving on our “winter” roads may affect some exterior parts with a chrome finish.
Over time, in Japanese cars of European assembly, frame pillows on the left side begin to sag. Arab Prado models wear fifth door hinges. In relation to German Touareg cars, there are complaints about front light devices, parking sensors, trapezoid wipers. So what is better - “Tuareg” or “Prado”? It’s worth sorting out.
Exterior Prado
The appearance of the Land Cruiser Prado is based on square shapes, the same can be said about the fog lights - almost perfect quadrangles. Rectangular headlights, a pronounced radiator grill with vertical rods, elegant mirrors - all this fits perfectly into the big picture.
The back of the body does not change the overall style: the same rectangles of the rear lights and the presence of a fifth door, which is typical for SUV vehicles, fog lights. A characteristic feature of all Prado cars is the abundance of chrome, which simply hurts the eyes.
Exterior Touareg
The exterior of the German resembles an urban car, raised above the road. And if we compared the Prado shape with an almost perfect square, then this transport looks like a drop.
Volkswagen signature can be guessed by the front lights, which harmoniously go into the grille. At the same time, its ribs give the plane the appearance of a car.
Of course, Toyota Prado and Volkswagen Tuareg are good in their own way, and each car has its own characteristics. But the fog lights, mirrors, head optics of the latter are original - they are narrow and at the same time wide. This gives the impression that the car is wider and lower than its opponent.
Its design is concise and attractive, which is typical of many "Germans". On the body, the minimum number of stampings and pathos is concentrated. And from this the car looks no less aesthetically pleasing and solid. It is not surprising that wealthy men give preference to him, for whom pathos is excessive.
Salon "Prado"
The center console looks less ergonomic than the Volkswagen, however, only the Prado steering column is equipped with an electric drive with adjustable height and reach. There is also another beneficial advantage for the driver - a high “off-road” landing.
When deciding what to choose, “Prado” or “Tuareg”, note that the first of them has everything thought out with safety: large mirrors, a large glazing area. And this adds more points in favor of the Japanese.
Now let's move on to the rear seat - it can move back and forth, there is also an adjustment of the backrest. It should be noted that there are Japanese cars with 7 seats, which you will not find among German transport.
The convenience of the Prado cabin lies in its rationality. There are fewer luxury items here than the opponent’s, at the same time, the skin is used in better grades, the dirt does not stick to it, and it is washed with ease.
The decoration of the "Tuareg"
All devices, pens and keys are located in easy access for the driver. And thus. it speaks of the best ergonomics in the Volkswagen cabin. The chair is comfortable with lateral support.
At the same time, it cannot do without flaws. A narrow rear window and the same shape of the side mirrors significantly impede visibility.
If you have not answered the eternal question for car enthusiasts - Toyota Prado or Tuareg, then looking at the interior of this vehicle, you can make a choice. Feel all the luxury - hard leather, and quite a lot of it, wooden inserts, even the steering wheel has a rim made of this natural material.
Volkswagen road tests
The dynamics of this car is a little smoother than the Japanese model. The difference between its power and torque can be felt. And this despite the fact that under the hood is a W12 power unit with a volume of 6 liters with 450 liters. from. One of its price is comparable with the two models Prado and Corolla in addition.
Although the dynamics are much inferior to the "Japanese", the lag in acceleration (up to 100 km / h) by 0.4 seconds. doesn't seem significant. In terms of directional stability and electronics, both cars are similar to each other. However, in terms of controllability in comparison between the Tuareg and Prado, the preference is still on the side of the German. It is almost the same as that of light vehicles. Even when cornering at speed, there is no roll. This is the result of the painstaking work of the union of two automotive giants: Volkswagen and Porsche.
The VW has a lower center of gravity, while the base and track are larger than the Prado. Moving speed bumps is almost imperceptible. True, the suspension reacts noisily to bumps and pits of the roadway. At the same time, the interior emits crackles slightly against the background of vibrations in different parts.
How Prado behaves
This car already at the start declares its combat character. Turnovers are typed easily and naturally, you sit and even forget that you are in the power of a large car. However, the sensation of an SUV immediately returns with a roll and high landing.
If you compare the "Tuareg" and "Toyota Prado", then only the deep holes and potholes on the road will make the "thug" sway. Otherwise, the suspension copes with road irregularities easily. Speed bumps can be overcome at a speed of 60 km / h. The car will only rise smoothly above the roadway and, at the end, will sit down slightly. But when making sharp turns at speed, rolls are felt.
Electronics shows itself well. One has only to give a sharp start on a slippery surface, the automation already starts to work when one of the wheels slip. The car does not even have time to deviate from the course, as it will already be aligned.
Moving in the normal mode, it is not possible to cause a skid or to lose the direction of movement. True, the sounds from triggering electronic systems of the car (ASR, ABS, VSC) are heard louder than aerodynamic or transmission noise.
Snow and off-road conditions
And what will snow and impassability show? “Tuareg” or “Prado” will take the branch of the championship? At least both cars move out into the snow and keep confident, but if you touch its bottom, the wheels begin to slip. At the same time, electronics begin to grumble in a manner familiar to her. This proves once again that an SUV is still not an all-terrain vehicle! But if you do not go deep into the snow much, then Prado and Touareg with the support of electronics move easily and naturally.
Without a doubt, the Japanese are best prepared for off-road conditions. You can even say that he is a champion in this discipline. Slowly and at the same time confidently, this car overcomes any obstacles on the way. "Tuareg" can not boast of such capabilities, but its suspension is softer and more accurate in relation to passengers. Overcoming the bumps on the Prado, you can feel the shaking, but in the case of the Touareg car this is not.
As a result, choosing between the Tuareg or the Land Cruiser Prado, keep in mind that both vehicles do a good job in off-road conditions. In this case, a lot depends directly on the owner of the car. For beginners, the maximum limit for Prado or Touareg is a picnic trip. Others may go in search of berries, mushrooms in habitable places like Lake Baikal. Professionals can fully reveal their full potential.
Comparative analysis of other parameters
In general, both cars show ergonomics from the best side, only in the Tuareg you want a higher landing, although the seat has nowhere to go up, and yet there is still free space above the head that is wasted in vain. It is rather a passenger car with SUV capabilities.
As for Prado, this is a full-fledged SUV with its characteristic attributes: the presence of steps and the presence of handles in the corners of the doorways, which makes it easier to get into the car. In relation to the "Tuareg" this is not, which once again proves the functionality of the car.
And what is preferable - “Tuareg” or “Prado”, if you go and the number of electrical units? The “German” has a little more: in addition to the traditional adjustments, there is a joystick for controlling the lower back (higher, lower, more, less). Otherwise, the equipment of the cars is the same, the difference is only in small details and taste preferences. Even in terms of music, there are practically no differences; only true music lovers and car sound professionals can find them.
Comparison in appearance is quite difficult. The design of the one and the other car was based on the images and philosophy of their creators. Therefore, this parameter is purely individual. Some people like the smooth lines of the Tuareg, while others are delighted with the almost perfect Prado quadrangles.
Total
What exactly can you choose a motorist among these cars? Undoubtedly, the VW Touareg is the vehicle that combines the capabilities of an SUV based on a passenger wagon. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a direct follow to all canons of SUVs.
And what is better - “Tuareg” or “Prado” - on the track? Here, these cars behave accordingly. VW performs well, and sometimes even better, on asphalt and on the ground. To make constant attacks on the roads will not work. Toyota has more weight, due to which the suspension works worse for it, and it sways harder. But at the same time for off-road it fits perfectly.
Each motorist must first determine the exact conditions under which the car will be used most of the time. If personal preferences are at the level of a car, then, of course, this is Volkswagen Touareg. Well, if you still like off-road, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will be a worthy option.