PROS PHEV drivetrain enables limited electric running at speeds up to 135km/h Excellent blend of everyday comfort, refinement and performance 3500kg towing capacity It shares its drivetrain with the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
CONS PHEV drivetrain adds handsomely to the weight Li-ion battery robs 70L of boot space Lacks the traditional hardened performance focus for which Volkswagen R models are renowned
“A curious mix of speed and efficiency with a big dollop of comfort. It's just not especially fun ”
PROS Comfy, plush, quick and a company car bargain
CONS Not as nimble as a Cayenne
The VW Touareg R is comfortable, well-equipped and effortless to drive, but not sharp or engaging enough to be considered a true sports SUV. That leaves it in somewhat of a no man’s land. Put simply, those looking for a fast yet relatively frugal sports SUV would be better served by the similarly priced Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid, while those wanting a luxurious and well-rounded plug-in hybrid luxury SUV would be better off with the BMW X5 xDrive45e.
PROS Well-equipped Spacious inside for up to five people Very quiet in electric mode
CONS Cheap-feeling interior Fussy infotainment system Not very exciting to drive
With its luxury appointments and on-road manners, the 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser might seem to have nothing in common with the rugged, no-nonsense Land Cruisers Toyota built for decades starting in the 1950s. But today's Land Cruiser is nearly unassailable once the pavement ends, maintaining the original version's go-anywhere reputation.
Pros Very capable off-road Comfortable ride and capable handling for a big SUV Commanding view of the road ahead
Cons Second- and third-row seats are clumsy and lack space Poor fuel economy even by large SUV standards Limited smartphone connectivity
The 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser’s go-anywhere capability makes it a cult favorite, but most buyers are better suited to rivals.
Pros The myth, the truck, the legend Will climb over anything Ample power Comfortable inrterior Soft ride
Cons Guzzles fuel Very expensive Guzzles fuel Not well-suited to suburbia Did we mention that it guzzles fuel?