The original Volkswagen Touareg was famous for offering a 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine that made it one of the most powerful models in its class.
Pros Good value Copes well in the mud Smart interior
Cons Depreciation worries Hybrid isn’t economical Can’t carry seven
The VW Touareg has been a constant for Volkswagen since 2003. It was the firm’s very first off-roader, and paved the way for the now four-strong SUV line-up. However, with the current car more than eight years old, VW thought it high time the mainstay was given a complete overhaul. So, for 2018, the Touareg is new from the ground up. It is 77mm longer and 44mm wider than before, and it sits on the VW Group’s flagship MLBevo platform. That means it shares many of its internals with cars such as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, as well as high-end models like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is an all-new model.The amount of standard equipment on the RX 350L is impressive, but we recommend getting the Luxury trim level. On top of standard equipment such as tri-zone climate control, LED lighting and a power-folding third-row seat, the Luxury trim level adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats.
PROS Impeccable cabin finished with top-quality materials and construction Advanced safety features come standard Wide cargo bay makes it easy to load luggage and groceries
CONS Optional tech interface is clever but distracting to use while driving Less overall cargo capacity than competitors Third-row space is tight for anyone other than small children
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but it’s also a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
Pros Quiet operation, cushy ride, comfortable for five.
Cons Alien styling, miserly cargo hold, uncomfortable for seven.
