Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Touareg has a slight advantage, but Patrol remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Touareg
+2 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Touareg
+6 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Touareg
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
19/20
Ownership
12/20
Patrol
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
5/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
Patrol
Pros
No major strengths identified
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Touareg
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Cons
No major weaknesses identified
Best For:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Patrol
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Touareg
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Ground Clearance
235
228
Wheelbase
2850
2904
Length
4985
4878
Width
1980
1984
Height
1910
1702
Kerb Weight
2430
2055
Gross Vehicle Weight
3300
2760
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
309
810
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Front Track Width
1675
1663
Rear Track Width
1675
1660
Turning Radius
6.0
6.0
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Engine
3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Diesel
3.0L V6 TSI Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
V6 Twin-Turbocharged DOHC
V6 Turbocharged TFSI
Displacement
3346
2995
Cylinders
6
6
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
227
250
Power @ RPM
3000-3600 rpm
4500-6000 rpm
Torque
700
450
Torque @ RPM
1600-2600 rpm
2500-3500 rpm
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Twin Turbo
Single Turbo
Top Speed
210
245
0-100 km/h
7.5
6.1
Compression Ratio
15.4:1
11.5:1
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front Longitudinal
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Full-Time 4WD with Crawl Control
4Motion AWD
LSD Available
Torsen LSD
Optional
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Transfer Case
Multi-Terrain Select
Standard
Differential Lock
Centre + Rear Lock
Optional
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Claimed Mileage
9.4
11.4
City Mileage
7
9
Highway Mileage
10
13
Fuel Tank Capacity
110
90
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Available
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Airbags
10
10
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard with KDSS
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Crawl Control
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
Standard
Central Locking
Standard
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Standard
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Standard
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Seat Material
Premium Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Electric 12-Way
Electric 16-Way with Memory
Heated Seats
Front and Second Row
Front and Rear
Ventilated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Multi-colour
Multi-colour
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
40/20/40 Split
Front Armrest
Standard
Standard
Rear Armrest
Standard
Standard
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Climate Control
Quad-Zone Automatic
4-Zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Doors
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic Roof
Electric Tailgate
Power
Power
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
Standard
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Premium Touchscreen
15-inch Premium Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
15
16
Navigation System
Standard
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Full Digital
12-inch Digital Cockpit Pro
USB Ports
4
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
LED Headlamps
Full LED Adaptive
Full LED Matrix
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
21-inch Premium Alloy
21-inch Premium Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Not Available
Body Cladding
Standard
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
Not Available
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Approach Angle
32
-
Departure Angle
24
-
Wading Depth
700
-
Terrain Modes
Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, Snow
-
Locking Differential
Centre and Rear
-
Underbody Protection
Full Steel Plates
-
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Tyre Size
265/55 R20
285/40 R21
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Alloy
Space Saver
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with KDSS
Air Suspension with CDC
Rear Suspension
Lateral Rod with KDSS
Air Suspension with CDC
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Monocoque
Power Steering
Power Rack and Pinion
Electro-Hydraulic
Steering Column
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Power Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Service Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Approx R12,000
Approx R10,000
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
Optional
Optional
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
6 Years
Specification
Patrol
Touareg
CO2 Emissions
249
225
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
68
63
Final Verdict
🏆Volkswagen Touareg
wins with 78 pts
vs 70 pts for Patrol
In structured scoring, Touareg emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Patrol may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.