Volkswagen Toureg Vs Nissan Pathfinder Comparison

Volkswagen Toureg
VS
2013_pathfinder_3
Nissan Pathfinder

Here’s a comparison between the Volkswagen Toureg vs the new Nissan Pathfinder. All new for 2014 the Nissan Pathfinder is the arguably the benchmark for the start of 2014 until the all new Toyota Kulger hits the market in force later this year – although we’ve already seen one or two on the road. We’ve compared the Toureg with a few other SUVs already and think its an OK car certainly now where near the competitors mainly due to packaging and mostly price.  So far we think the Nissan Pathfinder looks good in terms of specifications but price is definitely on the high side read more!

Volkswagen Toureg vs Nissan Pathfinder exterior: As we’ve said before the Volkswagen Toureg is a conservative design that belongs to the early 1990’s. The Pathfinder is modern and conservative too but it is nice to look at. The Pathfinder’s front grill is very large in real life and much like the recently updated Prado. The Nissan looks better and more impressive. 

Volkswagen Toureg vs Nissan Pathfinder interior: The interior of the Toureg is very nice, one of the best for quality look and feel although dated. The Pathfinder looks great too and clearly more Japanese in design theme – very much like the Infiniti brand. Fit and finish is just as good if not better than the Toureg. In the Toureg the shiny metal surrounds here and there helps the car seeming feel luxury but take them away and it drops a few notches and could be called spartan and. The Nissan uses materials very well indeed to make it look soft and comfortable. The Nissan may not have the stereotypical German influence in the design but the reality is that feels more comfortable. The Pathfinder is also bigger and can seat 7 which is a key selling point when dealing with families who will buy an SUV. We can’t decide which one so it’s up to you which style you prefer or do you value the extra space both are pretty good. 

Volkswagen Toureg vs Nissan Pathfinder engines and technology: We’ll start off with the obvious. The Pathfinder can only be bought with a petrol V6 engine. While the engine is one of the best – the basis won the engine of the year award a while back the Toureg has the option of a diesel which by all accounts is economical and quite powerful but like all the latest diesel engines from ANY manufacturer may have high maintenance costs and issues. The Pathfinder can run on 91 Octane which is cheaper than Diesel and Premium so while it may use a couple litres more it doesn’t work out that much more expensive. Both cars have tons of entertainment and  convenience features as well as safety systems. However the Toureg requires  the purchase of additional options to match and will get quite expensive. 

Volkswagen Toureg vs Nissan Pathfinder drive : Haven’t driven the Nissan yet. Toureg was nice not memorable. 

The conclusion is simple. The VW Toureg is very over priced ,the Nissan in the mid spec levels are good value and the top range models is even better value when compared to the base Toureg which are about the same price. If you can afford it the V8 diesel Toureg is arguably the most interesting model to buy but you have to live with the tacky body kit. Any other Toureg model and you really need to think very very hard. For anyone else who has more sense will probably choose the Pathfinder. 

 

Volkswagen Toureg Nissan Pathfinder
2014_toureg_2
Volkswagen Toureg
2013_pathfinder_2
Nissan Pathfinder
Engines  

CJMA V6 Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
3 Litre (2967cc)
Claimed 150Kw or 180Kw @ 4000 RPM
Claimed 400Nm or 550Nm @ 2000 RPM

R series V8 Diesel
Twin Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
4 Litre (3134cc)
Claimed 250Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 800Nm @ 4400RPM

VQ35 (91 Octane)
V6 Petrol 
DOHC EFI
3.5 Litre (3498cc)
Claimed 190Kw @ 5600RPM
Claimed 325Nm @ 4000RPM

Weight  

FROM 2150 Kg
Towing capacity up to 3500kg

Kerb weight FROM: 1920Kg
Towing capacity up to 2700kg
Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 85 litres Diesel
V6 Diesel 7.2 lts per 100km (Auto)
V8 Diesel 9.2 lts per 100km (Auto)
73 litres 91 Octane
VQ35 V6 Petrol 9.9 litres per 100km
Other specifications  
8 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1732/1965
Overall length/wheelbase 4898/2904

NCAP safety rating 5/5

CVT Auto transmission
Overall height/width 1768/1960
Overall length/wheelbase 5008/2900
Track (front/rear) 1670/1670
Tyre size: 235-65-18 235-55-20
NCAP safety rating 5/5

Capability  
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach ?? Departure ?? Breakover ??
Minimum ground clearance ??mm
4WD system: AWD

Angle of: (degrees)
Approach ?? Departure ?? Breakover ??
Min ground clearance ??mm
Water Fording depth ??mm Max
4WD system: 2WD or AWD with selectable modes

Performance  
   
Pricing  
2013 $63.990 – 112,990 AUD
2012 $62.990 – 83,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…
2014 $39,990 – 69,990 AUD 
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!