Top competitors to the yota 4runner based on journalist reviews:
Ford Explorer
Honda Pilot
Hummer H3
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4-door
Nissan Xterra

And some pics for those who don't know what the 2010 looks like:

 

Yeah, it is pretty much a mute point since the states is not gettting it anyhow. I am not really worried about it personally myself since I got my 2010 and got it the way I wanted.

 

So, the 2011 will NOT have 4 X motion? Will it simply be the basic 4-motion?

What else won't it have? I thought there was going to be some sort of "off road" package that would have the 4motion and air and locking center diff, like the 2010?

It is looking like a cool vehicle but sad if they start removing many of the things that had set it apart - right?

 

4xmotion is still going to be available I believe, but just not in NA. No offroad package at all for us at the moment.

 

Wow! So it'll just be one more run of the mill large station wagon suv-ish things. Already no more 4 zone climate control or rear locker then no more 4xMotion, less cargo floor height...they need to ad some cool things besides a fuel efficient engine and new grill but maybe all that extra cool (expensive) stuff kept it from selling as well to the general population.

 

Too bad for VW.

I'll be looking at those Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited things, a 4Runner or an LR4 for my next off-road vehicle.

To hell with VW if they don't provide what I want.

 

Too bad for VW.

I'll be looking at those Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited things, a 4Runner or an LR4 for my next off-road vehicle.

To hell with VW if they don't provide what I want.

Wait and look at the new 2011 Grand Cherokee,air suspension,and all the things VW took away from the Treg.

 

1. jeeps are cool in my opinion... but expensive to maintain, especially when raised.

2. 4 runner... pretty popular suv, but when was the popular thing ever turn out to be that good in actuality? plus it looks like a giant tonka truck from toys r us. seriously, im asian and even i dont buy toyota(s).

3. VW... not the great suv. but one of the best. rare to find one on the road compared to others on the list, has more class than both when compared on and off road.

 

earl,

Interestingly enough, the owner is definitely not handicapped.

I wonder if that is indeed what the handle is for?

 

Almost reminds me of an air-line control from a wrecker. Any chance this rig has aftermarket air suspension or lockers? :-k

 

I don't know. But I am very close to finding out. He lives in the Greater Vancouver area and is on the local Jeep forum here.

I'll be sure to check back when I find out!

 

Thanks for the suggestion JK, but no thanks.

I am not interested in ANY domestics except maybe that Jeep Rubicon, and only for a second off road vehicle.

 

Yeah, Being of the "buy domestic if you can" camp, I would have actually waited one more year to check out the 2011 GC had they not got rid of the diesel instead of just fixing it with appropriate gears. They've still got a serious fuel mileage problem.

But look what would have happened had I waited? No diesel 2011 GC and no offroad 2011 Touareg.

Glad I made the decision to go 2010.

 

There's no doubt about it, you ended up with the best of all worlds with that one! The last year of T1-T2 production, all PITA bugs fixed, and air suspension too in your market Couldn't have asked for anything more I don't think.

 

The 5th Gen 4Runner.

No Touareg can do that. And the aftermarket support for the 4Runner, how deep are your pockets. 4runners can easily fit 35's with some suspension work. I have even seen people squeeze 37's. I miss my 4Runner now.

 

No Touareg can do that.

I dunno guys. Some of the stuff posted by Arkarch and others looks pretty comparable. And the video shots conveniently cut ahead a few times when hard rocker landings look imminent.

That's not to say I'd ever want to run my truck down a dry streambed like that. But an air-equipped Treg with the right tires should hold it's old against just about any stocker.

And as for those 4Runner cohorts listed by 4eTouareg, more than a few Treg owners have said they can manage just about anything a stock Wrangler or Patrol can handle.

 

Horses for Courses!

If that is what you want to do, the Touareg is definitely the wrong vehicle to look at.

So are the following:

• Merc GL & ML
• Range Rover Sport
• etc

Rather compare the 4Runner with

• Jeep Wrangler
• LR Defender
• Nissan Patrol
• Merc Gelandewagen etc.

PS Look at 2.02 on the video. Bits falling off!

 

^ Neat vid

How would that 5th gen 4Runner compare to the FJ Cruiser?

 

FJC is wider. Too wide at times. The 5th Gen 4Runner is wider than previous models, but still not as wide as the FJC. Both kill it offroad and have a retarded amount of aftermarket support. Its sickening.

And yes, the Touareg and 4Runner are two completely different vehicles. Hard to really compare.

 

And yes, the Touareg and 4Runner are two completely different vehicles. Hard to really compare.

Not to keep flogging the horse, but what are the major differences (keeping in mind that the Toyota website doesn't go into great detail when telling you what features it comes with)?

 

it seems like the touareg is meant to be very good on and off road, while the 4runner is skewed towards offroading, although it isnt bad on road it doesnt have the touaregs stability and handling.

 

To be fair though, if I recall, yours does not have air either. I am not saying that makes it perfect, but it does help quite a bit. Yeah, it will never be a true crawler or a prerunner, but it will get you through some pretty knarly stuff if you don't try to go over it's capabilities. Yeah it will not be able to be modified like a 4runner since it is a unibody vehical and no solid axles. So axle angles on the Treg are limited in that respect. It is still a fun ride to take off road.

 

Indeed. Does anyone know what the suspension travel numbers are with air suspension?

 

If you look in the Australian/New Zealand forum, about 3 weeks ago there was a post in regards "underbody clearance...." I am sure your question will be answered there.

 

I was wondering about suspension travel/articulation with Tregs that have air suspension. Not looking for ground clearance.

 

My T-Reg is going to our ranch today.. up twelve miles of rocky road from 7000' to over 10,000 to the snow line where the mud is deep and then the drifts start.. north of Santa Fe.
Oh, yeah, before that, I have to run 60 miles to Las Vegas NM to my plant... average usually 82 mph w/ tops of ....well over the ton... (don't want the cyber police using this against me!!).
Then back to Pecos to the Ranch... all of this in the T-Reg.
Oh, yeah, I need to mention that the Hummer H-1 won't be making the trip because while it is great in the rocks, it is hell on the highway.
The T-Reg is the bomba in New Mexico.
Looking to post on the Super Booster I just installed, neck snapper is what it is.

 

.......Looking to post on the Super Booster I just installed, neck snapper is what it is.

This I got to hear!

 

Werd. Thats all I was wondering. And when it comes down to it, articulation > ground clearance any day.

 

Off-Road Stabilizer Bar disconnect

I'm sure you guys may have discussed this before in previous years, although I can't find any info on it, why does the owners manual describe an "off-road stabilizer bar" disconnect feature, available for both air and no-air suspension Touaregs, but yet, no one here seems to have this option? Which market received this? Or did VW just tease us by mentioning it in the owners manual, pics and all, but never to put it into actual production?

That option would have put this axle articulation comparison discussion to rest I would think?

 

It would allow for a little more articulation, but not much. And I have no idea on which markets received that feature.

 

Based on this article on the Pepper, bottom of the page, Porsche Cayenne V6

"The package also uses anti-roll bars on the front and rear axle. These anti-roll bars have built in "claw clutches" that are hydraulically activated and deactivated by a switch in the center console. This allows increased front and rear axle articulation by 2.36 inches (60 mm), which improves ride comfort by minimizing body sway and enhancing off-pavement driving qualities and traction when negotiating rocks, tree trunks or bumps.

 

It may have been a ROW option, but not many probably had it. I know one year the guys at the CO Rally had a Euro version V6 TDI and it had that option on, not sure if they used it or not. One of them would have to chime in on that.