steve c

You cannot compare the Tourag to the Disco, 4runner or Land Cruiser. It is too small and too incapable (by comparison) off-road.

While I agree that folks who just need the room and not the capabilities would be better served elsewhere, my first inclination would be to point folks towards the MDX, Pilot, FX35/45, Porsche Cayenne -- and having exhausted those better options finally mention the VW.

I priced out a loaded V10 Tourag. 71 Grand. Bahahaha. The day I spend 70 large on a VW will be the same day polar bears fly out of my butt.

mvf4s

-please tell me where you get your "too incapable off road" statement.

steve c

The Toureg is a unibody vehicle that comes with street tires (as it should). It is not meant to be as capable off-road as true body on frame truck based vehicles.

It is a better on road vehicle because of this -- and if you don't need to seat 7 an option -- although as above I would say the worst option in the pack of similar vehicles, MDX/FX45 etc.

mvf4s

range rover and the lr3 are unibody also.

AcnSux

How can you call a SUV with locking center and rear diff incapable off-road. Who cares what kind of tires it comes with...that can easily be swapped out when you go on the trail. I also don't know how you can state that the LR3 is more capable than the land cruiser...have you taken them both off-road, do you have any experience to back up your claim?

steve c

The LR3 is a hybrid - it is a unibody that rests on a ladder frame.

There is more to off-road capability than locking the center diff.

Yes. Yes.

andy92782

A friend of mine has an '03 Disco. With 9000 miles on the engine, the oil light came on unexpectedly. The oil pump failed and it spun a bearing; new engine being installed as we speak.

The car was not abused at all.

He knew going in that British vehicles would have some personality...

AcnSux

Now I'm curious...just exactly what terrain did you drive with your LR3 that the FJ100 and FJ80 can't handle.

kmagnuss_2000

Some other things that go into consideration while off roading are:
1. Locking front and rear differentials are a big help (locking center if it's full time 4wd)...if the tire with the least amount of traction is trying to pull you through/out of a situation, that's just asking for trouble.
2. Articulation is a must...a tire's not giving you much traction if it's not on the ground.
3. Approach angles...you can't get over an obstacle if you can't get on it.
4. Ground clearance...duh.

This is a short list of the main essentials. I'm no expert, but I go wheeling in my Jeep at a minimum of twice a month in everything from rocks to mud. Been doing that for about 7 years now in a YJ and a XJ.

-Keith

And I'm so glad that nobody has brought up the H2. That thing makes me sick when I look at it. It is such a far cry from the original Hummer it's just a shame. And I know somebody will say..well it's got lockers, it must be good off road. But lockers don't do you much good if you keep snapping axles. Later.

kmagnuss_2000

Oh, and as far as the new Grand Cherokee goes for off roading...it doesn't have much for articulation or ground clearance (what stock suv does) but it does have a terrific 4wd system. It can transfer 100% of torque to the wheel with the most traction if need be. That's pretty cool.