A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Lexus LX vs Volkswagen Polo-Vivo: the short answer
LX has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Polo-Vivo.
Polo-Vivo starts ZAR 2,415,600 cheaperLX from ZAR 2,687,500 · Polo-Vivo from ZAR 271,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
LX
Polo-Vivo
Maximum Power
LX225 kW @ 4000 rpm
Polo-Vivo81 kW
Maximum Torque
LX700 Nm
Polo-Vivo200 Nm
Engine Size
LX3300 cc
Polo-Vivo1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
LX11.9 km/l
Polo-Vivo22.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
LX205 mm
Polo-Vivo143 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Lexus LX
LX 500d F SPORT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
LX
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Polo-Vivo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
LX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Polo-Vivo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Model Introduced Year
2022
2010
Generation
Fourth-generation Lexus LX flagship body-on-frame SUV
Long-running locally produced hatchback
Facelift History
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Periodic feature updates over years
Facelift Launched Since
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Luxury SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
2670 kg
1108 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Length
5090 mm
3972 mm
Width
1990 mm
1682 mm
Height
1895 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
205 mm
143 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
110 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
1109 l
280 l
Kerb Weight
2670 kg
1108 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3280 kg
1570 kg
Payload Capacity
610 kg
-
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6 m
-
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Front Track Width
1675 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1675 mm
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Active Height Control -
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Multilink with Active Height Control -
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Not Available
Power Windows
All/ All One Touch
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry + Panic
Not Available
Push Button Start
Push Start + fingerprint
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard Front x1
Not Available
Sunroof
Moonroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power and Handsfree
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Not Available
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Air Conditioning
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
4,5
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Mudflaps
-
Standard/available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo-vivo
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Engine
3.3-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
3300 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
6
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
225 kW @ 4000 rpm
81 kW
Maximum Torque
700 Nm
200 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
210 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, Custom
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
84.3 kW/tonne
73.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
262.2 Nm/tonne
180.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Gearbox
Automatic 10-speed
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
4x2
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
10
6
Transmission Type
Automatic 10-speed
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual
Drivetrain
AWD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic 10-speed
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
10
6
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Claimed Mileage
11.9 km/l
22.2 km/l
City Mileage
9.7 km/l
17.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
13.9 km/l
26.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
110 l
45 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
110
45
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
-
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
11.9 km/l
22.2 km/l
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Airbags
Side,Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger
4
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard Rear door
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Not Available
Alarm System
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Not Available
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Not Available
Rear View Camera
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Standard
360 Degree Camera
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Intermittent,Auto,Rainsensing
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Not Available
Reverse Camera
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Around View Monitor
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Seat Material
Semi-Aniline Leather
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power
-
Heated Seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only,Rear Row 1
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Standard Front + Rear Row 1
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
40:20:40 -
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Cup Holders
Standard 8
-
Steering Wheel Material
4 Spoke/ Leather + Heated
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver 4-way,Power/ Passenger 4-way
-
60 40 Split Seat
40:20:40 -
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Semi-Aniline Leather
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Simple dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment in higher trims
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Standard 25
Not Available
Navigation System
Standard/ Touch Screen,EMV
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Standard 3PCs
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Audio Speakers
Standard 25
Not Available
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 3PCs
-
Infotainment Screen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Connected Services
Standard
SYNC
Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Android Auto
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
Not Available
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black GF, Manganese Luster, Terrane Khaki
6
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Approach Angle
21.0 deg
-
Departure Angle
22.0 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Available
Locking Differential
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Approach Angle Deg
21.0 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
22.0 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
205 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance Min
205 mm
143 mm
Crawl Control
Standard
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size
F:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT / R:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Full 265-50R22 AluminiumFSPORT
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
22
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Service Interval
12 months / 10,000km
-
Service Plan
-
Not Available
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
CO2 Emissions
222 g/km
132 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
132
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
132
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
South Africa market model
Price Zar
2687500 ZAR
363300 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Active local lineup
Starting Price
2687500
363300
Starting Price Zar
2687500
363300
Spec
LX
Polo-Vivo
Warranty
7 years / 100,000km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
7 years / 100,000km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This LX and Polo-Vivo comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: LX 98 vs Polo-Vivo 35.
Efficiency index: LX 47 vs Polo-Vivo 80.
Safety-equipment index: LX 93 vs Polo-Vivo 59.
Practicality index: LX 84 vs Polo-Vivo 54.
Ownership-cover index: LX not separately scored vs Polo-Vivo not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
LX and Polo-Vivo image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
LX leads by 28 points
LX has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Polo-Vivo.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
LX
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
84/100
Polo-Vivo
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
80/100
Safety
59/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus LX
leads the specification evidence index with 83 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo-Vivo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, LX leads. However, Polo-Vivo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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