I'd pick the 200, but not because of looks or because it's to me, the "Ultimate Landcruiser" (I've been fortunateunfortunate enough to live and run LC's in other parts of the world and we simply don't get the best LC's IMO) but because of those specific two, the Toyota WILL be more reliable, end of story.
Per VW's:
VW has had Eras and models with serious issues no doubt, mostly electrical, but Volkswagen's in general are as reliable as Toyotas of legend, and Toyotas had some flops of it's own. I'm both a functional Toyota-holic with a 22RE 1st Gen rapidly approaching 400K and a committed VW nut-case who's owned/built water-cooled VW's for years as street and track/Rally cars. The Iron-Block inline 4 aka the "8/16v Engines" which were originally designed to be diesel engines, are some of the most reliable/robust engines ever made (it's still pretty much alive today as the much updated and ripping EA888). The Amorak is flat out awesome and I've sen Syncro Vanagons go places that had guys in more "typical", built trail rigs worried. They also had the best camp set-ups when we got there. It's really when VW goes out on a limb and start breaking new ground/design territory (or in general trying too hard and not thinking too clearly *cough* Phaeton...) and to a greater degree when they moved manufacturing centers and changed to a more "worldly" parts supplier roster, that they had MANY issues, mostly electrical in nature. My folks have a 6-speed '12 TDi Jetta Sport Wagon and it's not only the mileage king for distance travel, it's awesome to drive been an amazingly reliable car (aside from the factory Bluetooth System) and the engine is tough as nails, and I've owned MANY water cooled VW's. The new TDi motors of all sizes are all solid as long as you don't just ignore the maintenance needs and they have plenty of big-name ROW motor-sports domination to show that. If VW Brought the Diesel Amorak here tomorrow I can bet there'd be one in mine and my dads driveways the day after.
As for the Toureg specifically, some of the facts are it won Petersens 4wd of the year (FWIW), has actual real mechanical E-lockers F/R, it's suspension travel, while limited is not any worse then the much beloved stock US model G-Wagens (although it's not got a lot of aftermarket support in the US) and is quite capable off road so any comment on it not being up to the 200's level of capability, esp. n stock form, is simply incorrect. It's also a TANK, like litteraly. It weighs more then I can fathom looking at one in person, but you can feel it on the road. It's also super plush... maybe the weight comes from lead filled radioactive protective doors and body-panels, I don't know, but it's quiet inside and as comfy (if not somewhat cramped) and capable a stock ride as the 200 (it's a LOT like a Rangie actually, it's quite "upscale"). Facts are however also that it's a supremely unreliable with MANY well documented electrical issues and other malady's that make it a nice to drive rig on/off-road when it's working. It's also Uni-body so if it's gonna live a hard life off-road getting used, you'll want to do some reinforcing to help the body structure out (it's not XJ bad but...). Then there's the Engines... the V10's TDi's fuel econ is more akin to a FS Domestic PU on big tires then a mid-sized SUV let alone the much loved TDi MQB chassis 2.0 TDi cars that everyone thinks of when they hear "TDi". It's is a shame cause it's a neat engine and it's fun to drive (as long as you're not paying the fuel bill)... I mean it's a V10 Turbo diesel... The V8 is not cheap to work on and has some known issues, but I've never driven one so I don't know how they feel power wise. The V6 TDi is a pretty well proven engine in general, but again I've not driven one and I wonder what it feels like hauling around the Toureg's tonnage. It can also easily make as much torque as the V8 gasser can so maybe it's up to it as long as you're not drag-racing it.
The 200 is, to me, possibly the ugliest LC ever made (just my opinion). Its too big, too bulbous and to me, too far away from what I want in a truck with all the "Gee-Gaw" stuff I have no want of and a brake based trac-control system of which I'm universally not a fan of... It is however capable (although it does need some modding off the lot), typically reliable and perfectly comfy and roomy rolling down the road. It drives better ON road then any LC before it and it's a confident tow vehicle if that's your thing.
If I got to chose one for a day to go out and thrash on it, then give it back at the end of the day... I'd choose the VW, but if I had to OWN one of those two and live with it for years to come I'd choose the 200-series hands down.
