VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
96 kW
Torque
450 Nm
285 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
12.2 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
18.0 s
Engine
2999 cc
4164 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 produces 96 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.2 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 79 uses 12.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R791 200 for the D-Max and R910 600 for the Land Cruiser 79. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
96 kW
Torque
450 Nm
285 Nm
0-100 kph
—
18.0 s
Top Speed
—
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
4164 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
12.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
90 + 90 (total 180) l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
320 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5265 mm
5235 mm
Width
1880 mm
1870 mm
Height
1805 mm
1955 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3180 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
2090 Kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1070 l
1110 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
18 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
4 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R791 200)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (12.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 140 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max uses 8.2 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 79 uses 12.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The D-Max is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the D-Max or Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 79 delivers 96 kW and 285 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max starts from R791 200 and the Land Cruiser 79 from R910 600. The D-Max is cheaper by R119 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Land Cruiser 79?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Land Cruiser 79 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Land Cruiser 79?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.