VS
At a Glance
Power
297 kW
225 kW
Torque
640 Nm
700 Nm
Fuel
2.8 l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Towing
3000 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
—
Engine
1997 cc
3346 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 297 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 produces 225 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 2.8 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 300 uses 8.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 446 400 for the Defender and R2 188 200 for the Land Cruiser 300. 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
297 kW
225 kW
Torque
640 Nm
700 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
—
Top Speed
191 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
3346 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
10
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.8 l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
80 + 30 (total 110) l
CO2 Emissions
78 g/km
238 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4990 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1990 mm
Height
1967 mm
1955 mm
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
2538 DIN / 2613 EU Kg
2655 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6)
7
Load Volume
857-1946 l
1967 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
3500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
—
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Land Cruiser 300
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (297 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Lower starting price (R2 188 200)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (225 kW vs 297 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Land Cruiser 300?
The Defender uses 2.8 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 300 uses 8.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Defender 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 Defender or Land Cruiser 300?
The Defender produces 297 kW and 640 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 300 delivers 225 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Land Cruiser 300?
The Defender starts from R2 446 400 and the Land Cruiser 300 from R2 188 200. The Land Cruiser 300 is cheaper by R258 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Land Cruiser 300?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3000 Kg and the Land Cruiser 300 can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Land Cruiser 300?
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.