VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
280 kW
Torque
570 Nm
537 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
18.2 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
4.6 s
Engine
2997 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Lexus RZ is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 183 kW while the Lexus RZ produces 280 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.3 l/100km while the RZ uses 18.2 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 871 200 for the Defender and R1 842 000 for the RZ. 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
183 kW
280 kW
Torque
570 Nm
537 Nm
0-100 kph
8.3 s
4.6 s
Top Speed
188 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
18.2 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
74.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
218 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4805 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1895 mm
Height
1967 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
291 mm
200 mm
Kerb Weight
2361 DIN / 2436 EU Kg
2115 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 (160-743-1826 with opt 7 seats)
522 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
750 Kg
Load Capacity
750 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
7 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
105000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RZ
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
RZ
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 280 kW)
Higher starting price
Lexus RZ
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 842 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.2 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or RZ?
The Defender uses 8.3 l/100km and the RZ uses 18.2 kWh/100km 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 RZ?
The Defender produces 183 kW and 570 Nm of torque while the RZ delivers 280 kW and 537 Nm of torque. The RZ is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and RZ?
The Defender starts from R1 871 200 and the RZ from R1 842 000. The RZ is cheaper by R29 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or RZ?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the RZ can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the RZ?
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.