VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
338 kW
Torque
700 Nm
660 Nm
Fuel
8.5 l/100km
1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.4 s
5.7 (5.5 with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
Engine
2997 cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Land Rover Range Rover is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 257 kW while the Land Rover Range Rover produces 338 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.5 l/100km while the Range Rover uses 1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 315 700 for the Defender and R3 479 000 for the Range Rover. 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
257 kW
338 kW
Torque
700 Nm
660 Nm
0-100 kph
6.4 s
5.7 (5.5 with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
Top Speed
191 Km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.5 l/100km
1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
72 l
CO2 Emissions
222 g/km
38 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
5052 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
2047-2209 mm
Height
1967 mm
1870 mm
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2997 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
209-284 mm
Kerb Weight
2361 DIN / 2436 EU Kg
2695 DIN / 2770 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 (160-743-1826 with opt 7 seats)
1050-2335 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 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
6
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
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Range Rover
Fuel Economy
Range Rover
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Lower starting price (R2 315 700)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (257 kW vs 338 kW)
Land Rover Range Rover
More powerful engine (338 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Range Rover?
The Defender uses 8.5 l/100km and the Range Rover uses 1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km on the combined cycle. The Range Rover 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 Range Rover?
The Defender produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Range Rover delivers 338 kW and 660 Nm of torque. The Range Rover is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Range Rover?
The Defender starts from R2 315 700 and the Range Rover from R3 479 000. The Defender is cheaper by R1 163 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Range Rover?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Range Rover can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Range Rover?
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.