VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
221 kW
Torque
700 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
6.5 s
Engine
2997 cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Land Rover Range Rover Velar 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 Velar produces 221 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.3 l/100km while the Range Rover Velar uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 243 700 for the Defender and R1 799 000 for the Range Rover Velar. 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
221 kW
Torque
700 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
6.2 s
6.5 s
Top Speed
191 Km/h
230 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
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
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
68 l
CO2 Emissions
218 g/km
193 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
4797 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
2041-2147 mm
Height
1969 mm
1683 mm
Wheelbase
2587 mm
2874 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
213 (251 with optional air suspension) m
Kerb Weight
2241 DIN / 2316 EU Kg
2049 DIN / 2124 EU Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5 (opt 6)
5
Load Volume
297-1263 l
673-1731 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
700 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
—
26000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Range Rover Velar
Value
Range Rover Velar
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (257 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 799 000)
Less power than rival (221 kW vs 257 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Range Rover Velar?
The Defender uses 8.3 l/100km and the Range Rover Velar uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Range Rover Velar 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 Velar?
The Defender produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Range Rover Velar delivers 221 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Range Rover Velar?
The Defender starts from R2 243 700 and the Range Rover Velar from R1 799 000. The Range Rover Velar is cheaper by R444 700 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 Velar?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Range Rover Velar can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Range Rover Velar?
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.