VS
At a Glance
Power
386 kW
103 kW
Torque
625 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
12.8 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.2 s
—
Engine
5000 cc
2179 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Mahindra Pik Up is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 386 kW while the Mahindra Pik Up produces 103 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 12.8 l/100km while the Pik Up uses 9.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 046 200 for the Defender and R479 449 for the Pik Up. 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
386 kW
103 kW
Torque
625 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
5.2 s
—
Top Speed
240 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000 cc
2179 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
supercharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.8 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
295 g/km
247 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
5175 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1820 mm
Height
1969 mm
1942 mm
Wheelbase
2587 mm
3040 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
2471 DIN / 2546 EU Kg
2150 Kg
Doors
3
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
297-1263 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
550 l
995 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
4
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
—
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Pik Up
Value
Pik Up
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (386 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (12.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mahindra Pik Up
Better fuel economy (9.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R479 449)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 386 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Pik Up?
The Defender uses 12.8 l/100km and the Pik Up uses 9.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Pik Up 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 Pik Up?
The Defender produces 386 kW and 625 Nm of torque while the Pik Up delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Pik Up?
The Defender starts from R3 046 200 and the Pik Up from R479 449. The Pik Up is cheaper by R2 566 751 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Pik Up?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Pik Up can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Pik Up?
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.