VS
At a Glance
Power
165 kW
150 kW
Torque
550 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
9.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2755 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota Hilux delivers 165 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 produces 150 kW. On fuel, the Hilux returns 8.7 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 79 uses 9.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 009 000 for the Hilux and R1 108 400 for the Land Cruiser 79. 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
165 kW
150 kW
Torque
550 Nm
500 Nm
Top Speed
175 Km/h
150 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2755 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
9.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
130 l
CO2 Emissions
229 g/km
254 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5320 mm
5235 mm
Width
2020 mm
1870 mm
Height
1880 mm
1945 mm
Wheelbase
3085 mm
3180 mm
Ground Clearance
—
235 mm
Kerb Weight
2120 Kg
2245 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
790 l
1055 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
9 services
9 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
10000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Hilux
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Hilux
Fuel Economy
Hilux
Value
Hilux
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Toyota Hilux
More powerful engine (165 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 009 000)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (9.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (150 kW vs 165 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Hilux or Land Cruiser 79?
The Hilux uses 8.7 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 79 uses 9.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Hilux 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 Hilux or Land Cruiser 79?
The Hilux produces 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 79 delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The Hilux is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Hilux and Land Cruiser 79?
The Hilux starts from R1 009 000 and the Land Cruiser 79 from R1 108 400. The Hilux is cheaper by R99 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Hilux or Land Cruiser 79?
The Hilux has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Land Cruiser 79 can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Hilux or the Land Cruiser 79?
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.