VS
At a Glance
Power
170 kW
125 kW
Torque
360 Nm
405 Nm
Fuel
14.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.6 s
—
Engine
3956 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 and the Volkswagen Amarok is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota Land Cruiser 79 delivers 170 kW while the Volkswagen Amarok produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Land Cruiser 79 returns 14.4 l/100km while the Amarok uses 7.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R949 800 for the Land Cruiser 79 and R931 600 for the Amarok. 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
170 kW
125 kW
Torque
360 Nm
405 Nm
0-100 kph
12.6 s
—
Top Speed
165 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3956 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
10
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
130 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
343 g/km
202 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5235 mm
5350 mm
Width
1870 mm
1910 mm
Height
1945 mm
1884 mm
Wheelbase
3180 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
2165 Kg
2132 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1035 l
1148 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
7
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
9 services
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Amarok
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Land Cruiser 79
Fuel Economy
Amarok
Value
Amarok
Practicality
Amarok
Pros & Cons
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
More powerful engine (170 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (14.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Amarok
Better fuel economy (7.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R931 600)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 170 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Land Cruiser 79 or Amarok?
The Land Cruiser 79 uses 14.4 l/100km and the Amarok uses 7.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Amarok 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 Land Cruiser 79 or Amarok?
The Land Cruiser 79 produces 170 kW and 360 Nm of torque while the Amarok delivers 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque. The Land Cruiser 79 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Land Cruiser 79 and Amarok?
The Land Cruiser 79 starts from R949 800 and the Amarok from R931 600. The Amarok is cheaper by R18 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Land Cruiser 79 or Amarok?
The Land Cruiser 79 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Amarok can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Land Cruiser 79 or the Amarok?
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.