VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
96 kW
Torque
400 Nm
285 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.9 s
18.0 s
Engine
1968 cc
4164 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q5 delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 produces 96 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6.2 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 018 200 for the Q5 and R998 700 for the Land Cruiser 78. 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.
Specification
Audi Q540 TDI Quattro Stronic Advanced 2024 - From R1 018 200
Toyota Land Cruiser 78Landcruiser 78 4.2d S/W 2026 - From R998 700
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
96 kW
Torque
400 Nm
285 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9 s
18.0 s
Top Speed
218 Km/h
145 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
4164 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
90 + 90 (total 180) l
CO2 Emissions
162 g/km
313 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4682 mm
5130 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1795 mm
Height
1662 mm
2115 mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2980 mm
Ground Clearance
—
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 Kg
2160 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
550-1550 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1040 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
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
Optional
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
—
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
18 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q5
Fuel Economy
Q5
Value
Land Cruiser 78
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9 ss)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Land Cruiser 78
Lower starting price (R998 700)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Land Cruiser 78?
The Q5 uses 6.2 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Q5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or Land Cruiser 78?
The Q5 produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 78 delivers 96 kW and 285 Nm of torque. The Q5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and Land Cruiser 78?
The Q5 starts from R1 018 200 and the Land Cruiser 78 from R998 700. The Land Cruiser 78 is cheaper by R19 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or Land Cruiser 78?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the Land Cruiser 78 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the Land Cruiser 78?
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.