VS
At a Glance
Power
260 kW
183 kW
Torque
500 Nm
570 Nm
Fuel
9.2 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
8.0 s
Engine
2995 cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the Audi Sq5 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Sq5 delivers 260 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 183 kW. On fuel, the Sq5 returns 9.2 l/100km while the Defender uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 612 800 for the Sq5 and R1 613 000 for the Defender. 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 Sq5Sportback 3.0 TFSI Quattro Black Edition 2024 - From R1 612 800
Land Rover Defender2026 - From R1 613 000
Performance
Power Output
260 kW
183 kW
Torque
500 Nm
570 Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
8.0 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
188 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.6 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.7 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
89 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
4583 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1633 mm
1969 mm
Wheelbase
2824 mm
2587 mm
Ground Clearance
—
290 mm
Kerb Weight
1945 Kg
2211 DIN / 2286 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5 (opt 6)
Load Volume
500-1470 l
297-1263 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
700 lkg
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sq5
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Tied
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Audi Sq5
More powerful engine (260 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 612 800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2 l/100km)
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 260 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sq5 or Defender?
The Sq5 uses 9.2 l/100km and the Defender uses 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Defender 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 Sq5 or Defender?
The Sq5 produces 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 183 kW and 570 Nm of torque. The Sq5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sq5 and Defender?
The Sq5 starts from R1 612 800 and the Defender from R1 613 000, a difference of just R200, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sq5 or Defender?
The Sq5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the Defender can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sq5 or the Defender?
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.
Also Consider