VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
96kW@3800
Torque
450 Nm
285Nm@2200
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
14.9
Towing
3500 Kg
1500
0-100 km/h
—
18
Engine
2999 cc
4164
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79 produces 96kW@3800. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.9 l/100km while the LAND CRUISER 79 uses 14.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R850 880 for the D-Max and R398 600 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
140 kW
96kW@3800
Torque
450 Nm
285Nm@2200
0-100 kph
—
18
Top Speed
—
140
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
4164
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
14.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.3
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.06
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
180
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5231
Width
1880 mm
1770-
Height
1805 mm
1970
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3180
Ground Clearance
232 mm
235
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
2140
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500
Load Capacity
990 l
1105
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
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
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
3 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
LAND CRUISER 79
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 79
Lower starting price (R398 600)
Higher fuel consumption (14.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or LAND CRUISER 79?
The D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km and the LAND CRUISER 79 uses 14.9 on the combined cycle. The D-Max 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 D-Max or LAND CRUISER 79?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the LAND CRUISER 79 delivers 96kW@3800 and 285Nm@2200 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and LAND CRUISER 79?
The D-Max starts from R850 880 and the LAND CRUISER 79 from R398 600. The LAND CRUISER 79 is cheaper by R452 280 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or LAND CRUISER 79?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the LAND CRUISER 79 can tow 1500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max 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.