VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
96 kW
Torque
450 Nm
285 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
18.0 s
Engine
2999 cc
4164 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu MU-X and the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Isuzu MU-X delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 produces 96 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R973 800 for the MU-X 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
Isuzu MU-X3.0d LSE 4x4 A/T 2026 - From R973 800
Toyota Land Cruiser 78Landcruiser 78 4.2d S/W 2026 - From R998 700
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
96 kW
Torque
450 Nm
285 Nm
0-100 kph
—
18.0 s
Top Speed
-
145 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
4164 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
90 + 90 (total 180) l
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
313 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
5130 mm
Width
1870 mm
1795 mm
Height
1820 mm
2115 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2980 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
2160 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
659 lkg
1040 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ 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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
18 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu MU-X
4 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
MU-X
Value
MU-X
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R973 800)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Land Cruiser 78
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 140 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or Land Cruiser 78?
The MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The MU-X 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 MU-X or Land Cruiser 78?
The MU-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 78 delivers 96 kW and 285 Nm of torque. The MU-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and Land Cruiser 78?
The MU-X starts from R973 800 and the Land Cruiser 78 from R998 700. The MU-X is cheaper by R24 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MU-X or Land Cruiser 78?
The MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 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 MU-X 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.