At a Glance
Power
183 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
570 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
6.3
Towing
3500 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
8.3 s
7.8
Engine
2997 cc
3456
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 183 kW while the Lexus RX produces 183kW@6000. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.3 l/100km while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 643 300 for the Defender and R808 500 for the RX. 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
183 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
570 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
8.3 s
7.8
Top Speed
188 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
3456
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
65
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
148
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4770
Width
2008-2105 mm
1885
Height
1967 mm
1720
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2740
Ground Clearance
290 mm
175
Kerb Weight
2361 DIN / 2436 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 (160-743-1826 with opt 7 seats)
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
750 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
48
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R808 500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8s)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or RX?
The Defender uses 8.3 l/100km and the RX uses 6.3 on the combined cycle. The RX 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 Defender or RX?
The Defender produces 183 kW and 570 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 183kW@6000 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and RX?
The Defender starts from R1 643 300 and the RX from R808 500. The RX is cheaper by R834 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or RX?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the RX can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the RX?
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.