VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
103 kW
Torque
700 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
8.5 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.4 s
—
Engine
2997 cc
2179 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Mahindra Pik Up is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 257 kW while the Mahindra Pik Up produces 103 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.5 l/100km while the Pik Up uses 9.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 315 700 for the Defender and R665 349 for the Pik Up. 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
257 kW
103 kW
Torque
700 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
6.4 s
—
Top Speed
191 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
2179 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.5 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
222 g/km
247 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
5175 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1820 mm
Height
1967 mm
1942 mm
Wheelbase
3022 mm
3040 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
2361 DIN / 2436 EU Kg
2155 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5 (opt 6 / opt 7)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 (160-743-1826 with opt 7 seats)
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
750 l
995 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
—
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
4
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
—
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Pik Up
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (257 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mahindra Pik Up
Lower starting price (R665 349)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (9.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 257 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Pik Up?
The Defender uses 8.5 l/100km and the Pik Up uses 9.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Defender 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 Pik Up?
The Defender produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Pik Up delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Pik Up?
The Defender starts from R2 315 700 and the Pik Up from R665 349. The Pik Up is cheaper by R1 650 351 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Pik Up?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Pik Up can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Pik Up?
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.