VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
90 kW
Torque
570 Nm
142+e Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
4.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
400 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
—
Engine
2997 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 183 kW while the Toyota Corolla Cross produces 90 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.3 l/100km while the Corolla Cross uses 4.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 613 000 for the Defender and R575 400 for the Corolla Cross. 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
Land Rover Defender2026 - From R1 613 000
Toyota Corolla Cross1.8 GR-S Hybrid 2026 - From R575 400
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
90 kW
Torque
570 Nm
142+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
—
Top Speed
188 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
4.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
36 l
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
98 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
4460 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1825 mm
Height
1969 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2587 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
161 mm
Kerb Weight
2211 DIN / 2286 EU Kg
1385 / 1430 Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5 (opt 6)
5
Load Volume
297-1263 l
434 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
400 Kg
Load Capacity
700 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Corolla Cross
Value
Corolla Cross
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (183 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Corolla Cross
Better fuel economy (4.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R575 400)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (90 kW vs 183 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Corolla Cross?
The Defender uses 8.3 l/100km and the Corolla Cross uses 4.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla Cross 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 Defender or Corolla Cross?
The Defender produces 183 kW and 570 Nm of torque while the Corolla Cross delivers 90 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Corolla Cross?
The Defender starts from R1 613 000 and the Corolla Cross from R575 400. The Corolla Cross is cheaper by R1 037 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Corolla Cross?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Corolla Cross can tow 400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Corolla Cross?
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