The new Toyota Land Cruiser faces stronger competition than ever before, as it competes against Land Rover’s latest Defender.
For example: the South African pricing of the Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D is R1,765,500.
This price places it in direct competition against the Land Rover Defender 110 D300 X, at R1,679,352.
We compare these luxury 4×4 SUVs below.
Equipment
The Land Cruiser 300 ZX and Defender 110 X come equipped with leather interiors, LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, park distance control, keyless entry, and infotainment systems – with the display being 12.3-inches on the Land Cruiser and 10-inches on the Defender.
Both these systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Electrically-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats are also standard in both, but the Land Cruiser’s second row and steering wheel are heated, too.
Further still, the Land Cruiser has power fold-down third-row seating and a power-operated tailgate with a hands-free function, while the Defender has an assisted tailgate.
Another area where the Toyota stands out is with its three-zone climate control, as the Land Rover only has a dual-zone offering.
Land Rover makes up for this with features not found on the Toyota, though, including a domestic plug socket, illuminated metal tread plates, follow-me-home lighting, and ClearSight rearview mirror – which is a monitor that is connected to a camera at the back of the SUV.
Performance
While comfort features and safety are important considerations when buying a high-end SUV, the deciding factor for many buyers will be how these 4×4 vehicles perform both on and off the road.
The Defender 110 D300 X comes fitted with a 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine that produces 221kW and 659Nm – paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This set-up allows for fuel consumption of 7.6l/100km and provides ample off-road performance.
The Defender’s off-roading performance is improved further thanks to its electronic air suspension that allows for 216mm of ground clearance.
This height, along with wade sensing, allows for a maximum wading depth of 900mm.
Other off-roading equipment included is its twin-speed transfer box for high and low range selection, electronic-active differential, and hill launch assist.
The Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX comes in strong, too, with a 3.3-litre, turbo-diesel, V6 motor that makes 225kW and 700Nm.
This is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with low range functionality and achieves a fuel efficiency of 8.9l/100km.
Toyota has also fitted drive-select modes, a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, and crawl control to help maintain traction while off-roading.
Hill Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control are fitted, too, and ease the challenges of steep tracks when off-roading.
According to a video by Toyota’s Russian branch, the Land Cruiser 300 has a 30-degree approach angle and 230mm of ground clearance.
Safety
The Land Rover Defender offers an extensive list of safety options, with a 360-degree parking aid, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, rear traffic monitor and clear exit monitor all included.
Combined with its other safety systems, the Land Rover scores a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Toyota has also equipped the Land Cruiser with many safety features – such as lane trace assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive high beams.
The new Land Cruiser has not yet been safety tested as yet, but the previous generation received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Price
The Land Rover Defender 110 D300X has a South African price of R1,679,352.
This price includes a 5-year/100,000km Land Rover Care Plan.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300ZX 3.3D costs R1,765,500 and comes with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-services/90,000km service plan.
Land Rover Defender 110
Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Keyword: Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Land Rover Defender – 4×4 showdown