A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both GR86 and Land Cruiser Prado are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Land Cruiser Prado
+3 pts
Efficiency
Land Cruiser Prado
+1 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Land Cruiser Prado
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Land Cruiser Prado
Performance
17/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
GR86
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
GR86
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Land Cruiser Prado
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
GR86
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Land Cruiser Prado
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Ground Clearance
130
220
Wheelbase
2575
2790
Length
4265
4840
Width
1775
1885
Height
1310
1890
Kerb Weight
1270
2250
Gross Vehicle Weight
1660
2990
Seating Capacity
4
7
Boot Space
237
120
Towing Capacity
Not Rated
3000
Front Track Width
1520
-
Rear Track Width
1540
-
Turning Radius
5.4
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Engine
2.4L Naturally Aspirated Boxer
2.8L Turbo Diesel
Engine Type
Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
2387
2755
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
173
150
Power @ RPM
7000 rpm
-
Torque
250
500
Torque @ RPM
3700 rpm
-
Fuel System
Direct + Port Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not Available
-
Top Speed
226
175
0-100 km/h
6.9
9.8
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
-
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
6-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
RWD
4x4
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive
Ladder Frame
LSD Available
Torsen LSD
Electronic
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Low Range with Crawl Control
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Claimed Mileage
10.9
12.3
City Mileage
8
9
Highway Mileage
12
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
87
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Airbags
7
9
ABS
Standard with Sport Mode
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard with Track Mode
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Seat Material
Sport Fabric/Suede
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Power Adjustable with Memory
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front Heated
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front Ventilated
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Premium Ambient Lighting
Folding Rear Seats
50/50 Split
-
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Rear Armrest
Not Available
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Climate Control
Manual AC
Triple Zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Doors
All Windows
Keyless Entry
Standard
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Hands Free Electric
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Premium Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
14
Navigation System
Standard
Built-in GPS Navigation
Digital Instrument Cluster
7-inch Digital
-
USB Ports
2
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
LED Headlamps
Full LED
LED with Auto Leveling
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED DRL
Fog Lamps
LED
LED Front and Rear
Roof Rails
Not Available
Silver Roof Rails
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch BBS Alloy
19-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Rear Spoiler
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Tyre Size
215/40 R18
265/60 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Premium Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc Brembo
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone
4-Link Rigid with Stabiliser
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Ladder Frame Reinforced
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Service Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R5,500
Premium
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
2 Years
Maintenance Plan
Optional
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
CO2 Emissions
177
215
Start Stop System
Not Available
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
None
Noise Level
70
-
Spec
GR86
Land Cruiser Prado
Approach Angle
-
31
Departure Angle
-
25
Wading Depth
-
700
Terrain Modes
-
Mud Sand Rock Snow
Locking Differential
-
Rear and Center Locking Differential
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
wins with 66 pts
vs 60 pts for GR86
In structured scoring, Land Cruiser Prado emerges as the stronger overall package. However, GR86 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Land Cruiser Prado edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: GR86 6 vs Land Cruiser Prado 7. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: GR86 20, Land Cruiser Prado 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: GR86 12, Land Cruiser Prado 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: GR86 8, Land Cruiser Prado 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: GR86 14, Land Cruiser Prado 17. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Land Cruiser Prado edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Land Cruiser Prado scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between GR86 and Land Cruiser Prado in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: GR86 scores 14 vs 17.
Efficiency: GR86 scores 6 vs 7.
Safety: GR86 scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: GR86 scores 8 vs 10.
Ownership: GR86 scores 12 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Land Cruiser Prado
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.