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.
Navara starts ZAR 706200 cheaperLand Cruiser 79 from ZAR 706,200 · Navara from ZAR 433,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Engine Power
202
140
Torque
381
450
Engine Size
3956
2488
Claimed Mileage
13.0
12.8
Ground Clearance
235
228
Boot Space
Not Available
0
Airbags
2
7
Kerb Weight
2050
2050
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
3
6
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Navara
71
/ 100
+26
pts
#2
Land Cruiser 79
45
/ 100
High confidence result.
The Bottom Line
Navara dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Land Cruiser 79
+3 pts
Efficiency
Navara
+7 pts
Safety
Navara
+14 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Navara
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Navara
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
Land Cruiser 79
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
6/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Land Cruiser 79
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
🏆 Overall Winner
Navara
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Land Cruiser 79
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Navara
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Ground Clearance
235
228
Wheelbase
3085
3150
Length
5270
5260
Width
1855
1850
Height
1855
1855
Kerb Weight
2050
2050
Gross Vehicle Weight
3100
3150
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
Not Available
0
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Turning Radius
6.4
Available
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Front Track Width
1550
1550
Rear Track Width
1540
1540
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Engine
1GR-FE
2.5L Turbo Diesel
Engine Type
V6
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Displacement
3956
2488
Cylinders
6
4
Valves per Cylinder
24
4
Power
202
140
Torque
381
450
Fuel System
Multi-Point EFI
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
175
180
0-100 km/h
9.5
10.5
Power @ RPM
5600 rpm
150
Torque @ RPM
4400 rpm
400
Turbocharger
No
Available
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Standard
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
82.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
92.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Engine Position
Available
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
7-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4WD
4x4
Drivetrain Layout
4WD Part-Time
Selectable 4WD
LSD Available
Standard
Electronic
Transfer Case
Standard
Low Range 4WD
Paddle Shifters
No
Available
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Electronic Lock
Clutch Type
Single Plate Diaphragm
Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.909:1
Available
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Claimed Mileage
13.0
12.8
City Mileage
11.0
9
Highway Mileage
15.5
14
Fuel Tank Capacity
87
80
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Auto Start Stop
Available
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Airbags
2
7
ABS
Standard
Available
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Available
Traction Control
Standard
Available
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Available
Central Locking
Standard
Power with Remote
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Cruise Control
Standard
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Seat Material
Vinyl
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Electric Driver
Heated Seats
Not Available
Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion
Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Available
Folding Rear Seats
Not Available
Yes, 60:40 Split
Front Armrest
Not Available
Yes
Cup Holders
4
4
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Leather Seats
Available
Available
Rear Armrest
Available
Available
Rear AC Vents
Available
Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Climate Control
Manual AC
Dual Zone
Power Windows
All Doors
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Front
Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
Available
Service Plan
5 Years / 90,000 km
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.5
Available
Payload Capacity
1000
1000
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Available
Android Auto
Standard
Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Available
Number of Speakers
4
8
Navigation System
Standard
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Yes
USB Ports
2
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Available
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
LED Headlamps
Standard
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard
Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Not Available
18-inch Black Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Standard
Available
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
Available
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Pearl White
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Available
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Approach Angle
43
32
Departure Angle
26
26
Wading Depth
700
600
Terrain Modes
High/Low 4WD
Off-Road Mode
Locking Differential
Rear Diff Lock
Rear Locking
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-time 4WD
Underbody Protection
Available
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Tyre Size
265/70 R16
255/60 R18
Wheel Type
Steel
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Parking Brake Type
Available
Available
Tyre Load Index
Available
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Front Suspension
Coil Spring with Solid Axle
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring with Solid Axle
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame Reinforced
Ladder Frame
Power Steering
Hydraulic
Electric
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Available
Available
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Premium
Moderate
Battery Warranty
2 Years
2 Years
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
Available
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Service Plan Duration
Available
Available
Service Plan Distance
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Warranty Years
3
6
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
6 Years
Basic Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years / Unlimited km
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
CO2 Emissions
276
220
Start Stop System
Standard
Available
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
2.0
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Unleaded 95 RON
Noise Level
Available
Available
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Available
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
Navara
Real-world City Mileage Min
14
8
Real-world City Mileage Max
17
10
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
11
12
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
13
14
Owner Review Count
7
31
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Nissan Navara
wins with 71 pts
vs 45 pts for Land Cruiser 79
In structured scoring, Navara emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Land Cruiser 79 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 Navara 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: Land Cruiser 79 0 vs Navara 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: Land Cruiser 79 6, Navara 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: Land Cruiser 79 12, Navara 20. 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: Land Cruiser 79 9, Navara 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Land Cruiser 79 18, Navara 15. 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 Navara edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Navara 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 Land Cruiser 79 and Navara in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Land Cruiser 79 scores 18 vs 15.
Efficiency: Land Cruiser 79 scores 0 vs 7.
Safety: Land Cruiser 79 scores 6 vs 20.
Practicality: Land Cruiser 79 scores 9 vs 9.
Ownership: Land Cruiser 79 scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Navara
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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