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.
P Series starts ZAR 706200 cheaperLand Cruiser 79 from ZAR 706,200 · P Series from ZAR 444,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Engine Power
202
110
Torque
381
480
Engine Size
3956
1996
Claimed Mileage
13.0
9.8
Ground Clearance
235
210
Boot Space
Not Available
-
Airbags
2
6
Kerb Weight
2050
1985
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
P Series
60
/ 100
+15
pts
#2
Land Cruiser 79
45
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
P Series holds a noticeable edge over Land Cruiser 79, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Land Cruiser 79
+4 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
P Series
+12 pts
Practicality
Land Cruiser 79
+1 pts
Ownership
P Series
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
P Series
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
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
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
P Series
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Land Cruiser 79
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
P Series
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Ground Clearance
235
210
Wheelbase
3085
3220
Length
5270
5360
Width
1855
1900
Height
1855
1815
Kerb Weight
2050
1985
Gross Vehicle Weight
3100
3000
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
Not Available
-
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Turning Radius
6.4
13.6
Number of Doors
5
4
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
0
Front Track Width
1550
1560
Rear Track Width
1540
1560
Load Bed Length
Available
1520
Load Bed Width
Available
1560
Front Legroom
Available
1070
Rear Legroom
Available
880
Front Headroom
Available
1020
Rear Headroom
Available
975
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1440
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1420
Max Payload
Available
900
Boot Volume
Available
0
Doors
Available
4
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
980
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
75
Rear Overhang
Available
1160
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Engine
1GR-FE
2.0L GW4D20 Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
V6
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Displacement
3956
1996
Cylinders
6
4
Valves per Cylinder
24
16
Power
202
110
Torque
381
480
Fuel System
Multi-Point EFI
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
175
175
0-100 km/h
9.5
110
Power @ RPM
5600 rpm
3,400-3,600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
4400 rpm
1,600-2,600 rpm
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
GW4D20
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
16.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
84
Piston Stroke
92.0
90
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Diesel
Engine Position
Available
Front Longitudinal
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
8.0
Power
150
148
Variable Valve Timing
Available
No
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
4,000
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
0–100 km/h
Available
13.2
Battery Capacity
Available
-
Charging Port
Available
-
AC Charging Time
Available
-
Engine Displacement
Available
1996
EV Range
Available
-
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
8-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
4WD Part-Time
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Standard
No
Transfer Case
Standard
Yes
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Yes
Clutch Type
Single Plate Diaphragm
-
Final Drive Ratio
3.909:1
3.54
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
16.5:1
Drivetrain
Available
4x4 AWD
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Claimed Mileage
13.0
9.8
City Mileage
11.0
11.5
Highway Mileage
15.5
9.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
87
75
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
No
Auto Start Stop
Available
No
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
10.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
9.8
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Moderate
Real-world Mileage
Available
10.5
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Available
5
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Yes
Eco Mode
Available
No
EV Mode
Available
No
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Sport Mode
Available
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
-
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Seat Material
Vinyl
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Yes
Heated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Not Available
No
Front Armrest
Not Available
Yes
Cup Holders
4
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
1
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
-
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
No
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Yes
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Electric
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Yes
Memory Seats
Available
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Rear Headrest
Available
Yes
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Climate Control
Manual AC
Yes
Power Windows
All Doors
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Yes
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Front
Yes
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Service Plan
5 Years / 90,000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.5
9.8
Payload Capacity
1000
1000
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Dual Zone Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Boot Opener
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Climate Zones
Available
2
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.42
Driver Display
Available
Multi-Information Display
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
No
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
-
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Front Armrest
Available
Yes
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
215
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
No
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
No
Rear Wing
Available
No
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Mast Antenna
Seat Type
Available
Bucket Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
Yes
Skid Plates
Available
Yes
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
8
Navigation System
Standard
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Yes
USB Ports
2
2
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
12
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
Fog Lamps
Standard
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Not Available
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Standard
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
No
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
5
Roof Type
Available
Metal Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Electric Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Available
No
Body Type
Available
Pickup
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Approach Angle
43
30
Departure Angle
26
26
Wading Depth
700
800
Terrain Modes
High/Low 4WD
Yes
Locking Differential
Rear Diff Lock
Yes
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Underbody Protection
Available
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
22
Recovery Hooks
Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Ramp-over Angle
Available
24
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Tyre Size
265/70 R16
265/60R18
Wheel Type
Steel
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Steel
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
320
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
300
Parking Brake Type
Available
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
Available
112
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
S
Wheel Rim Size
Available
18
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Drum
Spare Tyre
Available
Yes
Tyre Type
Available
All-Terrain Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
265
Rear Tyre Width
Available
265
Wheel Diameter
Available
18
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Front Suspension
Coil Spring with Solid Axle
Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring with Solid Axle
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame Reinforced
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Power Steering
Hydraulic
Yes
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion Bar
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Steering Column
Available
Adjustable
Rear Spring Type
Available
Leaf Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Hydraulic
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10000
Approx Service Cost
Premium
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
2 Years
-
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km
Service Plan Duration
Available
5
Service Plan Distance
Available
75000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Alternator
Available
120A
Battery Type
Available
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
Yes
Basic Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
5 Years / 100,000 km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 Years
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
CO2 Emissions
276
258
Start Stop System
Standard
No
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
258
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Diesel
Noise Level
Available
Moderate
Particulate Filter
Available
Yes
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
3/5
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
EVAP Canister
Spec
Land Cruiser 79
P Series
Real-world City Mileage Min
14
10.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
17
13.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
11
8.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
13
11.0
Owner Review Count
7
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm P Series
wins with 60 pts
vs 45 pts for Land Cruiser 79
In structured scoring, P Series 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 P Series 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 P Series 0. 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, P Series 18. 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, P Series 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, P Series 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Land Cruiser 79 18, P Series 14. 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 P Series edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The P Series 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 P Series in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Land Cruiser 79 scores 18 vs 14.
Efficiency: Land Cruiser 79 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Land Cruiser 79 scores 6 vs 18.
Practicality: Land Cruiser 79 scores 9 vs 8.
Ownership: Land Cruiser 79 scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives P Series
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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