Land Rover Defender vs Lexus GX
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Defender | GX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 839 400 | R 1 856 600 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 32 150/m | R 32 450/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 106 412 | R 1 097 618 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 732 988 | R 758 982 |
| Value after 5 years | R 817 038 | R 802 358 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Land Rover Defender →
The classic Defender was a farm and safari staple in South Africa until 2016, and the monocoque reinvention that arrived in 2020 turned the nameplate into JLR SA's biggest seller. It spans 90, 110 and 130 bodies with diesel, petrol and V8 power. Demand stays strong and it holds value better than any other Land Rover product.
Known for: go-anywhere image and strong demand
Lexus GX →
The third-generation GX is the first to be sold in South Africa, arriving in April 2025 with a twin-turbo V6 and Land Cruiser Prado underpinnings. The Overtrail grade in particular found immediate demand and the GX quickly became one of Lexus SA's strongest sellers. Its Toyota ladder-frame bones give it firmer residuals than typical luxury SUVs.
Known for: prado-based luxury off-roader
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Defender or the Lexus GX?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Land Rover Defender loses about R 732 988 over three years and the Lexus GX loses about R 758 982. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Land Rover Defender runs about R 32 150 per month and the Lexus GX about R 32 450, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.