Land Rover Defender vs Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 53 943 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Defender | Land Cruiser 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 839 400 | R 1 596 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 32 150/m | R 27 909/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 106 412 | R 1 160 355 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 732 988 | R 436 445 |
| Value after 5 years | R 817 038 | R 962 495 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
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
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 →
The 300 Series took over from the long-serving 200 in late 2021 as Toyota's flagship off-roader. Twin-turbo diesel and petrol V6 engines replaced the old V8s, and demand ran ahead of supply for the first years. It is the default choice for serious overlanding and holds value accordingly.
Known for: flagship 4x4 with cross-border credibility
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Defender or the Toyota Land Cruiser 300?
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 60% for the Land Rover Defender, a gap of 13 points.
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 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 loses about R 436 445. 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 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 about R 27 909, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.