Land Rover Defender vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado wins on money kept: 77% retained after three years vs 60%, worth about R 47 333 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Defender | Land Cruiser Prado | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 839 400 | R 1 369 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 32 150/m | R 23 931/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 89% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 77% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 106 412 | R 1 059 079 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 732 988 | R 310 121 |
| Value after 5 years | R 817 038 | R 900 140 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Legendary retainer |
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 Prado →
The Prado has been the more liveable Land Cruiser since the late 1990s, mixing genuine off-road ability with family SUV comfort. The current 250 Series arrived in 2024 with retro styling and long waiting lists. Depreciation is unusually gentle, with used Prados of every generation in steady demand.
Known for: land cruiser toughness in a family wagon
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Defender or the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado?
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. It keeps about 77% of its price after three years against 60% for the Land Rover Defender, a gap of 17 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 Prado loses about R 310 121. 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 Prado about R 23 931, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.