Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both D-Max and Land Cruiser 79 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Land Cruiser 79
+3 pts
Efficiency
D-Max
+1 pts
Safety
Land Cruiser 79
+2 pts
Practicality
Land Cruiser 79
+2 pts
Ownership
D-Max
+8 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
D-Max
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
Land Cruiser 79
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
D-Max
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
Land Cruiser 79
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
D-Max
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Land Cruiser 79
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Ground Clearance
240
245
Wheelbase
3125
3165
Length
5310
5255
Width
1870
1855
Height
1810
1870
Kerb Weight
2050
2280
Gross Vehicle Weight
3100
3500
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
120
Towing Capacity
3500
3000
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Engine
3.0L Ddi Turbo Diesel
4.0L V6 Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged
V6 1GR-FE
Displacement
2999
3956
Cylinders
4
6
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
140
202
Torque
450
381
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
180
165
0-100 km/h
10.8
11.0
Power @ RPM
-
5600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
4400 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Not Available
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
5-speed Manual
Drive Type
4x2
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive
4x4 Part-Time
LSD Available
Mechanical Limited Slip
Electronic
Transfer Case
None
Low Range with Crawl Control
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Claimed Mileage
12.9
10.0
City Mileage
9
8
Highway Mileage
13
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
76
130
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Airbags
6
9
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Power Adjustable with Memory
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front Heated
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front Ventilated
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Premium Ambient Lighting
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Climate Control
Automatic
Triple Zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Windows
All Windows
Keyless Entry
Remote Key
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Hands Free Electric
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Premium Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
14
Navigation System
Built-in GPS
Built-in GPS Navigation
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED with Auto Leveling
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED DRL
Fog Lamps
Standard
LED Front and Rear
Roof Rails
Standard
Silver Roof Rails
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
19-inch Alloy
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Approach Angle
30
43
Departure Angle
25
26
Wading Depth
800
700
Terrain Modes
None
High/Low 4WD
Locking Differential
Rear Differential Lock
Rear Diff Lock
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
275/70 R17
Wheel Type
Alloy
Premium Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
4-Link Rigid with Stabiliser
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Ladder Frame Reinforced
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Premium
Battery Warranty
24 Months
2 Years
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Specification
D-Max
Land Cruiser 79
CO2 Emissions
225
310
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Final Verdict
🏆Isuzu D-Max
wins with 69 pts
vs 67 pts for Land Cruiser 79
In structured scoring, D-Max 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.
Based on structured category scoring, D-Max performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.
D-Max scores 7 while Land Cruiser 79 scores 6 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.
In safety scoring, D-Max scores 18 and Land Cruiser 79 scores 20. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.
D-Max scores 20 versus Land Cruiser 79 scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.
Practicality scoring gives D-Max 9 and Land Cruiser 79 11, reflecting cabin space and usability.
Performance category shows D-Max scoring 15 compared to Land Cruiser 79 scoring 18, indicating stronger overtaking capability.
While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest D-Max may hold stronger long-term value.
Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.
Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. D-Max performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.
Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives D-Max the overall advantage.
Detailed Comparison Analysis
The comparison between D-Max and Land Cruiser 79 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: D-Max scores 15 vs 18.
Efficiency: D-Max scores 7 vs 6.
Safety: D-Max scores 18 vs 20.
Practicality: D-Max scores 9 vs 11.
Ownership: D-Max scores 20 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives D-Max
the advantage in this comparison.
