Premium seven-seater SUVs that are 4x4-ready are a niche market segment, but here in South Africa, they are highly aspirational. When luxury and capability meet, you will find brilliant vehicles like the Ford, Toyota, and Jeep, but how do these machines compare regarding running costs?
Related: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R (2025) Review
Running costs are a significant factor in ownership. Comparing the top-spec trims, such as the Ford Everest Platinum, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L, involves examining fuel efficiency, maintenance and servicing costs, insurance, and depreciation, which are slightly harder to gauge.
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Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is typically the largest running cost.
| Vehicle | Engine | Fuel Type | Claimed Combined Fuel Economy | Consumption as tested |
| Ford Everest Platinum | 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel | Diesel | 8.5 L/100km | 10.2L /100km |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 2.8L Turbo Diesel w/ Mild-Hybrid | Diesel | 7.9 L/100km | 9.8L / 100km |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 3.6L V6 Petrol | Petrol | 13.8L /100km |
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado typically has the lowest fuel consumption, followed closely by the diesel-powered Ford Everest Platinum. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, equipped with a V6 petrol engine, will likely have the highest fuel consumption, resulting in the highest pump cost.
Note: Real-world driving conditions can significantly alter these figures, particularly for the large, heavy, off-road-capable SUVs.
Maintenance and Reliability
This is often where the vehicles differentiate in the long run.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: Toyota has a stellar reputation for long-term reliability and relatively low maintenance costs.1 While the Prado may have slightly shorter service intervals in some regions (e.g., 10 000 km), the cost per service is historically competitive, and the need for unscheduled major repairs is low.
Ford Everest Platinum: As a relatively new entrant, the Everest has demonstrated good initial reliability. Its maintenance costs are often competitive, and it frequently offers longer service intervals (e.g., 15 000 km) than the Prado in some markets.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: While Jeep has improved its quality, the brand historically trails Japanese and some American/Australian competitors in terms of long-term reliability scores and maintenance cost competitiveness. This can result in higher running costs over a 5-10 years.
Depreciation and Resale Value
While not a direct running cost, depreciation is the single biggest financial cost of vehicle ownership.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: Historically, the Land Cruiser/Prado line holds its value exceptionally well, resulting in the lowest depreciation among its competitors. This significantly lowers its total cost of ownership.
Ford Everest Platinum: Resale values for the Everest are generally very strong, often rivalling or surpassing those of the Jeep, but typically still slightly behind the Prado.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Resale values are typically lower than those of the Toyota and Ford, meaning the initial purchase price is retained to a lesser degree, increasing the overall cost of ownership.
Verdict
Based on the critical factors of fuel efficiency and a long-term reputation for reliability and resale value, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is likely to have the lowest overall running costs and total cost of ownership due to its excellent fuel economy from its modern turbo-diesel hybrid powertrain. You also benefit from Toyota's industry-leading reputation for reliability, lower maintenance costs, and superior resale value.
The Ford Everest Platinum would likely be the close second, primarily due to its strong diesel efficiency and competitive service costs. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L with the standard petrol engine would be expected to have the highest running costs.
