VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
147 kW
Torque
570 Nm
430 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2200 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
8.6 s
Engine
2997 cc
1997 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Land Rover Discovery Sport is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 183 kW while the Land Rover Discovery Sport produces 147 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.3 l/100km while the Discovery Sport uses 6.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 839 400 for the Defender and R1 427 900 for the Discovery Sport. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
147 kW
Torque
570 Nm
430 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
8.6 s
Top Speed
188 Km/h
209 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
1997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
218 g/km
161 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4583 mm
4597 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
2069-2173 mm
Height
1974 mm
1727 mm
Wheelbase
2587 mm
2741 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
2211 DIN / 2286 EU Kg
1953 DIN / 2028 EU (7 seats) Kg
Doors
3
5
Seats
5 (opt 6)
7 (opt 5)
Load Volume
297-1263 l
157-1036-1651 (7 seats) l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2200 Kg
Load Capacity
700 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
—
26000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Discovery Sport
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
Discovery Sport
Practicality
Discovery Sport
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (183 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 427 900)
Less power than rival (147 kW vs 183 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Discovery Sport?
The Defender uses 8.3 l/100km and the Discovery Sport uses 6.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Discovery Sport is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Defender or Discovery Sport?
The Defender produces 183 kW and 570 Nm of torque while the Discovery Sport delivers 147 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Discovery Sport?
The Defender starts from R1 839 400 and the Discovery Sport from R1 427 900. The Discovery Sport is cheaper by R411 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Discovery Sport?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Discovery Sport can tow 2200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Discovery Sport?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.