VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
205 kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
430 Nm
Fuel
9.3
8.7 l/100km
Towing
3500
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6
7.6 s
Engine
2993
2393 cc
Choosing between the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The LAND ROVER DISCOVERY delivers 180kW@4000 while the Lexus RX produces 205 kW. On fuel, the DISCOVERY returns 9.3 while the RX uses 8.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R737 442 for the DISCOVERY and R1 501 500 for the RX. 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
180kW@4000
205 kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
430 Nm
0-100 kph
9.6
7.6 s
Top Speed
180
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993
2393 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3
8.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.2
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
82
67.5 l
CO2 Emissions
244
197 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4838
4890 mm
Width
2176
1920 mm
Height
1920
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2885
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
240
185 mm
Kerb Weight
—
2005 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
612 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
2476
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
PREMIUM
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
7
Warranty Distance
100000
105000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
DISCOVERY
Pros & Cons
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Lower starting price (R737 442)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (8.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the DISCOVERY or RX?
The DISCOVERY uses 9.3 and the RX uses 8.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RX 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 DISCOVERY or RX?
The DISCOVERY produces 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque while the RX delivers 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the DISCOVERY and RX?
The DISCOVERY starts from R737 442 and the RX from R1 501 500. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R764 058 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the DISCOVERY or RX?
The DISCOVERY has a braked towing capacity of 3500 and the RX can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the DISCOVERY or the RX?
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.