VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
190 kW
Torque
700 Nm
600 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
6.5 s
Engine
2996 cc
2967 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery and the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery delivers 257 kW while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 190 kW. On fuel, the Discovery returns 7.5 l/100km while the Touareg uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 824 700 for the Discovery and R1 802 200 for the Touareg. 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
257 kW
190 kW
Torque
700 Nm
600 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
6.5 s
Top Speed
209 Km/h
228 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2996 cc
2967 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
Optional
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4956 mm
4878 mm
Width
2073-2220 mm
1984-2193 mm
Height
1888 mm
1697 mm
Wheelbase
2923 mm
2904 mm
Ground Clearance
283 mm
215 mm
Kerb Weight
2292 DIN / 2367 EU Kg
1927 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
258-1231-2500 l
810-1800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 Km
Service Intervals
26000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Discovery
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery
Fuel Economy
Discovery
Value
Touareg
Practicality
Discovery
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery
More powerful engine (257 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Touareg
Lower starting price (R1 802 200)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (190 kW vs 257 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery or Touareg?
The Discovery uses 7.5 l/100km and the Touareg uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Discovery 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 Touareg?
The Discovery produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Touareg delivers 190 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The Discovery is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery and Touareg?
The Discovery starts from R1 824 700 and the Touareg from R1 802 200. The Touareg is cheaper by R22 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery or Touareg?
The Discovery has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Touareg can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery or the Touareg?
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.