VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
184 kW
Torque
540 Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.6 s
7.9 s
Engine
1497 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 227 kW while the Lexus RX produces 184 kW. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the RX uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 740 500 for the Discovery Sport and R1 552 900 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
227 kW
184 kW
Torque
540 Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
6.6 s
7.9 s
Top Speed
209 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
49 when hybrid battery charged g/km
123 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4597 mm
4890 mm
Width
2069-2173 mm
1920 mm
Height
1727 mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
209 mm
183 mm
Kerb Weight
2093 DIN / 2168 EU Kg
2060 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1179-1794 l
612 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
2000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
26000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery Sport
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
RX
Practicality
RX
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
More powerful engine (227 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Lexus RX
Lower starting price (R1 552 900)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (5.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (184 kW vs 227 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or RX?
The Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the RX uses 5.4 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 Discovery Sport or RX?
The Discovery Sport produces 227 kW and 540 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 184 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The Discovery Sport is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and RX?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 740 500 and the RX from R1 552 900. The RX is cheaper by R187 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or RX?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg 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 Sport 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.