VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
540 Nm
440Nm@3900
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
13.5
Towing
1600 Kg
2250
0-100 km/h
6.6 s
7.3
Engine
1497 cc
4414
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the VOLVO XC90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 227 kW while the VOLVO XC90 produces 232kW@5850. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the XC90 uses 13.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 825 600 for the Discovery Sport and R746 800 for the XC90. 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
232kW@5850
Torque
540 Nm
440Nm@3900
0-100 kph
6.6 s
7.3
Top Speed
209 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
4414
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
3
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
13.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
80
CO2 Emissions
49 when hybrid battery charged g/km
317
Dimensions
Length
4597 mm
4798
Width
2069-2173 mm
1898
Height
1727 mm
1784
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2857
Ground Clearance
209 mm
218
Kerb Weight
2093 DIN / 2168 EU Kg
2193
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
1179-1794 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
2250
Load Capacity
—
1837
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
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
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
12
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
26000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery Sport
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
XC90
Practicality
XC90
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.6 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLVO XC90
Lower starting price (R746 800)
Higher towing capacity (2250)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or XC90?
The Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the XC90 uses 13.5 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 XC90?
The Discovery Sport produces 227 kW and 540 Nm of torque while the XC90 delivers 232kW@5850 and 440Nm@3900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and XC90?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 825 600 and the XC90 from R746 800. The XC90 is cheaper by R1 078 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or XC90?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the XC90 can tow 2250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the XC90?
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.