VS
At a Glance
Power
147 kW
273 kW
Torque
430 Nm
460+e Nm
Fuel
6.1 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Towing
2200 Kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.6 s
6.2 s
Engine
1997 cc
2393 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 147 kW while the Lexus RX produces 273 kW. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 6.1 l/100km while the RX uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 362 900 for the Discovery Sport and R1 797 900 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
147 kW
273 kW
Torque
430 Nm
460+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.6 s
6.2 s
Top Speed
209 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
2393 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.1 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
161 g/km
148 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
210 mm
183 mm
Kerb Weight
1953 DIN / 2028 EU (7 seats) Kg
2160 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7 (opt 5)
5
Load Volume
157-1036-1651 (7 seats) l
612 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2200 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
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
Land Rover Discovery Sport
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
Discovery Sport
Practicality
Discovery Sport
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 362 900)
Higher towing capacity (2200 Kg)
Less power than rival (147 kW vs 273 kW)
Lexus RX
More powerful engine (273 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or RX?
The Discovery Sport uses 6.1 l/100km and the RX uses 6.5 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 147 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 273 kW and 460+e Nm of torque. The RX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and RX?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 362 900 and the RX from R1 797 900. The Discovery Sport is cheaper by R435 000 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 2200 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.