VS
At a Glance
Power
467 kW
180kW@4000
Torque
750 Nm
600Nm@2000
Fuel
13.5 l/100km
9.3
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
9.6
Engine
4395 cc
2993
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 467 kW while the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY produces 180kW@4000. On fuel, the Defender returns 13.5 l/100km while the DISCOVERY uses 9.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R4 001 700 for the Defender and R737 442 for the DISCOVERY. 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
467 kW
180kW@4000
Torque
750 Nm
600Nm@2000
0-100 kph
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
9.6
Top Speed
210 Km/h
180
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
2993
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.5 l/100km
9.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.2
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
82
CO2 Emissions
298 g/km
244
Dimensions
Length
5003 mm
4838
Width
2064-2105 mm
2176
Height
1995 mm
1920
Wheelbase
3023 mm
2885
Ground Clearance
323 mm
240
Kerb Weight
2510 DIN / 2585 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
786-1875 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
—
2476
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
PREMIUM
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
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
—
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
DISCOVERY
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
DISCOVERY
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Better fuel economy (9.3)
Lower starting price (R737 442)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or DISCOVERY?
The Defender uses 13.5 l/100km and the DISCOVERY uses 9.3 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 Defender or DISCOVERY?
The Defender produces 467 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the DISCOVERY delivers 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and DISCOVERY?
The Defender starts from R4 001 700 and the DISCOVERY from R737 442. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R3 264 258 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or DISCOVERY?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the DISCOVERY can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the DISCOVERY?
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.