VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
227 kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
227+e Nm
Fuel
9.3L/100km
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Towing
3500kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6s
6.5 s
Engine
2993cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Land Rover Discovery delivers 180kW@4000 while the Lexus RX produces 227 kW. On fuel, the Discovery returns 9.3L/100km while the RX uses 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R737 442 for the Discovery and R1 717 400 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
180kW@4000
227 kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
227+e Nm
0-100 kph
9.6s
6.5 s
Top Speed
180km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3L/100km
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.2L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.3L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
82L
55 l
CO2 Emissions
244g/km
29 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
4838mm
4890 mm
Width
2176mm
1920 mm
Height
1920mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2885mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
240mm
182 mm
Kerb Weight
-
2200 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
612 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
2476kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
PREMIUM
✓ Standard
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
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
Discovery
Practicality
Discovery
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery
Lower starting price (R737 442)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3L/100km)
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery or RX?
The Discovery uses 9.3L/100km and the RX uses 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Discovery or RX?
The Discovery produces 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque while the RX delivers 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Discovery and RX?
The Discovery starts from R737 442 and the RX from R1 717 400. The Discovery is cheaper by R979 958 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery or RX?
The Discovery has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg 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 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.