VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
230kW@3750
Torque
600Nm@2000
750Nm@2000
Fuel
9.3L/100km
-
Towing
3500kg
3500kg
0-100 km/h
9.6s
7.8s
Engine
2993cc
4921cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery and the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Land Rover Discovery delivers 180kW@4000 while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 230kW@3750. On fuel, the Discovery returns 9.3L/100km while the Touareg uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R737 442 for the Discovery and R723 000 for the Touareg. 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
230kW@3750
Torque
600Nm@2000
750Nm@2000
0-100 kph
9.6s
7.8s
Top Speed
180km/h
225km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993cc
4921cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
6
10
Fuel Type
DIESEL
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.2L/100km
16.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.3L/100km
9.8L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
82L
100L
CO2 Emissions
244g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4838mm
4754mm
Width
2176mm
1928mm
Height
1920mm
1703mm
Wheelbase
2885mm
2855mm
Ground Clearance
240mm
233mm
Kerb Weight
-
2536kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
3500kg
Load Capacity
2476kg
1520kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
PREMIUM
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
ELECTRIC
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
120000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Touareg
Practicality
Discovery
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (9.3L/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Touareg
Lower starting price (R723 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery or Touareg?
The Discovery uses 9.3L/100km and the Touareg uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 Touareg?
The Discovery produces 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque while the Touareg delivers 230kW@3750 and 750Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Discovery and Touareg?
The Discovery starts from R737 442 and the Touareg from R723 000. The Touareg is cheaper by R14 442 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery or Touareg?
The Discovery has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the Touareg can tow 3500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery or the Touareg?
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.