VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
227 kW
Torque
600Nm@2000
540 Nm
Fuel
9.3
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Towing
3500
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6
6.6 s
Engine
2993
1497 cc
Choosing between the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY and the Land Rover Discovery Sport is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The LAND ROVER DISCOVERY delivers 180kW@4000 while the Land Rover Discovery Sport produces 227 kW. On fuel, the DISCOVERY returns 9.3 while the Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R725 000 for the DISCOVERY and R1 825 600 for the Discovery Sport. 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
540 Nm
0-100 kph
9.6
6.6 s
Top Speed
180
209 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993
1497 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
3
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.3
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11.2
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
82
58 l
CO2 Emissions
244
49 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
4838
4597 mm
Width
2176
2069-2173 mm
Height
1920
1727 mm
Wheelbase
2885
2741 mm
Ground Clearance
240
209 mm
Kerb Weight
—
2093 DIN / 2168 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
1179-1794 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
2476
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
25000
26000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery Sport
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
DISCOVERY
Pros & Cons
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Lower starting price (R725 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the DISCOVERY or Discovery Sport?
The DISCOVERY uses 9.3 and the Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged 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 or Discovery Sport?
The DISCOVERY produces 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque while the Discovery Sport delivers 227 kW and 540 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the DISCOVERY and Discovery Sport?
The DISCOVERY starts from R725 000 and the Discovery Sport from R1 825 600. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R1 100 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the DISCOVERY or Discovery Sport?
The DISCOVERY has a braked towing capacity of 3500 and the Discovery Sport can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the DISCOVERY or the Discovery Sport?
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.