VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
338 kW
Torque
700 Nm
660 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
5.6 s
Engine
2996 cc
2997 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery delivers 257 kW while the Land Rover Range Rover Sport produces 338 kW. On fuel, the Discovery returns 7.5 l/100km while the Range Rover Sport uses 1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 363 000 for the Discovery and R2 927 900 for the Range Rover 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
257 kW
338 kW
Torque
700 Nm
660 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
209 Km/h
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2996 cc
2997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
Optional
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
71 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
38 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
4956 mm
4946 mm
Width
2073-2220 mm
2047-2209 mm
Height
1888 mm
1820 mm
Wheelbase
2923 mm
2997 mm
Ground Clearance
283 mm
209-273 mm
Kerb Weight
2292 DIN / 2367 EU Kg
2660 DIN / 2735 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
258-1231-2500 l
647-1491 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
26000
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Range Rover Sport
Fuel Economy
Range Rover Sport
Value
Discovery
Practicality
Discovery
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery
Lower starting price (R2 363 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (257 kW vs 338 kW)
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
More powerful engine (338 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery or Range Rover Sport?
The Discovery uses 7.5 l/100km and the Range Rover Sport uses 1.6 when hybrid battery charged l/100km on the combined cycle. The Range Rover 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 Range Rover Sport?
The Discovery produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the Range Rover Sport delivers 338 kW and 660 Nm of torque. The Range Rover Sport is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery and Range Rover Sport?
The Discovery starts from R2 363 000 and the Range Rover Sport from R2 927 900. The Discovery is cheaper by R564 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery or Range Rover Sport?
The Discovery has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Range Rover Sport can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery or the Range Rover 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.