VS
At a Glance
Power
276kW@4650
183kW@3200
Torque
510Nm@3500
317Nm@4800
Fuel
14.1
6.3
Towing
3500
2000
0-100 km/h
7.9
7.8
Engine
5000
3456
Choosing between the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY and the LEXUS RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The LAND ROVER DISCOVERY delivers 276kW@4650 while the LEXUS RX produces 183kW@3200. On fuel, the DISCOVERY returns 14.1 while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R720 000 for the DISCOVERY and R814 900 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
276kW@4650
183kW@3200
Torque
510Nm@3500
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
7.9
7.8
Top Speed
195
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000
3456
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 8
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.1
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.3
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
10.7
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
82
65
CO2 Emissions
328
148
Dimensions
Length
4838
4770
Width
2176
-1885
Height
1920
1690
Wheelbase
2885
2740
Ground Clearance
240
175
Kerb Weight
—
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500
2000
Load Capacity
2476
825
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✗
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
PREMIUM
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
48
Warranty Distance
100000
100000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
25000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
DISCOVERY
Pros & Cons
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Lower starting price (R720 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (14.1)
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8s)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the DISCOVERY or RX?
The DISCOVERY uses 14.1 and the RX uses 6.3 on the combined cycle. The RX 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 RX?
The DISCOVERY produces 276kW@4650 and 510Nm@3500 of torque while the RX delivers 183kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the DISCOVERY and RX?
The DISCOVERY starts from R720 000 and the RX from R814 900. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R94 900 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 3500 and the RX can tow 2000. 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.