VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
260 kW
Torque
540 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
12.3 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.6 s
7.0 s
Engine
1497 cc
3445 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Lexus GX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 227 kW while the Lexus GX produces 260 kW. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the GX uses 12.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 740 500 for the Discovery Sport and R1 838 200 for the GX. 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
227 kW
260 kW
Torque
540 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
6.6 s
7.0 s
Top Speed
209 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
3445 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
3
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
10
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
12.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
49 when hybrid battery charged g/km
279 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4597 mm
5015 mm
Width
2069-2173 mm
2000 mm
Height
1727 mm
1870 mm
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
209 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2093 DIN / 2168 EU Kg
2475-2515 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1179-1794 l
1063 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
3500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
7
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
26000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GX
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
Discovery Sport
Practicality
GX
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 740 500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.6 ss)
Less power than rival (227 kW vs 260 kW)
Lexus GX
More powerful engine (260 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or GX?
The Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the GX uses 12.3 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 Sport or GX?
The Discovery Sport produces 227 kW and 540 Nm of torque while the GX delivers 260 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The GX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and GX?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 740 500 and the GX from R1 838 200. The Discovery Sport is cheaper by R97 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or GX?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the GX can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the GX?
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.