VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
258kW@3500
Torque
540 Nm
850Nm@2000
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
12.6
Towing
1600 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
6.6 s
6.7
Engine
1497 cc
4921
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 227 kW while the Volkswagen Touareg produces 258kW@3500. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the Touareg uses 12.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 740 500 for the Discovery Sport and R977 500 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
227 kW
258kW@3500
Torque
540 Nm
850Nm@2000
0-100 kph
6.6 s
6.7
Top Speed
209 Km/h
235
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
4921
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 10
Cylinders
3
10
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
12.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
100
CO2 Emissions
49 when hybrid battery charged g/km
333
Dimensions
Length
4597 mm
4754
Width
2069-2173 mm
1977
Height
1727 mm
1703
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2855
Ground Clearance
209 mm
300
Kerb Weight
2093 DIN / 2168 EU Kg
2602
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1179-1794 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
—
500
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
26000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery Sport
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
Touareg
Practicality
Touareg
Pros & Cons
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
Volkswagen Touareg
Lower starting price (R977 500)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (12.6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or Touareg?
The Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the Touareg uses 12.6 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 Touareg?
The Discovery Sport produces 227 kW and 540 Nm of torque while the Touareg delivers 258kW@3500 and 850Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and Touareg?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 740 500 and the Touareg from R977 500. The Touareg is cheaper by R763 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or Touareg?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Touareg can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery Sport 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.