VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
300 kW
Torque
540 Nm
670 Nm
Fuel
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.6 s
4.7 s
Engine
1497 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Volvo EC40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 227 kW while the Volvo EC40 produces 300 kW. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the EC40 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 825 600 for the Discovery Sport and R1 396 800 for the EC40. 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
300 kW
Torque
540 Nm
670 Nm
0-100 kph
6.6 s
4.7 s
Top Speed
209 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
3
—
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
82 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
49 when hybrid battery charged g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4597 mm
4440 mm
Width
2069-2173 mm
1873-2034 mm
Height
1727 mm
1591 mm
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
209 mm
171 mm
Kerb Weight
2093 DIN / 2168 EU Kg
2210 DIN / 2185 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1179-1794 l
404-1310 + 31 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1800 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ 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
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
26000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo EC40
3 / 4 categories
Performance
EC40
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
EC40
Practicality
EC40
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Less power than rival (227 kW vs 300 kW)
Higher starting price
Volvo EC40
More powerful engine (300 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 396 800)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or EC40?
The Discovery Sport uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the EC40 uses 18.7 kWh/100km 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 EC40?
The Discovery Sport produces 227 kW and 540 Nm of torque while the EC40 delivers 300 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The EC40 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and EC40?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 825 600 and the EC40 from R1 396 800. The EC40 is cheaper by R428 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or EC40?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the EC40 can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery Sport or the EC40?
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.