VS
At a Glance
Power
147 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
430 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
6.1 l/100km
6.3
Towing
2200 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
8.6 s
7.8
Engine
1997 cc
3456
Choosing between the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the LEXUS RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers 147 kW while the LEXUS RX produces 183kW@6000. On fuel, the Discovery Sport returns 6.1 l/100km while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 362 900 for the Discovery Sport and R769 400 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
147 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
430 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
8.6 s
7.8
Top Speed
209 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
3456
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
—
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.1 l/100km
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
65
CO2 Emissions
161 g/km
148
Dimensions
Length
4597 mm
4770
Width
2069-2173 mm
1885
Height
1727 mm
1685
Wheelbase
2741 mm
2740
Ground Clearance
210 mm
175
Kerb Weight
1953 DIN / 2028 EU (7 seats) Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
7 (opt 5)
5
Load Volume
157-1036-1651 (7 seats) l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2200 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
DRIVER
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
48
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
26000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Discovery Sport
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Discovery Sport
Fuel Economy
Discovery Sport
Value
RX
Practicality
Discovery Sport
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2200 Kg)
Higher starting price
LEXUS RX
Lower starting price (R769 400)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8s)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Discovery Sport or RX?
The Discovery Sport uses 6.1 l/100km and the RX uses 6.3 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 RX?
The Discovery Sport produces 147 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 183kW@6000 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Discovery Sport and RX?
The Discovery Sport starts from R1 362 900 and the RX from R769 400. The RX is cheaper by R593 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Discovery Sport or RX?
The Discovery Sport has a braked towing capacity of 2200 Kg and the RX can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Discovery Sport 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.