2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Lexus RX

$48,900 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the 2026 Lexus RX is fuel economy, with the Lexus achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Land Rover's 20 MPG combined—a 5 MPG advantage. Power output also varies, as the Lexus delivers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, notably surpassing the Discovery Sport's 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Despite this performance edge, the Land Rover undercuts the Lexus on initial cost, starting at $48,900 compared to $49,725. In terms of physical footprint, the Lexus is significantly longer at 192.5 inches versus 180.9 inches, though this longer length translates to slightly less usable space, as the Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cu ft of cargo capacity against the RX's 29.6 cu ft. These specifications frame a comparison between British AWD luxury and Japanese efficiency and conventional power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined rating and recommended use of regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers more absolute storage space at 32.2 cu ft compared to the Lexus RX's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX holds a clear performance advantage with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque over the Discovery Sport's 246 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport secures the value victory by having a lower starting MSRP of $48,900 against the Lexus RX's $49,725.

Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...

You require a lower upfront purchase price, starting at $48,900.
Maximum measurable cargo space is prioritized, offering 32.2 cu ft.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive configuration regardless of the specific trim level.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Fuel economy is critical, as evidenced by the 25 MPG combined rating.
Maximum horsepower (275 hp) and torque (317 lb-ft) are primary performance metrics.
You need the longer overall vehicle length of 192.5 inches for road presence.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Discovery Sport	Lexus RX
Length	180.9"	192.5"
Width	-	75.6"
Height	67.9"	67.3"
Wheelbase	107.9"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	246 hp @ 5500 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	269 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Transmission Type	9-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/23 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	336.3/407.1 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	380W	—
Speaker System	10	12
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Antenna Type	Diversity	—
Infotainment Display	—	9.8 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	58.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	N/A	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2026 Lexus RX.

What is the core difference in drivetrain and fuel requirements?

The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and uses regular unleaded fuel, while the 2026 Lexus RX is listed with Front Wheel Drive (as standard) and recommends premium unleaded fuel. This affects running costs and traction capability immediately.

How do the cargo capacities compare between the two crossovers?

The Land Rover Discovery Sport provides 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly exceeding the 29.6 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Lexus RX. This difference of 2.6 cubic feet might matter for larger hauling needs.

Is the performance disparity significant enough to sway an enthusiast buyer?

Yes, the Lexus RX offers 29 more horsepower (275 hp vs. 246 hp) and 48 lb-ft more torque (317 lb-ft vs. 269 lb-ft). Enthusiasts prioritizing acceleration figures will favor the Lexus despite its 8-speed transmission versus the Land Rover's 9-speed.

Which vehicle saves more money over five years based on fuel efficiency?

Based solely on the 5 MPG difference (20 MPG vs. 25 MPG), the Lexus RX will offer substantial savings over five years, assuming similar annual mileage, largely offsetting its slightly higher initial MSRP of $49,725.

Are the exterior dimensions drastically different for parking ease?

The vehicles have similar heights (67.9 in vs. 67.3 in), but the Lexus RX is over 11 inches longer than the Discovery Sport (192.5 in vs. 180.9 in). This added length in the Lexus must be considered for tight garage parking.

Does the lower MSRP on the Discovery Sport equate to better value overall?

While the Discovery Sport is $825 cheaper at the entry level, the Lexus RX achieves better fuel efficiency and higher horsepower. Value depends on whether the buyer prioritizes lower purchase price or lower long-term operational costs and performance.