Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Lexus NX
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 61% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Discovery Sport | NX | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 362 900 | R 1 074 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 23 821/m | R 18 775/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 819 794 | R 657 662 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 543 106 | R 416 538 |
| Value after 5 years | R 605 383 | R 490 729 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Land Rover Discovery Sport →
The Discovery Sport replaced the Freelander in 2015 as the practical entry point to the Land Rover range, with an optional 5+2 seating layout. It sells steadily to families wanting the badge without Range Rover money. Depreciation is heavier than German rivals, so used examples look temptingly cheap.
Known for: family-friendly entry land rover
Lexus NX →
Since launching in 2015 the NX has become the volume seller in the Lexus SA range. The second generation offers turbopetrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, and it is the most listed Lexus on the used market. Resale holds up better than most rivals thanks to the reliability reputation and long maintenance plan.
Known for: best-selling lexus suv locally
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Discovery Sport or the Lexus NX?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 61% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Land Rover Discovery Sport loses about R 543 106 over three years and the Lexus NX loses about R 416 538. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Land Rover Discovery Sport runs about R 23 821 per month and the Lexus NX about R 18 775, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.