Land Rover Discovery Sport vs Volvo XC60
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 | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 362 900 | R 1 058 400 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 23 821/m | R 18 499/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 61% |
| Value after 3 years | R 819 794 | R 647 989 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 543 106 | R 410 411 |
| Value after 5 years | R 605 383 | R 483 511 |
| 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
Volvo XC60 →
On sale in South Africa since 2009 across two generations, the XC60 is Volvo's rival to the X3 and GLC. Current mild-hybrid models start at about R1.06m, while older used stock is dominated by D5 diesels. A strong safety reputation supports steady used demand.
Known for: safe, comfortable alternative to german suvs
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Land Rover Discovery Sport or the Volvo XC60?
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 Volvo XC60 loses about R 410 411. 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 Volvo XC60 about R 18 499, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.