A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Hilux Double Cab starts ZAR 574010 cheaperD-Max Double Cab from ZAR 574,010 · Hilux Double Cab from ZAR 479,200
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Engine Power
110 @ 3600
-
Torque
350 @ 1800-2600
-
Engine Size
3000
-
Claimed Mileage
12.3
-
Ground Clearance
232
-
Boot Space
Not Applicable
-
Airbags
Not Available
-
Kerb Weight
2070
-
Seating Capacity
5
-
Warranty
5 years / 120 000 km
-
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
D-Max Double Cab holds a noticeable edge over Hilux Double Cab, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
D-Max Double Cab
+12 pts
Efficiency
Hilux Double Cab
+1 pts
Safety
D-Max Double Cab
+38 pts
Practicality
D-Max Double Cab
+35 pts
Ownership
Hilux Double Cab
+2 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
D-Max Double Cab
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Hilux Double Cab
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
D-Max Double Cab
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Hilux Double Cab
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
-
Generation
Current South African D-Max Double Cab listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
-
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
-
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
-
Facelift Version Ending
Current
-
Body Style
Double Cab pickup
-
Body Type Cab
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
-
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 3.0 DDi Double Cab 4x4 LSE AT
-
Model Year
MY26
-
Production Status
published
-
Segment
Pickup
-
Vehicle Type
Pickup
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Ground Clearance
232 mm
-
Wheelbase
3125 mm
-
Length
5333 mm
-
Width
1880 mm
-
Height
1805 mm
-
Kerb Weight
2070 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight
3100 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5
-
Boot Space
Not Applicable
-
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
-
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Turning Radius
12.5 m
-
Load Bed Length
1495 mm
-
Load Bed Width
1530 mm
-
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
-
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
-
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
-
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
Number of Doors
4
-
Max Payload
970 kg
-
Boot Volume
Not Applicable
-
Doors
4
-
Seats
5
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
-
Gross Combined Mass Kg
6000 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
3100 kg
-
Ground Clearance Max
232 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
232 mm
-
Ground Clearance Mm
232 mm
-
Height Mm
1805 mm
-
Length Mm
5333 mm
-
Loadbox Length Mm
1495 mm
-
Loadbox Width Mm
1530 mm
-
Payload Kg
970 kg
-
Cargo Volume
Not Applicable
-
Rear Overhang Mm
1318 mm
-
Tare Mass Kg
2070 kg
-
Track Front Rear Mm
1570/1570
-
Turning Circle
12.5 m
-
Turning Circle M
12.5 m
-
Width Mm
1880 mm
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Engine
Not Applicable
-
Engine Type
Not Applicable
-
Displacement
3000 cc
-
Cylinders
4
-
Valves per Cylinder
16
-
Power
110 @ 3600 kW
-
Power @ RPM
140 @ 3600
-
Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
-
Torque @ RPM
450 @ 1600-2600
-
Fuel System
Not Applicable
-
Turbocharger
Standard
-
Top Speed
Not Applicable
-
0-100 km/h
Not Applicable
-
Compression Ratio
16.3:1
-
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
-
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
-
Engine Code
4JJ3
-
Power
110 @ 3600 bhp
-
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
-
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
-
Engine Aspiration
Standard
-
Engine Type Config
Not Applicable
-
0–100 km/h
Not Applicable
-
Battery Capacity
Not Available
-
Charging Port
Not Available
-
AC Charging Time
Not Available
-
Engine Displacement
3000 cc
-
Engine Displacement Litres
3 l
-
EV Range
Not Available
-
Acceleration 0 100
Not Applicable
-
Bore X Stroke Mm
95.4 x 104.9
-
Combined System Power
Not Available
-
Combined System Torque
Not Available
-
Engine Config
Not Applicable
-
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
3000 cc
-
Engine Power kW
110 @ 3600 kW
-
Engine Torque Nm
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
-
Engine Valves
16
-
Induction
Standard
-
Max Power kW
110 @ 3600 kW
-
Max Torque Nm
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
-
Maximum Power
110 @ 3600 kW
-
Maximum Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
-
Motor Position
Not Available
-
Motor Power
Not Available
-
Motor Torque
Not Available
-
Motor Type
Not Available
-
Power Assisted Steering
Hydraulic
-
Power kW Rpm
140 @ 3600
-
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
System Output
Not Available
-
Torque Nm Rpm
450 @ 1600-2600
-
Turbo Type
Standard
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Transmission
Automatic
-
Drive Type
4WD / AWD
-
Drivetrain Layout
4WD / AWD
-
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
-
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
-
Number of Gears
4 km/h
-
Transmission Type
Automatic
-
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
-
Transmission
Automatic
-
4WD Engagement
Available
-
4WD Hi Range
Available
-
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
-
4WD Selector
Standard
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
-
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
-
Gear Ratio 1st
3.600
-
Gear Ratio 2nd
2.090
-
Gear Ratio 3rd
1.488
-
Gear Ratio 4th
1.000
-
Gear Ratio 5th
0.687
-
Gear Ratio 6th
0.580
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Gear Ratio Reverse
3.732
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
-
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
-
Axle Layout
4WD / AWD
-
Rear Differential Lock
Standard
-
Transfer Case Guard
Standard
-
Transmission Speeds
4 km/h
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
-
City Mileage
10.1 km/l
-
Highway Mileage
14.3 km/l
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
-
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
-
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
-
Average Fuel Consumption
8.1 l/100km
-
Claimed Fuel Consumption
8.1 l/100km
-
Fuel Efficiency
8.1 l/100km
-
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
-
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
-
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
-
Charging Type
Not Applicable
-
Combined Consumption
8.1 l/100km
-
Combined Consumption L 100km
8.1 l/100km
-
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Economy Combined
8.1 l/100km
-
Fuel Tank Litres
76 l
-
Fuel Type
Diesel
-
Low Range Ratio
2.482
-
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
-
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
-
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
-
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Airbags
Not Available
-
ABS
Standard
-
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
-
Traction Control
Not Available
-
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
-
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
-
Brake Assist
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
-
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
-
AEB
Not Available
-
BA
Not Available
-
Brake Override System
Not Available
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
-
Driver Airbag
Not Available
-
EBD
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Hill Hold
Not Available
-
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
-
Side Airbags
Not Available
-
TCS
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
-
ABS EBD
Standard
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
-
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
-
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
-
Auto Lights
LED
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
-
Drive Modes
Not Available
-
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
-
Reverse Camera
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
-
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
-
Front Camera
Standard
-
Multi Collision Braking
Standard
-
Parking Distance Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Front & Rear
-
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Hilux Double Cab
Seat Material
Partial Leather
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
-
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
-
Steering Type
Hydraulic
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
-
Front Armrest
Centre console
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
-
Fabric Seats
Partial Leather
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
-
Heated Front Seats
Standard
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen D-Max Double Cab grade before assuming a feature is included.
🏆Isuzu D-Max Double Cab
wins with 57 pts
vs 39 pts for Hilux Double Cab
In structured scoring, D-Max Double Cab emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Hilux Double Cab may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the D-Max Double Cab edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: D-Max Double Cab 49 vs Hilux Double Cab 50. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: D-Max Double Cab 38, Hilux Double Cab 0. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: D-Max Double Cab 48, Hilux Double Cab 50. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: D-Max Double Cab 85, Hilux Double Cab 50. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: D-Max Double Cab 62, Hilux Double Cab 50. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The D-Max Double Cab edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The D-Max Double Cab scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between D-Max Double Cab and Hilux Double Cab in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: D-Max Double Cab scores 62 vs 50.
Efficiency: D-Max Double Cab scores 49 vs 50.
Safety: D-Max Double Cab scores 38 vs 0.
Practicality: D-Max Double Cab scores 85 vs 50.
Ownership: D-Max Double Cab scores 48 vs 50.
Final structured scoring gives D-Max Double Cab
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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