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.
D-Max Single Cab starts ZAR 119,250 cheaperD-Max Single Cab from ZAR 373,750 · Navara Double Cab from ZAR 493,000
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Maximum Power
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
140 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
350 Nm
450 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Engine Size
1900 cc
2488 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
14.1 km/l
13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
227 mm
221 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
1161 l
Airbags
Passenger
Driver and front passenger airbags, side, curtain and driver knee airbags
Kerb Weight
1810 kg
2023 kg
Seating Capacity
2 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 years / 120 000 km
6 years / 150,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Navara Double Cab has a modest catalogue-index lead, while D-Max Single Cab remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Navara Double Cab
+13 pts
Efficiency
Navara Double Cab
+2 pts
Safety
Navara Double Cab
+3 pts
Practicality
Navara Double Cab
+26 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
D-Max Single Cab
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Catalogue-index leader
Navara Double Cab
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
D-Max Single Cab
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Navara Double Cab
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
1997
Generation
Current South African D-Max Single Cab listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current Navara generation focuses on improved comfort and stronger safety credentials
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.
Updated in recent years with improved styling, safety upgrades, and suspension refinement
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Single Cab pickup
Double Cab
Body Type Cab
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
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.
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Red, Blue
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.9 DDi Single Cab 4x4 HR L MT
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.5D LE Plus Double Cab 4x4 AT
Gross Combined Mass Kg
5000 kg
-
Model Year
MY26
2026
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
Pickup
Double-cab bakkie
Tare Mass Kg
1810 kg
2023 kg
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Double Cab
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Length
5325 mm
5260 mm
Width
1870 mm
1850 mm
Height
1780 mm
1815 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3150 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
227 mm
221 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
Kerb Weight
1810 kg
2023 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3100 kg
3115 kg
Payload Capacity
1230 kg
1003 kg
Towing Capacity
2100 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
2 seats
5 seats
Doors
2 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.5 m
6.7 m
Boot/Cargo Space
-
1161 l
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1570 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1570 mm
Front Suspension
High Mounting
Double wishbone with coil over strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring Overslung
5 link with coil spring
Power Steering
Hydraulic
Rack & Pinion Power Assisted
Front Spring Type
High Mounting
-
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring Overslung
-
Shock Absorber Type
Twintube Gas Pressurised
-
Front Suspension Type
High Mounting
Double wishbone with coil over strut
Gross Axle Mass Front Kg
1450 kg
-
Gross Axle Mass Rear Kg
1910 kg
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
Leaf Spring Overslung
5 link with coil spring
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf Spring Overslung
5 link with coil spring
Shock Absorbers
Twintube Gas Pressurised
-
Suspension
High Mounting
Double wishbone with coil over strut
Suspension Height
High Ride
-
Track Front Rear Mm
1570/1570
-
Chassis Type
-
Ladder
Chassis Material
-
Ladder
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Load Bed Length
2330 mm
1509 mm
Load Bed Width
1590 mm
1560 mm
Climate Control
Manual
Automatic dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Driver auto up/down
Keyless Entry
Standard
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen
Automatic headlights with Follow Me Home
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing Wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Type
Manual
Automatic dual-zone climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Climate Zones
Manual
2
Fuel Consumption Combined
7.1
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Intercooler
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Seat Type
Cloth
-
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Spare Wheel
Steel 17 x 7.0J-33
Full-size spare wheel
Air Conditioning
Manual
Automatic dual-zone climate control
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Front Bumper
Black
-
Front Final Drive Ratio
4.100
-
Front Wiper
Variable Intermittent
-
Front Wipers Type
Variable Intermittent
-
Intelligent Battery System
Standard
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Standard
-
Load Bed Light
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Depth Mm
465 mm
493 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
2330 mm
1509 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Standard
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
4
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Loadbox Width Mm
1590 mm
1560 mm
Manual Aircon
Manual
-
Mudflaps
Front & Rear
-
Oil Pan Guard
Standard
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
Standard
-
Pre Air Cleaner
Standard
-
Rear Bumper
Black
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Final Drive Ratio
4.100
-
Rear Step Bumper
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
Standard
-
Rim Size
Steel 17 x 7.0J-33
18
Sound System
2
Not Available
Source Model Column
1.9 DDI HR L 4X4
navara-double-cab
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Tie Down Hooks
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Tow Bar Type
Bakkie towing support
Bakkie towing support
Towbar
Optional (2.1T)
Bakkie towing support
TPMS
Not Available
Not Available
Trailer Hitch
Bakkie towing support
Bakkie towing support
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Standard
Trailer Sway Control
Standard
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
top
flagship
Unlocking
Standard
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Variant Role
Off-road or adventure derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Standard
-
Walk Away Lock
Standard
Not Available
Water Depth Protection Mm
800 mm
-
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Power auto fold
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Standard
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V cabin outlets and load-box outlet
Speed Limiter
-
Cruise Control
Heads Up Display
-
Not Available
Power Mirrors
-
Power mirrors
Ride Mode Selection
-
Not Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
Not Available
Side Steps
-
Standard
Accelerator 0 100
-
Not Applicable
Remote Start
-
Not Available
Side Step
-
Standard/available
Sonar
-
Standard
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
2.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
RZ4E-MID
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1900 cc
2488 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
16.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
140 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
350 Nm
450 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
60.8 kW/tonne
69.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
193.4 Nm/tonne
222.4 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Gearbox
Manual
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
4WD / AWD
4WD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
4WD transfer case
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
7
Transmission Type
6 Speed Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Available
Selectable 4WD
4WD Hi Range
Available
Standard
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Standard
4WD Selector
Standard
Standard
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Available
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gear Ratio 1st
4.942
-
Gear Ratio 2nd
2.686
-
Gear Ratio 3rd
1.527
-
Gear Ratio 4th
1.000
-
Gear Ratio 5th
0.749
-
Gear Ratio 6th
0.634
-
Gear Ratio Reverse
4.597
-
Gearbox Type
Manual
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
2.482
Not Available
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Standard
Axle Layout
4WD / AWD
4WD
Rear Differential Lock
Standard
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
Standard
-
Transmission Speeds
6
7
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Claimed Mileage
14.1 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
11.5 km/l
11.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
16.5 km/l
16.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Available
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
14.1 km/l
13.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
76
80
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Airbags
Passenger
Driver and front passenger airbags, side, curtain and driver knee airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Vehicle Dynamic Control
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Passenger
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Passenger
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Vehicle Dynamic Control
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Driver knee airbag
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
Passenger
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
Passenger
-
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Front Side Airbags
Standard
-
Fatigue Detection
-
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Reverse camera and sensors
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Reverse camera
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Intelligent Driver Alertness
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
High Beam Assist
Auto Lights
Halogen
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing Wipers
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Reverse camera and sensors
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Reverse camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Reverse camera and sensors
Parking Sensor
-
Reverse camera and sensors
Rear View Camera
-
Reverse camera
Reverse Camera Type
-
Reverse camera
Reversing Camera
-
Reverse camera
Spec
D-Max Single Cab
Navara Double Cab
Seat Material
Cloth
Black Leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Steering Type
Hydraulic
Rack & Pinion Power Assisted
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
3
6
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electrically adjustable with lumbar
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Separate front passenger seat
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen D-Max Single Cab grade before assuming a feature is included.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Navara Double Cab
Performance
75/100
Efficiency
58/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
90/100
D-Max Single Cab
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
64/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Nissan Navara Double Cab
leads the catalogue index with 80 pts
vs 69 pts for D-Max Single Cab
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Navara Double Cab leads. However, D-Max Single Cab may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This D-Max Single Cab and Navara Double Cab comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: D-Max Single Cab 62 vs Navara Double Cab 75.
Efficiency index: D-Max Single Cab 56 vs Navara Double Cab 58.
Safety-equipment index: D-Max Single Cab 90 vs Navara Double Cab 93.
Practicality index: D-Max Single Cab 64 vs Navara Double Cab 90.
Ownership-cover index: D-Max Single Cab not separately scored vs Navara Double Cab not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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