Isuzu D-Max Single Cab vs Lexus RZ

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

Isuzu D-Max Single Cab in South Africa

Isuzu D-Max Single Cab

1.9 DDi Single Cab 4x4 HR L MT Diesel 6-Speed Manual Current
ZAR 585,200 ex-showroom
⚡ 110 kW 🔧 350 Nm ⛽ 14.1 km/l
VS
Lexus RZ in South Africa

Lexus RZ

RZ 550e F SPORT Electric Single-Speed Reduction Gear Current
ZAR 1,977,600 ex-showroom
⚡ 300 kW 🔧 269 Nm
＋ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Isuzu D-Max Single Cab vs Lexus RZ: the short answer

RZ has a modest catalogue-index lead, while D-Max Single Cab remains close.

D-Max Single Cab starts ZAR 1,308,850 cheaper D-Max Single Cab from ZAR 373,750 · RZ from ZAR 1,682,600

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification D-Max Single Cab RZ
Maximum Power D-Max Single Cab110 kW @ 3600 rpm RZ300 kW
Maximum Torque D-Max Single Cab350 Nm RZ268.6 Nm
Engine Size D-Max Single Cab1900 cc RZNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy D-Max Single Cab14.1 km/l RZNot Applicable
Ground Clearance D-Max Single Cab227 mm RZ200 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Independent editorial assessment

Hagalu editorial ratings

When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.

Isuzu D-Max Single Cab

1.9 DDi Single Cab 4x4 HR L MT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Lexus RZ

RZ 550e F SPORT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

D-Max Single Cab

Strengths
  • Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to: Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader

RZ

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
  • Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to: Published Performance Published Efficiency

Which One's Right for You?

D-Max Single Cab

  • Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures

RZ

  • Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
  • Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
  • Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec D-Max Single Cab RZ
Model Introduced Year Current local generation year not confirmed 2026
Generation Current South African D-Max Single Cab listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data. Updated dedicated battery-electric Lexus RZ range launched locally in 2026
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. 2026 South African range introduces RZ 500e, RZ 550e F SPORT and RZ 600e F SPORT Performance derivatives
Facelift Launched Since Original current-generation version 2026 South African range introduces RZ 500e, RZ 550e F SPORT and RZ 600e F SPORT Performance derivatives
Facelift Version Ending Current Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style Single Cab pickup SUV
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 Top 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 -
Gross Combined Mass Kg 5000 kg -
Model Year MY26 2026
Production Status active active
Segment Pickup Luxury SUV
Tare Mass Kg 1810 kg 2145-2165 kg
Vehicle Type Pickup SUV
Spec D-Max Single Cab RZ
Length 5325 mm 4805 mm
Width 1870 mm 1895 mm
Height 1780 mm 1635 mm
Wheelbase 3125 mm 2850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 227 mm 200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) 220 mm Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity 76 l 0 l
Boot/Cargo Space 1000 l 522 l
Kerb Weight 1810 kg 2180 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 3100 kg 2640 kg
Payload Capacity 1230 kg 460 kg
Towing Capacity 2100 kg 750 kg
Seating Capacity 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Rows 1 rows 2 rows
Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius 12.5 m 5.6 m
Front Headroom 1005 mm 1013 mm
Rear Headroom 900 mm 1008 mm
Front Legroom 1060 mm 1069 mm
Rear Legroom 700 mm 953 mm

In depth: how these cars differ

This D-Max Single Cab and RZ comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. 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 64 vs RZ 83.

Efficiency index: D-Max Single Cab 56 vs RZ 90.

Safety-equipment index: D-Max Single Cab 90 vs RZ 94.

Practicality index: D-Max Single Cab 75 vs RZ 62.

Ownership-cover index: D-Max Single Cab not separately scored vs RZ 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.

Specification Evidence Index

A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.

Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout

RZ leads by 10 points

RZ has a modest catalogue-index lead, while D-Max Single Cab remains close.

Evidence leader 82 /100
Lead 10 points
Data 60% source coverage
82
#1 Evidence leader

RZ

60% source coverage 3 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Practicality 62
Performance 83
Efficiency 90
Safety 94
Practicality 62
Leads by 10 points
72
#2

D-Max Single Cab

68% source coverage 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 90 Check Efficiency 56
Performance 64
Efficiency 56
Safety 90
Practicality 75
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance RZ +19 Efficiency RZ +34 Safety RZ +4 Practicality D-Max Single Cab +13

Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.

Why this score View full breakdown
Evidence-index leader

RZ

Performance 83/100
Efficiency 90/100
Safety 94/100
Practicality 62/100

D-Max Single Cab

Performance 64/100
Efficiency 56/100
Safety 90/100
Practicality 75/100

What the evidence means

Evidence index Lexus RZ leads the specification evidence index with 82 pts vs 72 pts for D-Max Single Cab

In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RZ 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.

Related comparisons

Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.

D-Max Single Cab
D-Max Single Cab
VS
Ranger Tremor
Ranger Tremor
D-Max Single Cab vs Ranger Tremor →
D-Max Single Cab
D-Max Single Cab
VS
GLC
GLC
D-Max Single Cab vs GLC →
D-Max Single Cab
D-Max Single Cab
VS
Sorento
Sorento
D-Max Single Cab vs Sorento →
D-Max Single Cab
D-Max Single Cab
VS
C9 SHS
C9 SHS
D-Max Single Cab vs C9 SHS →
D-Max Single Cab
D-Max Single Cab
VS
ATTO 8
ATTO 8
D-Max Single Cab vs ATTO 8 →
D-Max Single Cab
D-Max Single Cab
VS
Deepal S07
Deepal S07
D-Max Single Cab vs Deepal S07 →
RZ
RZ
VS
Ranger Tremor
Ranger Tremor
RZ vs Ranger Tremor →
RZ
RZ
VS
GLC
GLC
RZ vs GLC →

D-Max Single Cab vs RZ questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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.