Isuzu D-Max vs Isuzu MU-X

In-depth comparison in South Africa covering price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership costs.

Isuzu D-Max

Change Car A

ZAR 430,000 – 780,000

⚡ 110 hp

🔧 350 Nm

⛽ 13.8 km/l

Isuzu MU-X

Change Car B

ZAR 670,000 – 820,000

⚡ 110 hp

🔧 350 Nm

⛽ 14.0 km/l

Quick Winners

⚡ Performance Tie

⛽ Mileage Tie

🔑 Ownership Tie

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

MU-X

out of 100

point lead

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

D-Max

out of 100

Executive Summary

Both D-Max and MU-X are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Equal

Efficiency Equal

Safety MU-X +2 pts

Practicality MU-X +4 pts

Ownership Equal

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

MU-X

Performance 12/20

Efficiency 8/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 13/20

Ownership 20/20

D-Max

Performance 12/20

Efficiency 8/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 9/20

Ownership 20/20

Pros & Cons

D-Max

Pros

No major strengths identified

Cons

Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: General Use

🏆 Overall Winner

MU-X

Pros

Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Cons

No major weaknesses identified

Best For: Family Usage

Who Should Buy Which?

D-Max

Buyers looking for a balanced all-round SUV

MU-X

Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Ground Clearance	235	230
Wheelbase	3125	2855
Length	5310	4850
Width	1870	1870
Height	1810	1825
Kerb Weight	1950	1950
Gross Vehicle Weight	3050	2800
Seating Capacity	5	7
Boot Space	0	311
Towing Capacity	3000	3000

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Engine	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled
Displacement	1898	1898
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	110
Torque	350	350
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed	175	175
0-100 km/h	12.3	11.8

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Automatic
Drive Type	4x2	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Mechanical Limited Slip	Electronic Traction Control
Transfer Case	None	Single Speed

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Claimed Mileage	13.8	14.0
City Mileage	10	10
Highway Mileage	14	15
Fuel Tank Capacity	76	80
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Airbags	6	7
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Not Available	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Standard
Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Seat Material	Premium Fabric	Leather
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Power Driver
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Rack and Pinion Power Steering	Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Standard

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Dual-zone Automatic
Power Windows	All Windows	All Windows
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Smart Key
Push Button Start	Not Available	Standard
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Standard
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Power Operated

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard
Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	8
Navigation System	Smartphone Based	Built-in GPS

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Standard	LED
Roof Rails	Standard	Standard
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	18-inch Alloy

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Approach Angle	29	23
Departure Angle	25	25
Wading Depth	600	800
Terrain Modes	None	Normal Mode
Locking Differential	Rear Differential Lock	Electronic Control

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	265/60 R18
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Disc

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	5-Link Coil Spring
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Ladder Frame

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Low to Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	24 Months	24 Months

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
Warranty Years	5	5
Warranty Kilometers	120000	120000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	5 Years

Specification	D-Max	MU-X
CO2 Emissions	210	210
Start Stop System	Standard	Standard
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Final Verdict

🏆 Isuzu MU-X wins this comparison with 73 points vs 67 points for D-Max.

In structured scoring, MU-X emerges as the stronger overall package. However, D-Max may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

People Also Compare

Popular comparisons among buyers considering similar options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, MU-X performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

D-Max scores 8 while MU-X scores 8 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, D-Max scores 18 and MU-X scores 20. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

D-Max scores 20 versus MU-X scoring 20. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives D-Max 9 and MU-X 13, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows D-Max scoring 12 compared to MU-X scoring 12, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest MU-X may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. MU-X performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives MU-X the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between D-Max and MU-X in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: D-Max scores 12 vs 12.

Efficiency: D-Max scores 8 vs 8.

Safety: D-Max scores 18 vs 20.

Practicality: D-Max scores 9 vs 13.

Ownership: D-Max scores 20 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives MU-X the advantage in this comparison.

Isuzu D-Max vs Isuzu MU-X

Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu MU-X

Quick Winners

Overall Comparison Score

MU-X

D-Max

Executive Summary

Key Differences At A Glance

Category Score Breakdown

MU-X

D-Max

Pros & Cons

D-Max

MU-X

Who Should Buy Which?

D-Max

MU-X

Full Specification Comparison

Final Verdict

Related Comparisons

People Also Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Comparison Analysis