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.
Tiguan starts ZAR 668990 cheaperD-Max X-Rider from ZAR 668,990 · Tiguan from ZAR 668,100
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Engine Power
110 @ 3600 kW
140 kW
Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
250 Nm
Engine Size
1900 cc
2000 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.5 km/l
13 km/l
Ground Clearance
227 mm
201 mm
Boot / Load Bay
Load bed 1495 x 1530 mm
652 l
Airbags
2
6
Kerb Weight
1845 kg
1599 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 years / 120 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both D-Max X-Rider and Tiguan are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tiguan
+3 pts
Efficiency
D-Max X-Rider
+2 pts
Safety
Tiguan
+21 pts
Practicality
D-Max X-Rider
+8 pts
Ownership
D-Max X-Rider
+22 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
D-Max X-Rider
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Tiguan
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
D-Max X-Rider
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Tiguan
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2007
Generation
Current South African D-Max X-Rider listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current Tiguan generation offers modern safety and tech upgrades
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.
Recent facelift improved technology and styling
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Double 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.
White, Black, Silver, Grey, 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 Double Cab X-Rider 4x2 AT
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
Model Year
MY26
Current
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Pickup
SUV
Vehicle Type
Pickup
SUV
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Ground Clearance
227 mm
201 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
2676 mm
Length
5265 mm
4539 mm
Width
1870 mm
1842 mm
Height
1805 mm
1660 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 kg
1599 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
3000 kg
2210 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
Load bed 1495 x 1530 mm
652 l
Towing Capacity
2100 kg
1800 kg
Front Track Width
-
1586 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1576 mm
Turning Radius
12.5 m
11.5 m
Load Bed Length
Load bed 1495 x 1530 mm
652 l
Load Bed Width
1530 mm
-
Front Legroom
-
-
Rear Legroom
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Front Shoulder Room
-
-
Rear Shoulder Room
-
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1650 l
Number of Doors
4
5
Max Payload
1095 kg
-
Boot Volume
Load bed 1495 x 1530 mm
652 l
Doors
4
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
58 l
Gross Combined Mass Kg
5000 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
3000 kg
2210 kg
Ground Clearance Max
227 mm
201 mm
Ground Clearance Min
227 mm
201 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
227 mm
201 mm
Height Mm
1805 mm
1660 mm
Length Mm
5265 mm
4539 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Load bed 1495 x 1530 mm
652 l
Loadbox Width Mm
1530 mm
-
Payload Kg
1095 kg
-
Cargo Volume
Load bed 1495 x 1530 mm
652 l
Rear Overhang Mm
1250 mm
-
Tare Mass Kg
1845 kg
1599 kg
Track Front Rear Mm
1570 / 1570
-
Turning Circle
12.5 m
11.5 m
Turning Circle M
12.5 m
11.5 m
Width Mm
1870 mm
1842 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1650 l
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Engine
-
Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW 6-speed DSG®; R-Line 2.0 TSI 162kW 4MOTION 7-speed DSG®
Engine Type
-
Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW 6-speed DSG®; R-Line 2.0 TSI 162kW 4MOTION 7-speed DSG®
Displacement
1900 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
-
Valves per Cylinder
16
-
Power
110 @ 3600 kW
140 kW
Power @ RPM
110 @ 3600
-
Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
250 Nm
Torque @ RPM
350 @ 1800-2600
250
Fuel System
-
-
Turbocharger
Standard
-
Top Speed
-
-
0-100 km/h
-
-
Compression Ratio
16.5:1
-
Cylinder Bore
-
-
Piston Stroke
-
-
Engine Code
RZ4E-MID
-
Power
110 @ 3600 bhp
188 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Petrol
Cylinder Layout
-
-
Engine Aspiration
Standard
-
Engine Type Config
-
Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW 6-speed DSG®; R-Line 2.0 TSI 162kW 4MOTION 7-speed DSG®
0–100 km/h
-
-
Battery Capacity
-
-
Charging Port
-
-
AC Charging Time
-
-
Engine Displacement
1900 cc
2000 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1900 cc
2000 cc
EV Range
-
-
Acceleration 0 100
-
-
Bore X Stroke Mm
80 x 94.4
-
Combined System Power
-
-
Combined System Torque
-
-
Engine Config
-
Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW 6-speed DSG®; R-Line 2.0 TSI 162kW 4MOTION 7-speed DSG®
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
1900 cc
2000 cc
Engine Power kW
110 @ 3600 kW
140 kW
Engine Torque Nm
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
250 Nm
Engine Valves
16
-
Induction
Standard
-
Max Power kW
110 @ 3600 kW
140 kW
Max Torque Nm
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
250 Nm
Maximum Power
110 @ 3600 kW
140 kW
Maximum Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
250 Nm
Motor Position
-
-
Motor Power
-
-
Motor Torque
-
-
Motor Type
-
-
Power kW Rpm
110 @ 3600
-
Active Exhaust
-
-
System Output
-
-
Torque Nm Rpm
350 @ 1800-2600
250
Turbo Type
Standard
-
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
4x4
Drivetrain Layout
4x2
4x4
LSD Available
-
-
Transfer Case
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
-
-
Final Drive Ratio
-
-
Number of Gears
2 km/h
-
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
-
-
Drivetrain
4x2
4x4
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
Available
4WD Hi Range
-
Available
4WD Lo Range
-
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Standard
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
-
Differential Type Front
-
-
Differential Type Rear
-
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
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
-
Gear Ratio Reverse
3.732
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
-
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
4x2
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Standard
-
Transfer Case Guard
Standard
-
Transmission Speeds
2 km/h
-
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Claimed Mileage
13.5 km/l
13 km/l
City Mileage
11.1 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.7 km/l
15.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
58 l
Emission Standard
-
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
-
-
Average Fuel Consumption
7.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
7.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
7.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
13.5 km/l
13 km/l
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
7.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
7.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
7.4 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
76 l
58 l
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
2.482
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Airbags
2
6
ABS
-
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
-
-
Traction Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Child Safety Lock
-
-
ISOFIX Mounts
-
-
Brake Assist
-
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
-
Engine Immobiliser
-
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
-
-
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
-
AEB
-
-
BA
-
-
Brake Override System
-
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
-
Driver Airbag
-
-
EBD
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
-
Hill Hold
Standard
-
Passenger Airbag
-
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
-
Side Airbags
-
-
TCS
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
-
-
ABS EBD
-
Standard
Front Side Airbags
Standard
-
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Lane Keep Assist
-
-
Lane Departure Warning
-
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
-
Parking Sensors
Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
-
-
Auto Lights
LED
-
Auto Wipers
-
-
Drive Modes
-
-
EV Mode
-
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
-
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Park Assist
-
-
Around View Monitor
-
-
Blind Spot Warning
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Parking Distance Sensors
Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
Standard
-
Reversing Camera
Standard
Standard
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Seat Material
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Cloth
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather with red Isuzu badge/stitching
Standard
Interior Colour Options
3
Black
60 40 Split Seat
-
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
-
-
Fabric Seats
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
-
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen D-Max X-Rider grade before assuming a feature is included.
Premium interior, digital cockpit, advanced infotainment
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
-
Interior Colours
3
Black
Seat Capacity
5
5
Seat Count
5
5
Seat Trim
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Cloth
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Spec
D-Max X-Rider
Tiguan
Climate Control
Manual
-
Power Windows
-
-
Keyless Entry
-
-
Push Button Start
-
-
Wireless Charging
Wireless
-
Sunroof
-
-
Electric Tailgate
-
-
Automatic Headlamps
LED
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
-
AC Type
Manual
-
Adaptive Dampers
-
-
Climate Zones
Manual
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
7.4
7.7
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Ground Clearance Unladen
227
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Launch Control
-
-
Payload Capacity
1095
-
Performance Data Logger
-
-
Rev Matching
-
-
Seat Type
Partial Leather X Mark on headrest with red stitching
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
D-Max X-Rider
Performance
57/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
29/100
Practicality
85/100
Ownership
48/100
Tiguan
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
51/100
Safety
50/100
Practicality
77/100
Ownership
26/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Isuzu D-Max X-Rider
wins with 55 pts
vs 55 pts for Tiguan
In structured scoring, D-Max X-Rider emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tiguan 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 X-Rider 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 X-Rider 53 vs Tiguan 51. 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 X-Rider 29, Tiguan 50. 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 X-Rider 48, Tiguan 26. 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 X-Rider 85, Tiguan 77. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: D-Max X-Rider 57, Tiguan 60. 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 X-Rider edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The D-Max X-Rider 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 X-Rider and Tiguan in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: D-Max X-Rider scores 57 vs 60.
Efficiency: D-Max X-Rider scores 53 vs 51.
Safety: D-Max X-Rider scores 29 vs 50.
Practicality: D-Max X-Rider scores 85 vs 77.
Ownership: D-Max X-Rider scores 48 vs 26.
Final structured scoring gives D-Max X-Rider
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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