VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
140 kW
Torque
405 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Isuzu D-Max is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Ranger delivers 125 kW while the Isuzu D-Max produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Ranger returns 7.4 l/100km while the D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R599 500 for the Ranger and R700 760 for the D-Max. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
140 kW
Torque
405 Nm
450 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
10
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
208 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5350 mm
5333 mm
Width
2015-2208 mm
1870 mm
Height
1877 mm
1790 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance
237 mm
232 mm
Kerb Weight
1937 Kg
1930 Kg
Doors
2+2
2+2
Seats
2
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1143 l
1005 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
6
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Ranger
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
Ranger
Value
Ranger
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R599 500)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 140 kW)
No factory service plan
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger uses 7.4 l/100km and the D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Ranger is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger produces 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque while the D-Max delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and D-Max?
The Ranger starts from R599 500 and the D-Max from R700 760. The Ranger is cheaper by R101 260 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the D-Max can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger or the D-Max?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.