VS
At a Glance
Power
154 kW
110 kW
Torque
500 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2100 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
1898 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 154 kW while the Isuzu D-Max produces 110 kW. On fuel, the Ranger returns 7.7 l/100km while the D-Max uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R731 000 for the Ranger and R533 690 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
154 kW
110 kW
Torque
500 Nm
350 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1898 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
10
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
202 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5350 mm
5265 mm
Width
2015-2208 mm
1870 mm
Height
1877 mm
1785 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance
237 mm
227 mm
Kerb Weight
2076 Kg
1770 Kg
Doors
2+2
2+2
Seats
2
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
1114 l
1170 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
Optional
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ranger
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
More powerful engine (154 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R533 690)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 154 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger uses 7.7 l/100km and the D-Max uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The D-Max 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 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the D-Max delivers 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The Ranger is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and D-Max?
The Ranger starts from R731 000 and the D-Max from R533 690. The D-Max is cheaper by R197 310 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 2100 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.