VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
140 kW
Torque
480 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
8.6 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2370 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the GWM P500 and the Isuzu D-Max is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GWM P500 delivers 135 kW while the Isuzu D-Max produces 140 kW. On fuel, the P500 returns 8.6 l/100km while the D-Max uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R799 900 for the P500 and R900 310 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
135 kW
140 kW
Torque
480 Nm
450 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2370 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
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.6 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
78 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
226 g/km
212 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5445 mm
5333 mm
Width
1991 mm
1880 mm
Height
1924 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
3350 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance
224 mm
232 mm
Kerb Weight
2489 Kg
2070 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
821 l
970 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7
6
Service Plan Distance
75000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
P500
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
GWM P500
Lower starting price (R799 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 140 kW)
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the P500 or D-Max?
The P500 uses 8.6 l/100km and the D-Max uses 8.1 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 P500 or D-Max?
The P500 produces 135 kW and 480 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 P500 and D-Max?
The P500 starts from R799 900 and the D-Max from R900 310. The P500 is cheaper by R100 410 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the P500 or D-Max?
The P500 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 P500 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.