VS
At a Glance
Power
122kW@5800
140 kW
Torque
220Nm@4200
450 Nm
Fuel
9.5
7.6 l/100km
Towing
1500
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.1
—
Engine
2354
2999 cc
Choosing between the HONDA CR-V and the Isuzu mu-X is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HONDA CR-V delivers 122kW@5800 while the Isuzu mu-X produces 140 kW. On fuel, the CR-V returns 9.5 while the mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R440 500 for the CR-V and R939 500 for the mu-X. 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
122kW@5800
140 kW
Torque
220Nm@4200
450 Nm
0-100 kph
11.1
—
Top Speed
190
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2354
2999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.5
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
13.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.4
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
80 l
CO2 Emissions
225
200 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4570
4850 mm
Width
-1820
1870 mm
Height
1675
1820 mm
Wheelbase
2630
2855 mm
Ground Clearance
185
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1589
2080 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
955
659 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
VSA
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000
120000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu mu-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
CR-V
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
HONDA CR-V
Lower starting price (R440 500)
Higher fuel consumption (9.5)
No factory service plan
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CR-V or mu-X?
The CR-V uses 9.5 and the mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The mu-X 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 CR-V or mu-X?
The CR-V produces 122kW@5800 and 220Nm@4200 of torque while the mu-X delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CR-V and mu-X?
The CR-V starts from R440 500 and the mu-X from R939 500. The CR-V is cheaper by R499 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CR-V or mu-X?
The CR-V has a braked towing capacity of 1500 and the mu-X can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CR-V or the mu-X?
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.