VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
123 kW
Torque
350 Nm
430 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
—
Engine
1898 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the JMC Vigus is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 110 kW while the JMC Vigus produces 123 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.3 l/100km while the Vigus uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R463 860 for the D-Max and R499 900 for the Vigus. 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
110 kW
123 kW
Torque
350 Nm
430 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1898 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
75 l
CO2 Emissions
190 g/km
203 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5325 mm
5335 mm
Width
1870 mm
1882 mm
Height
1765 mm
1834 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3150 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1675 Kg
1960 Kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
3
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
—
Load Capacity
1265 l
915 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
4
Service Plan Distance
90000
65000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Vigus
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R463 860)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 123 kW)
JMC Vigus
More powerful engine (123 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Vigus?
The D-Max uses 7.3 l/100km and the Vigus uses 7.5 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 D-Max or Vigus?
The D-Max produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque while the Vigus delivers 123 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The Vigus is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Vigus?
The D-Max starts from R463 860 and the Vigus from R499 900. The D-Max is cheaper by R36 040 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Vigus?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the Vigus can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Vigus?
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.