VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
140 kW
Torque
450 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
2488 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Nissan Navara is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Nissan Navara produces 140 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.8 l/100km while the Navara uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R689 090 for the D-Max and R785 700 for the Navara. 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
140 kW
140 kW
Torque
450 Nm
450 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2488 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
206 g/km
214 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5325 mm
5260 mm
Width
1870 mm
1850 mm
Height
1780 mm
1825 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3150 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
221 mm
Kerb Weight
1880 Kg
2023 Kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
2
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1160 l
1003 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
7
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
6
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
Navara
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R689 090)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Navara
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Navara?
The D-Max uses 7.8 l/100km and the Navara 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 D-Max or Navara?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Navara delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Navara?
The D-Max starts from R689 090 and the Navara from R785 700. The D-Max is cheaper by R96 610 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Navara?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Navara can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Navara?
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.