VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
110 kW
Torque
450 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2750 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
2393 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Toyota Hilux is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Hilux produces 110 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.1 l/100km while the Hilux uses 7.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R900 310 for the D-Max and R618 200 for the Hilux. 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
110 kW
Torque
450 Nm
400 Nm
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2393 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
212 g/km
187 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5325 mm
Width
1880 mm
1855 mm
Height
1805 mm
1815 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3085 mm
Ground Clearance
232 mm
286 mm
Kerb Weight
2070 Kg
1829 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2750 Kg
Load Capacity
970 l
865 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
9 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
Hilux
Value
Hilux
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Hilux
Better fuel economy (7.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R618 200)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Hilux?
The D-Max uses 8.1 l/100km and the Hilux uses 7.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Hilux 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 Hilux?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Hilux delivers 110 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Hilux?
The D-Max starts from R900 310 and the Hilux from R618 200. The Hilux is cheaper by R282 110 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Hilux?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Hilux can tow 2750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Hilux?
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.