VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
209 kW
Torque
450 Nm
347 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
12.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2721 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
3604 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Jeep Gladiator is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Jeep Gladiator produces 209 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.9 l/100km while the Gladiator uses 12.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R898 380 for the D-Max and R1 427 900 for the Gladiator. 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
209 kW
Torque
450 Nm
347 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
3604 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
12.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
83 l
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
288 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5591 mm
Width
1880 mm
1894 mm
Height
1805 mm
1905 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3488 mm
Ground Clearance
232 mm
280 mm
Kerb Weight
1985 Kg
2242 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2721 Kg
Load Capacity
955 l
693 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
12000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Gladiator
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R898 380)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 209 kW)
Jeep Gladiator
More powerful engine (209 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Gladiator?
The D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km and the Gladiator uses 12.3 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 Gladiator?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Gladiator delivers 209 kW and 347 Nm of torque. The Gladiator is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Gladiator?
The D-Max starts from R898 380 and the Gladiator from R1 427 900. The D-Max is cheaper by R529 520 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Gladiator?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Gladiator can tow 2721 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Gladiator?
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.