VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
120 kW
Torque
450 Nm
403 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
7.2 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 120 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.9 l/100km while the Navara uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R898 380 for the D-Max and R493 600 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
120 kW
Torque
450 Nm
403 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
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
190 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5210 mm
Width
1880 mm
1850 mm
Height
1805 mm
1815 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3150 mm
Ground Clearance
232 mm
221 mm
Kerb Weight
1985 Kg
1894 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
955 l
1064 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
8
2
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ 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
Nissan Navara
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
Navara
Value
Navara
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan Navara
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R493 600)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Navara?
The D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km and the Navara uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Navara 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 120 kW and 403 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Navara?
The D-Max starts from R898 380 and the Navara from R493 600. The Navara is cheaper by R404 780 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.