At a Glance
Power
140 kW
58 kW
Torque
450 Nm
176 Nm
Fuel
8.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1600 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
2499 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 produces 58 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.5 l/100km while the D-Max Gen 6 uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 211 910 for the D-Max and R403 900 for the D-Max Gen 6. 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
58 kW
Torque
450 Nm
176 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
224 g/km
208 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5218 mm
Width
2040 mm
1860-2132 mm
Height
1875 mm
1790 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3095 mm
Ground Clearance
266 mm
225 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
1660 Kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
3
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
660 l
1137 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
—
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ 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
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
D-Max Gen 6
Value
D-Max Gen 6
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Isuzu D-Max Gen 6
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R403 900)
Less power than rival (58 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or D-Max Gen 6?
The D-Max uses 8.5 l/100km and the D-Max Gen 6 uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The D-Max Gen 6 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 D-Max Gen 6?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the D-Max Gen 6 delivers 58 kW and 176 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and D-Max Gen 6?
The D-Max starts from R1 211 910 and the D-Max Gen 6 from R403 900. The D-Max Gen 6 is cheaper by R808 010 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or D-Max Gen 6?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the D-Max Gen 6 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the D-Max Gen 6?
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.