VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
125 kW
Torque
450 Nm
444 Nm
Fuel
8.5 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the JAC T9 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the JAC T9 produces 125 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.5 l/100km while the T9 uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 211 910 for the D-Max and R599 900 for the T9. 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
125 kW
Torque
450 Nm
444 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.5 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
224 g/km
223 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5330 mm
Width
2040 mm
1965 mm
Height
1875 mm
1920 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3110 mm
Ground Clearance
266 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
1945 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
660 l
1000 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
5
Service Plan Distance
90000
100000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
JAC T9
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
T9
Value
T9
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
JAC T9
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R599 900)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or T9?
The D-Max uses 8.5 l/100km and the T9 uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The T9 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 T9?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the T9 delivers 125 kW and 444 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and T9?
The D-Max starts from R1 211 910 and the T9 from R599 900. The T9 is cheaper by R612 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 T9?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the T9 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 T9?
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.