VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
135 kW
Torque
450 Nm
244 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.4 s
Engine
2999 cc
2488 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the Nissan X-Trail is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 140 kW while the Nissan X-Trail produces 135 kW. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the X-Trail uses 7.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R886 700 for the mu-X and R751 900 for the X-Trail. 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
135 kW
Torque
450 Nm
244 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.4 s
Top Speed
—
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2488 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
174 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4680 mm
Width
1870 mm
1840-2065 mm
Height
1820 mm
1725 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2705 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
211 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
1578 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
585-742-1396 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
659 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
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
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
X-Trail
Value
X-Trail
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan X-Trail
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R751 900)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or X-Trail?
The mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the X-Trail uses 7.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X-Trail 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 mu-X or X-Trail?
The mu-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the X-Trail delivers 135 kW and 244 Nm of torque. The mu-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and X-Trail?
The mu-X starts from R886 700 and the X-Trail from R751 900. The X-Trail is cheaper by R134 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or X-Trail?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the X-Trail can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the X-Trail?
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.