VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
146 kW
Torque
450 Nm
188 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
4.2 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
8.1 s
Engine
2999 cc
1987 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the Lexus UX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 140 kW while the Lexus UX produces 146 kW. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the UX uses 4.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R939 500 for the mu-X and R947 600 for the UX. 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
146 kW
Torque
450 Nm
188 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.1 s
Top Speed
—
177 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1987 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
4.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
96 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4495 mm
Width
1870 mm
1840 mm
Height
1820 mm
1520 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1585 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
268 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
659 l
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
8
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ 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
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
UX
Fuel Economy
UX
Value
mu-X
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Lower starting price (R939 500)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 146 kW)
Lexus UX
More powerful engine (146 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or UX?
The mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the UX uses 4.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The UX 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 UX?
The mu-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the UX delivers 146 kW and 188 Nm of torque. The UX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and UX?
The mu-X starts from R939 500 and the UX from R947 600. The mu-X is cheaper by R8 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or UX?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the UX can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the UX?
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.