VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
450 Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
9.9
Towing
3500 Kg
2500
0-100 km/h
—
8.5
Engine
2999 cc
1984
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 140 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the TIGUAN uses 9.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R852 600 for the mu-X and R438 310 for the TIGUAN. 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
147kW@5100
Torque
450 Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
—
8.5
Top Speed
—
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1984
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
9.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
64
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
234
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4457
Width
1870 mm
1809
Height
1820 mm
1686
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
235 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
1609
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500
Load Capacity
659 l
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu mu-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
TIGUAN
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Lower starting price (R438 310)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or TIGUAN?
The mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the TIGUAN uses 9.9 on the combined cycle. The mu-X 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 TIGUAN?
The mu-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the TIGUAN delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and TIGUAN?
The mu-X starts from R852 600 and the TIGUAN from R438 310. The TIGUAN is cheaper by R414 290 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or TIGUAN?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the TIGUAN can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the TIGUAN?
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.