VS
At a Glance
Power
321 kW
140 kW
Torque
650 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 coL/100km
8.1 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.7 s
—
Engine
1498 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the BYD Shark 6 and the Isuzu D-Max is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Shark 6 delivers 321 kW while the Isuzu D-Max produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Shark 6 returns 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 coL/100km while the D-Max uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R989 900 for the Shark 6 and R844 470 for the D-Max. 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.
Specification
BYD Shark 6Shark 1.5 P/U D/C AWD (phev) 2025 - From R989 900
Isuzu D-Max3.0 DDI 4x4 X-Rider A/T D/C P/U 2026 - From R844 470
Performance
Power Output
321 kW
140 kW
Torque
650 Nm
450 Nm
0-100 kph
5.7 s
—
Top Speed
160 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 coL/100km
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 litre + 29.6 kWh l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
46 when hybrid battery charged g/km
212 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5457 mm
5333 mm
Width
1971 mm
1880 mm
Height
1925 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2920 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance
230 mm
227 mm
Kerb Weight
2710 Kg
2060 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1200 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
790 lkg
980 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6yr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Shark 6
Fuel Economy
Shark 6
Value
D-Max
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
BYD Shark 6
More powerful engine (321 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 coL/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Isuzu D-Max
Lower starting price (R844 470)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 321 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Shark 6 or D-Max?
The Shark 6 uses 2.0 when hybrid battery charged / 9.6 coL/100km and the D-Max uses 8.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Shark 6 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Shark 6 or D-Max?
The Shark 6 produces 321 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the D-Max delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The Shark 6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Shark 6 and D-Max?
The Shark 6 starts from R989 900 and the D-Max from R844 470. The D-Max is cheaper by R145 430 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Shark 6 or D-Max?
The Shark 6 has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the D-Max can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Shark 6 or the D-Max?
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.
Also Consider