VS
At a Glance
Power
184 kW
140 kW
Torque
600 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
8.4 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
2996 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Isuzu D-Max is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ford Ranger delivers 184 kW while the Isuzu D-Max produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Ranger returns 8.4 l/100km while the D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 076 800 for the Ranger and R785 720 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
Ford Ranger3.0d V6 Wildtrak A/T 4x4 D/C P/U 2026 - From R1 076 800
Isuzu D-Max3.0 DDI LSE 4x4 A/T E/cab 2026 - From R785 720
Performance
Power Output
184 kW
140 kW
Torque
600 Nm
450 Nm
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2996 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
10
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.4 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
222 g/km
208 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5350 mm
5333 mm
Width
2015-2208 mm
1870 mm
Height
1886 mm
1790 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance
237 mm
232 mm
Kerb Weight
2386 Kg
2020 Kg
Doors
4
2+2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
964 lkg
1025 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ 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
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
6yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ranger
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
More powerful engine (184 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Isuzu D-Max
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R785 720)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 184 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger uses 8.4 l/100km and the D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The D-Max 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 Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger produces 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the D-Max delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The Ranger is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and D-Max?
The Ranger starts from R1 076 800 and the D-Max from R785 720. The D-Max is cheaper by R291 080 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or D-Max?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500 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 Ranger 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