VS
At a Glance
Power
120 kW
140 kW
Torque
450 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
10.8 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
1968 cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the Foton Tunland V9 and the Isuzu D-Max is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Foton Tunland V9 delivers 120 kW while the Isuzu D-Max produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Tunland V9 returns 10.8 l/100km while the D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R799 900 for the Tunland V9 and R792 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.
Performance
Power Output
120 kW
140 kW
Torque
450 Nm
450 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.8 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
76 l
CO2 Emissions
265 g/km
208 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5617 mm
5333 mm
Width
2000 mm
1880 mm
Height
1910 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
3355 mm
3125 mm
Ground Clearance
240 mm
227 mm
Kerb Weight
2305 Kg
1970 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1000 l
970 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
6
Service Plan Distance
75000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
3 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
D-Max
Value
D-Max
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Foton Tunland V9
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (10.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 140 kW)
Higher starting price
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R792 470)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tunland V9 or D-Max?
The Tunland V9 uses 10.8 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 South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tunland V9 or D-Max?
The Tunland V9 produces 120 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the D-Max delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tunland V9 and D-Max?
The Tunland V9 starts from R799 900 and the D-Max from R792 470. The D-Max is cheaper by R7 430 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tunland V9 or D-Max?
The Tunland V9 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 Tunland V9 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.