VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
140 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
450 Nm
Fuel
9.2L/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
1600kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
14.7s
—
Engine
1991cc
2999 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Isuzu MU-X is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai Tucson delivers 83kW@4000 while the Isuzu MU-X produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Tucson returns 9.2L/100km while the MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 900 for the Tucson and R939 700 for the MU-X. 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
Hyundai Tucson2.0 CRDI 4x4 H-Matic 2009 - From R299 900
Isuzu MU-X3.0d LS 4x4 A/T 2026 - From R939 700
Performance
Power Output
83kW@4000
140 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
450 Nm
0-100 kph
14.7s
—
Top Speed
191km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2L/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.1L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.1L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58L
80 l
CO2 Emissions
210g/km
200 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4325mm
4850 mm
Width
1830mm
1870 mm
Height
1730mm
1820 mm
Wheelbase
2630mm
2855 mm
Ground Clearance
195mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1781kg
2080 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1856kg
659 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5
Warranty Distance
150000km
120000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6yr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu MU-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
MU-X
Value
Tucson
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2L/100km)
No factory service plan
Isuzu MU-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or MU-X?
The Tucson uses 9.2L/100km and the MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The MU-X 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 Tucson or MU-X?
The Tucson produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the MU-X delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The MU-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and MU-X?
The Tucson starts from R299 900 and the MU-X from R939 700. The Tucson is cheaper by R639 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson or MU-X?
The Tucson has a braked towing capacity of 1600kg and the MU-X can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tucson or the MU-X?
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.