VS
At a Glance
Power
137 kW
140 kW
Torque
416 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
1900 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
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 137 kW while the Isuzu MU-X produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Tucson returns 7.4 l/100km while the MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R859 900 for the Tucson and R1 032 190 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 TucsonR2.0d N-LINE AWD A/T 2025 - From R859 900
Isuzu MU-X3.0d ONYX XT 4x4 A/T 2026 - From R1 032 190
Performance
Power Output
137 kW
140 kW
Torque
416 Nm
450 Nm
0-100 kph
9.4 s
—
Top Speed
201 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
169 g/km
200 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4650 mm
4850 mm
Width
1865 mm
1870 mm
Height
1665 mm
1820 mm
Wheelbase
2755 mm
2855 mm
Ground Clearance
181 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1678 Kg
2110 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
539-1860 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1900 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
617 lkg
629 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
6yr
Service Plan Distance
75000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
Tucson
Value
Tucson
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R859 900)
Less power than rival (137 kW vs 140 kW)
Isuzu MU-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or MU-X?
The Tucson uses 7.4 l/100km and the MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Tucson 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 137 kW and 416 Nm of torque while the MU-X delivers 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and MU-X?
The Tucson starts from R859 900 and the MU-X from R1 032 190. The Tucson is cheaper by R172 290 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 1900 Kg 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.