VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
123 kW
Torque
450 Nm
430 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
—
Engine
2999 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the JMC Vigus is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the JMC Vigus produces 123 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 7.9 l/100km while the Vigus uses 7.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R810 960 for the D-Max and R459 900 for the Vigus. 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
140 kW
123 kW
Torque
450 Nm
430 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
75 l
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5265 mm
5335 mm
Width
1880 mm
1882 mm
Height
1805 mm
1834 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3150 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1995 Kg
1860 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
1060 l
915 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
4
Service Plan Distance
90000
65000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
Vigus
Value
Vigus
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
JMC Vigus
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R459 900)
Less power than rival (123 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Vigus?
The D-Max uses 7.9 l/100km and the Vigus uses 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Vigus 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 D-Max or Vigus?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Vigus delivers 123 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Vigus?
The D-Max starts from R810 960 and the Vigus from R459 900. The Vigus is cheaper by R351 060 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Vigus?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Vigus can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Vigus?
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.