VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
103 kW
Torque
450 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
2179 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Mahindra PIK Up is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Mahindra PIK Up produces 103 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.2 l/100km while the PIK Up uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R791 200 for the D-Max and R475 599 for the PIK Up. 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
Isuzu D-Max3.0 DDI LS 4x4 D/C P/U 2026 - From R791 200
Mahindra PIK Up2.2 Mhawk S6 Karoo DAWN 4x4 P/U S/C 2023 - From R475 599
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
103 kW
Torque
450 Nm
320 Nm
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2179 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
210 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5265 mm
5175 mm
Width
1880 mm
1820 mm
Height
1805 mm
1860 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3040 mm
Ground Clearance
227 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
2090 Kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
1070 lkg
1095 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
4
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
5yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
PIK Up
Value
PIK Up
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mahindra PIK Up
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R475 599)
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or PIK Up?
The D-Max uses 8.2 l/100km and the PIK Up uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The PIK Up 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 D-Max or PIK Up?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the PIK Up delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and PIK Up?
The D-Max starts from R791 200 and the PIK Up from R475 599. The PIK Up is cheaper by R315 601 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or PIK Up?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the PIK Up can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the PIK Up?
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