VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
154 kW
Torque
450 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.4 s
Engine
2999 cc
2151 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the KIA Tasman is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the KIA Tasman produces 154 kW. On fuel, the D-Max returns 8.1 l/100km while the Tasman uses 7.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R900 310 for the D-Max and R879 995 for the Tasman. 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 LSE 4x4 A/T D/C P/U 2026 - From R900 310
KIA Tasman2.2d SX P/U D/C A/T 4x4 2026 - From R879 995
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
154 kW
Torque
450 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.4 s
Top Speed
-
185 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2151 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
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
212 g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5410 mm
Width
1880 mm
1930 mm
Height
1805 mm
1930 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
232 mm
224 mm
Kerb Weight
2070 Kg
2278 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
1173 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
970 lkg
1008 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
8
6
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
6yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Tasman
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tasman
Fuel Economy
Tasman
Value
Tasman
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 154 kW)
Higher starting price
KIA Tasman
More powerful engine (154 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R879 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or Tasman?
The D-Max uses 8.1 l/100km and the Tasman uses 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Tasman 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 Tasman?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Tasman delivers 154 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The Tasman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Tasman?
The D-Max starts from R900 310 and the Tasman from R879 995. The Tasman is cheaper by R20 315 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Tasman?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Tasman can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D-Max or the Tasman?
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