VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
122 kW
Torque
450 Nm
245 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
—
Towing
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
2694 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu D-Max and the Toyota Hilux is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu D-Max delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Hilux produces 122 kW. Pricing starts at R948 930 for the D-Max and R469 200 for the Hilux. 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
122 kW
Torque
450 Nm
245 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2694 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
212 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5333 mm
5325 mm
Width
1880 mm
1800 mm
Height
1805 mm
1795 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3085 mm
Ground Clearance
232 mm
269 mm
Kerb Weight
2075 Kg
1631 Kg
Doors
4
2
Seats
5
2
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
974 l
995 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
3
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
9 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu D-Max
2 / 4 categories
Performance
D-Max
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Hilux
Practicality
D-Max
Pros & Cons
Isuzu D-Max
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
Toyota Hilux
Lower starting price (R469 200)
Less power than rival (122 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the D-Max or Hilux?
The D-Max produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Hilux delivers 122 kW and 245 Nm of torque. The D-Max is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D-Max and Hilux?
The D-Max starts from R948 930 and the Hilux from R469 200. The Hilux is cheaper by R479 730 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D-Max or Hilux?
The D-Max has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Hilux 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 Hilux?
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.