At a Glance
Power
110 kW
130kW@4000
Torque
350 Nm
392Nm@1800
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
6.5
Towing
2100 Kg
1600
0-100 km/h
—
9.8
Engine
1898 cc
1995
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 110 kW while the KIA Sportage produces 130kW@4000. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.5 l/100km while the Sportage uses 6.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R789 700 for the mu-X and R379 995 for the Sportage. 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
110 kW
130kW@4000
Torque
350 Nm
392Nm@1800
0-100 kph
—
9.8
Top Speed
—
194
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1898 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
6.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
58
CO2 Emissions
198 g/km
174
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4445
Width
1870 mm
1855
Height
1820 mm
1635
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2640
Ground Clearance
235 mm
172
Kerb Weight
2005 Kg
1574
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
1600
Load Capacity
795 l
1887
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
60
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (6.5)
Lower starting price (R379 995)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or Sportage?
The mu-X uses 7.5 l/100km and the Sportage uses 6.5 on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 mu-X or Sportage?
The mu-X produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque while the Sportage delivers 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and Sportage?
The mu-X starts from R789 700 and the Sportage from R379 995. The Sportage is cheaper by R409 705 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or Sportage?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the Sportage can tow 1600. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the Sportage?
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.