VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
350 Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
9.9L/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
2500kg
0-100 km/h
—
8.5s
Engine
1898 cc
1984cc
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 110 kW while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.5 l/100km while the Tiguan uses 9.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R789 700 for the mu-X and R438 310 for the Tiguan. 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 mu-X2026 - From R789 700
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0 TSI Track + Field 4motion Tiptr 2009 - From R438 310
Performance
Power Output
110 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
350 Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
—
8.5s
Top Speed
-
207km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1898 cc
1984cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
9.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
64L
CO2 Emissions
198 g/km
234g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4457mm
Width
1870 mm
1809mm
Height
1820 mm
1686mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2604mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
200mm
Kerb Weight
2005 Kg
1609kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
2500kg
Load Capacity
795 lkg
1510kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Tiguan
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
Tiguan
Practicality
Tiguan
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lower starting price (R438 310)
Higher towing capacity (2500kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or Tiguan?
The mu-X uses 7.5 l/100km and the Tiguan uses 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The mu-X 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 mu-X or Tiguan?
The mu-X produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque while the Tiguan delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. The Tiguan is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and Tiguan?
The mu-X starts from R789 700 and the Tiguan from R438 310. The Tiguan is cheaper by R351 390 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or Tiguan?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the Tiguan can tow 2500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the Tiguan?
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.