At a Glance
Power
110 kW
135 kW
Torque
350 Nm
244 Nm
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.4 s
Engine
1899 cc
2488 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu MU-X and the Nissan X-Trail is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu MU-X delivers 110 kW while the Nissan X-Trail produces 135 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.0 l/100km while the X-Trail uses 7.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R752 400 for the MU-X and R599 900 for the X-Trail. 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
135 kW
Torque
350 Nm
244 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.4 s
Top Speed
—
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1899 cc
2488 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
174 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4680 mm
Width
1870 mm
1840-2065 mm
Height
1820 mm
1725 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2705 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
211 mm
Kerb Weight
1905 Kg
1540 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
585 / 742 / 1396 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
734 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ 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
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X-Trail
Fuel Economy
MU-X
Value
X-Trail
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 135 kW)
Higher starting price
Nissan X-Trail
More powerful engine (135 kW)
Lower starting price (R599 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or X-Trail?
The MU-X uses 7.0 l/100km and the X-Trail uses 7.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The MU-X 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 X-Trail?
The MU-X produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque while the X-Trail delivers 135 kW and 244 Nm of torque. The X-Trail is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and X-Trail?
The MU-X starts from R752 400 and the X-Trail from R599 900. The X-Trail is cheaper by R152 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MU-X or X-Trail?
The MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the X-Trail can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MU-X or the X-Trail?
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.