VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
165 kW
Torque
450 Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3300 Kg
Engine
2999 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu MU-X and the Toyota Fortuner is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu MU-X delivers 140 kW while the Toyota Fortuner produces 165 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Fortuner uses 8.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R886 800 for the MU-X and R1 019 100 for the Fortuner. 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
165 kW
Torque
450 Nm
550 Nm
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
221 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4795 mm
Width
1870 mm
1855 mm
Height
1820 mm
1855 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2745 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
279 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
2195 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3300 Kg
Load Capacity
659 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
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
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ 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 MU-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Fortuner
Fuel Economy
MU-X
Value
MU-X
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R886 800)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 165 kW)
Toyota Fortuner
More powerful engine (165 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or Fortuner?
The MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the Fortuner uses 8.4 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 Fortuner?
The MU-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Fortuner delivers 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The Fortuner is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and Fortuner?
The MU-X starts from R886 800 and the Fortuner from R1 019 100. The MU-X is cheaper by R132 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MU-X or Fortuner?
The MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Fortuner can tow 3300 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MU-X or the Fortuner?
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.