VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
225 kW
Torque
450 Nm
—
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.
Towing
3500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
5.8 s
Engine
2999 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu MU-X and the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu MU-X delivers 140 kW while the Toyota RAV4 produces 225 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the RAV4 uses 1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3-5.8 when discharged l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R886 800 for the MU-X and R1 043 900 for the RAV4. 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
225 kW
Torque
450 Nm
—
0-100 kph
—
5.8 s
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
55 litre + 25.4 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
30-36 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4645 mm
Width
1870 mm
1880 mm
Height
1820 mm
—
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
2060 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 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
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
6 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RAV4
Fuel Economy
RAV4
Value
MU-X
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
Lower starting price (R886 800)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 225 kW)
Toyota RAV4
More powerful engine (225 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3-5.8 when discharged l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or RAV4?
The MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the RAV4 uses 1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3-5.8 when discharged l/100km on the combined cycle. The RAV4 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 RAV4?
The MU-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the RAV4 delivers 225 kW. The RAV4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and RAV4?
The MU-X starts from R886 800 and the RAV4 from R1 043 900. The MU-X is cheaper by R157 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MU-X or RAV4?
The MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the RAV4 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MU-X or the RAV4?
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.