VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
450 Nm
320Nm@2000
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
7.4
Towing
3500 Kg
1350
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
2999 cc
1995
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 140 kW while the NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012 produces 110kW@4000. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 7.4 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R939 500 for the mu-X and R430 700 for the X-TRAIL 2012. 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
110kW@4000
Torque
450 Nm
320Nm@2000
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
178
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
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
7.6 l/100km
7.4
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
65
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
198
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4635
Width
1870 mm
-1790
Height
1820 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
235 mm
203
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1350
Load Capacity
659 l
1773
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
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
X-TRAIL 2012
Value
X-TRAIL 2012
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012
Better fuel economy (7.4)
Lower starting price (R430 700)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or X-TRAIL 2012?
The mu-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 7.4 on the combined cycle. The X-TRAIL 2012 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 2012?
The mu-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the X-TRAIL 2012 delivers 110kW@4000 and 320Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the mu-X and X-TRAIL 2012?
The mu-X starts from R939 500 and the X-TRAIL 2012 from R430 700. The X-TRAIL 2012 is cheaper by R508 800 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 2012?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the X-TRAIL 2012 can tow 1350. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the mu-X or the X-TRAIL 2012?
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.