VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
125kW@6000
Torque
450 Nm
226Nm@4400
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
9.1
Towing
3500 Kg
1800
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
2999 cc
2488
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 125kW@6000. On fuel, the mu-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the X-TRAIL 2012 uses 9.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R973 700 for the mu-X and R452 000 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
125kW@6000
Torque
450 Nm
226Nm@4400
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
214
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2488
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
7.6 l/100km
9.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
65
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
214
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4635
Width
1870 mm
-1790
Height
1820 mm
1785
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
1800
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
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
Isuzu mu-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
mu-X
Fuel Economy
mu-X
Value
X-TRAIL 2012
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
NISSAN X-TRAIL 2012
Lower starting price (R452 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.1)
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 9.1 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 2012?
The mu-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the X-TRAIL 2012 delivers 125kW@6000 and 226Nm@4400 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 R973 700 and the X-TRAIL 2012 from R452 000. The X-TRAIL 2012 is cheaper by R521 700 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 1800. 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.