VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
100 kW
Torque
450 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1650 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
11.4 s
Engine
2999 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu MU-X and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu MU-X delivers 140 kW while the KIA Sportage produces 100 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Sportage uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 032 190 for the MU-X and R790 995 for the Sportage. 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
100 kW
Torque
450 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.4 s
Top Speed
—
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4515 mm
Width
1870 mm
1865 mm
Height
1820 mm
1650 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2680 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
2110 Kg
1493 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
571-1760 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1650 Kg
Load Capacity
629 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
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
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
6
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R790 995)
Less power than rival (100 kW vs 140 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or Sportage?
The MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the Sportage uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 Sportage?
The MU-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Sportage delivers 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The MU-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and Sportage?
The MU-X starts from R1 032 190 and the Sportage from R790 995. The Sportage is cheaper by R241 195 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MU-X or Sportage?
The MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Sportage can tow 1650 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MU-X or the Sportage?
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.