Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Fortuner in South Africa – Comparison

Overall Comparison Score

D-Max

67

🏆 Winner

10 Point Difference

Moderate difference between the two models.

Fortuner

57

Executive Summary

D-Max has a slight advantage, but Fortuner remains highly competitive.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Fortuner (+1)

Efficiency D-Max (+8)

Safety Fortuner (+2)

Practicality Fortuner (+3)

Ownership D-Max (+8)

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

D-Max

Pros

Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Fuel Efficiency

Fortuner

Pros

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: Highway Driving Family Usage

Who Should Buy What?

D-Max

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Fortuner

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Category Breakdown

D-Max

Performance – 12/20

Efficiency – 8/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 9/20

Ownership – 20/20

Fortuner

Performance – 13/20

Efficiency – 0/20

Safety – 20/20

Practicality – 12/20

Ownership – 12/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Ground Clearance	235	225
Wheelbase	3125	2745
Length	5310	4795
Width	1870	1855
Height	1810	1835
Kerb Weight	1950	2010
Gross Vehicle Weight	3050	2735
Seating Capacity	5	7
Boot Space	0	296
Towing Capacity	3000	2800

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Engine	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel	2.4L Turbo Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement	1898	2393
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	110
Torque	350	400
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed	175	180
0-100 km/h	12.3	11.8

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Automatic
Drive Type	4x2	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Mechanical Limited Slip	Not Available
Transfer Case	None	Not Applicable

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Claimed Mileage	13.8	13.2
City Mileage	10	9.5
Highway Mileage	14	13.5
Fuel Tank Capacity	76	80
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Airbags	6	7
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Not Available	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Not Available

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Seat Material	Premium Fabric	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Rack and Pinion Power Steering	Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual
Power Windows	All Windows	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Standard
Push Button Start	Not Available	Not Available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard
Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Smartphone Based	Optional

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Halogen Projector
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Standard	Standard
Roof Rails	Standard	Standard
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	17-inch Alloy

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Approach Angle	29	29
Departure Angle	25	25
Wading Depth	600	700
Terrain Modes	None	Not Available
Locking Differential	Rear Differential Lock	Not Available

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	265/65 R17
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Disc

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Multi-link Coil Spring
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Ladder Frame

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Low to Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	24 Months	24 Months

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
Warranty Years	5	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	100000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	3 Years

Spec	D-Max	Fortuner
CO2 Emissions	210	215
Start Stop System	Standard	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	None	Not Applicable

Final Verdict

In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Fortuner may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, D-Max performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

D-Max scores 8 while Fortuner scores 0 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, D-Max scores 18 and Fortuner scores 20. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

D-Max scores 20 versus Fortuner scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives D-Max 9 and Fortuner 12, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows D-Max scoring 12 compared to Fortuner scoring 13, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest D-Max may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. D-Max performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives D-Max the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between D-Max and Fortuner in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: D-Max scores 12 vs 13.

Efficiency: D-Max scores 8 vs 0.

Safety: D-Max scores 18 vs 20.

Practicality: D-Max scores 9 vs 12.

Ownership: D-Max scores 20 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives D-Max the advantage in this comparison.