Isuzu D-Max vs Nissan NP300 Hardbody

In-depth comparison in South Africa covering price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership costs.

Isuzu D-Max

3.0 DDi Double Cab 4x4 LSE AT Diesel Automatic

Switch Variant

Change Car A

ZAR 887,000 ex-showroom

⚡ 140 kW (188 hp)

🔧 450 Nm

⛽ 12.9 km/l

Nissan NP300 Hardbody

2.5 TDi Double Cab Hi-Rider 4x4 Automatic Diesel Automatic

Change Car B

ZAR 529,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 98 kW (131 hp)

🔧 304 Nm

⛽ 11.4 km/l

＋

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Quick Winners

⚡ Performance D-Max

⛽ Mileage Tie

🔑 Ownership D-Max

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

D-Max

/ 100

+20

pts

NP300 Hardbody

/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

Executive Summary

D-Max holds a noticeable edge over NP300 Hardbody, especially in key ownership areas.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance D-Max +5 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety D-Max +6 pts

Practicality D-Max +1 pts

Ownership D-Max +8 pts

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

D-Max

Performance 15/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 9/20

Ownership 20/20

NP300 Hardbody

Performance 10/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 12/20

Practicality 8/20

Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

D-Max

Pros

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value

Cons

No major weaknesses identified

Best For: Highway Driving Family Usage

NP300 Hardbody

Pros

No major strengths identified

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: General Use

Who Should Buy Which?

D-Max

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

NP300 Hardbody

Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Ground Clearance	240	215
Wheelbase	3125	2500
Length	5310	4875
Width	1870	1760
Height	1810	1655
Kerb Weight	2050	1395
Gross Vehicle Weight	3100	2400
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	Not Applicable
Towing Capacity	3500	2500
Front Track Width	-	1495
Rear Track Width	-	1490
Turning Radius	-	5.8
Load Bed Length	-	1907
Load Bed Width	-	1454

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Engine	3.0L Ddi Turbo Diesel	2.5L Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement	2999	2488
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	140	98
Torque	450	304
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed	180	168
0-100 km/h	10.8	12.5
Power @ RPM	-	3600 rpm
Torque @ RPM	-	1750-2500 rpm
Turbocharger	-	Single Turbo
Compression Ratio	-	17.5:1
Engine Position	-	Front Longitudinal

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Drive Type	4x2	4WD
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	Part-Time 4WD
LSD Available	Mechanical Limited Slip	Not Available
Transfer Case	None	Standard
Paddle Shifters	-	Not Available
Differential Lock	-	Rear Lock

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Claimed Mileage	12.9	11.4
City Mileage	9	9
Highway Mileage	13	12
Fuel Tank Capacity	76	75
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	-	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Airbags	6	4
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	Standard	Not Available
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	-	Standard
Alarm System	-	Standard
Central Locking	-	Standard
Side Impact Beams	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Cruise Control	Standard	Not Available
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	Not Available
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	-	Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert	-	Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
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	Hydraulic Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available
Folding Rear Seats	-	60/40 Split
Front Armrest	-	Standard
Rear Armrest	-	Standard

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Climate Control	Automatic	Manual AC
Power Windows	All Windows	Front
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Not Available
Push Button Start	Standard	Not Available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	-	Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	-	Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	7-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard
Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	4
Navigation System	Built-in GPS	Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster	-	Not Available
USB Ports	-	1
Wireless Apple CarPlay	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	Not Available
Fog Lamps	Standard	Standard
Roof Rails	Standard	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch Alloy	Steel Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish	-	Not Available
Body Cladding	-	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Approach Angle	30	29
Departure Angle	25	23
Wading Depth	800	600
Terrain Modes	None	Not Available
Locking Differential	Rear Differential Lock	Rear
Underbody Protection	-	Partial

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Tyre Size	265/60 R18	235/75 R15
Wheel Type	Alloy	Steel
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum
Spare Wheel Type	-	Full Size Steel Under-bed

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Leaf Spring
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Ladder Frame
Power Steering	-	Hydraulic
Steering Column	-	Tilt Adjustable

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Approx R3,500
Battery Warranty	24 Months	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	-	Not Available

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
Warranty Years	5	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	100000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	-	6 Years

Specification	D-Max	NP300 Hardbody
CO2 Emissions	225	228
Start Stop System	Standard	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	None	Not Applicable
Noise Level	-	74

Final Verdict

🏆 Isuzu D-Max wins with 69 pts vs 49 pts for NP300 Hardbody

In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package. However, NP300 Hardbody 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 7 while NP300 Hardbody scores 7 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, D-Max scores 18 and NP300 Hardbody scores 12. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

D-Max scores 20 versus NP300 Hardbody scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives D-Max 9 and NP300 Hardbody 8, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows D-Max scoring 15 compared to NP300 Hardbody scoring 10, 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 NP300 Hardbody in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: D-Max scores 15 vs 10.

Efficiency: D-Max scores 7 vs 7.

Safety: D-Max scores 18 vs 12.

Practicality: D-Max scores 9 vs 8.

Ownership: D-Max scores 20 vs 12.

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

Isuzu D-Max vs Nissan NP300 Hardbody

Isuzu D-Max

Nissan NP300 Hardbody

Quick Winners

Overall Comparison Score

D-Max

NP300 Hardbody

Executive Summary

Key Differences At A Glance

Category Score Breakdown

D-Max

NP300 Hardbody

Pros & Cons

D-Max

NP300 Hardbody

Who Should Buy Which?

D-Max

NP300 Hardbody

Full Specification Comparison

Final Verdict

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Comparison Analysis