Isuzu D-Max vs Nissan Qashqai in South Africa – Comparison

Overall Comparison Score

D-Max

67

🏆 Winner

5 Point Difference

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Qashqai

62

Executive Summary

Both D-Max and Qashqai are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance D-Max (+2)

Efficiency Qashqai (+1)

Safety Equal

Practicality Qashqai (+4)

Ownership D-Max (+8)

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

D-Max

Pros

More powerful engine output
Better long-term ownership value

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Highway Driving

Qashqai

Pros

Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Who Should Buy What?

D-Max

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Qashqai

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
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

Qashqai

Performance – 10/20

Efficiency – 9/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 13/20

Ownership – 12/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Ground Clearance	235	180
Wheelbase	3125	2665
Length	5310	4425
Width	1870	1835
Height	1810	1625
Kerb Weight	1950	1420
Gross Vehicle Weight	3050	1950
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	504
Towing Capacity	3000	1500

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Engine	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel	1.3L Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Turbo
Displacement	1898	1332
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	110
Torque	350	250
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Top Speed	175	198
0-100 km/h	12.3	9.2

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

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Claimed Mileage	13.8	16.5
City Mileage	10	12
Highway Mileage	14	17
Fuel Tank Capacity	76	55
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Airbags	6	6
ABS	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Yes
Traction Control	Standard	Yes
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	No
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Yes
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Standard	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Not Available	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	No
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	No
Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	No
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Yes

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Seat Material	Premium Fabric	Cloth
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	No
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	No
Steering Type	Rack and Pinion Power Steering	Electric
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Standard

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Dual Zone Automatic
Power Windows	All Windows	All
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Yes
Push Button Start	Not Available	Yes
Wireless Charging	Not Available	No
Sunroof	Not Available	No
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	No

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

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Yes
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Standard	Front
Roof Rails	Standard	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	17-inch Alloy

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Approach Angle	29	18
Departure Angle	25	22
Wading Depth	600	300
Terrain Modes	None	Normal and Eco
Locking Differential	Rear Differential Lock	No

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	215/60 R17
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Disc

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Multi-Link
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Monocoque

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Low to Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	24 Months	2 Years

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
Warranty Years	5	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	90000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	3 Years

Spec	D-Max	Qashqai
CO2 Emissions	210	145
Start Stop System	Standard	Yes
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Final Verdict

In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Qashqai 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 Qashqai scores 9 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

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

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

Practicality scoring gives D-Max 9 and Qashqai 13, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows D-Max scoring 12 compared to Qashqai 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 Qashqai in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: D-Max scores 12 vs 10.

Efficiency: D-Max scores 8 vs 9.

Safety: D-Max scores 18 vs 18.

Practicality: D-Max scores 9 vs 13.

Ownership: D-Max scores 20 vs 12.

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