Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
X-Trail
64
Executive Summary
Both D-Max and X-Trail are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
D-Max
(+1)
Efficiency
D-Max
(+8)
Safety
Equal
Practicality
X-Trail
(+6)
Ownership
Equal
Pros & Cons
๐ Overall Winner
D-Max
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Cons
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
X-Trail
Pros
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best For:Family Usage
Who Should Buy What?
D-Max
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
X-Trail
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Category Breakdown
D-Max
Performance โ 12/20
Efficiency โ 8/20
Safety โ 18/20
Practicality โ 9/20
Ownership โ 20/20
X-Trail
Performance โ 11/20
Efficiency โ 0/20
Safety โ 18/20
Practicality โ 15/20
Ownership โ 20/20
Full Specification Comparison
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Ground Clearance
235
210
Wheelbase
3125
2705
Length
5310
4680
Width
1870
1840
Height
1810
1725
Kerb Weight
1950
1635
Gross Vehicle Weight
3050
2230
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
565
Towing Capacity
3000
1800
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Engine
1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Displacement
1898
2488
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
110
126
Torque
350
233
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
175
200
0-100 km/h
12.3
10.2
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
X-Tronic CVT
Drive Type
4x2
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Mechanical Limited Slip
Electronic
Transfer Case
None
None
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Claimed Mileage
13.8
13.8
City Mileage
10
10.5
Highway Mileage
14
15.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
76
60
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
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
X-Trail
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Premium Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Driver Height Adjustable
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front Heated
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
None
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Soft White Ambient Lighting
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
Dual-zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Windows
One-touch All
Keyless Entry
Remote Key
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic Glass
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Power Operated
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
8
Navigation System
Smartphone Based
Built-in Navigation
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard
Front and Rear
Roof Rails
Standard
Silver
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
18-inch Dual-tone Alloy
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Approach Angle
29
19
Departure Angle
25
23
Wading Depth
600
400
Terrain Modes
None
Standard Drive Modes
Locking Differential
Rear Differential Lock
Electronic
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Tyre Size
255/65 R17
225/60 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Independent Strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Monocoque
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
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
X-Trail
Warranty Years
5
6
Warranty Kilometers
120000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
6 Years
Spec
D-Max
X-Trail
CO2 Emissions
210
208
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Final Verdict
In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package.
However, X-Trail may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.