Isuzu MU-X vs Ford Puma

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

Isuzu MU-X

3.0 DDi LSE 4x4 AT Diesel Automatic

Switch Variant

Change Car A

ZAR 973,700 ex-showroom

⚡ 110 kW (148 hp)

🔧 350 Nm

⛽ 14.0 km/l

Ford Puma

1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Automatic Petrol Automatic

Change Car B

ZAR 459,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 92 kW (123 hp)

🔧 170 Nm

⛽ 16.4 km/l

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Quick Winners

⚡ Performance MU-X

⛽ Mileage Puma

🔑 Ownership MU-X

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

MU-X

/ 100

+12

pts

Puma

/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

Executive Summary

MU-X has a slight advantage, but Puma remains highly competitive.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance MU-X +4 pts

Efficiency Puma +1 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality MU-X +1 pts

Ownership MU-X +8 pts

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

MU-X

Performance 12/20

Efficiency 8/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 13/20

Ownership 20/20

Puma

Performance 8/20

Efficiency 9/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 12/20

Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

MU-X

Pros

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

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: Highway Driving Family Usage

Puma

Pros

Better fuel efficiency

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: Fuel Efficiency

Who Should Buy Which?

MU-X

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

Puma

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Ground Clearance	230	170
Wheelbase	2855	2594
Length	4850	4186
Width	1870	1805
Height	1825	1531
Kerb Weight	1950	1325
Gross Vehicle Weight	2800	1775
Seating Capacity	7	5
Boot Space	311	456
Towing Capacity	3000	1200
Front Track Width	-	1541
Rear Track Width	-	1534
Turning Radius	-	5.4

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Engine	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel	1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled	Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Displacement	1898	999
Cylinders	4	3
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	92
Torque	350	170
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Top Speed	175	185
0-100 km/h	11.8	10.5
Power @ RPM	-	6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM	-	2000-4500 rpm
Turbocharger	-	Single Turbo
Compression Ratio	-	10.5:1
Engine Position	-	Front Transverse

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic DCT
Drive Type	4x2	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Electronic Traction Control	Not Available
Transfer Case	Single Speed	Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters	-	Standard
Differential Lock	-	Not Applicable

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Claimed Mileage	14.0	16.4
City Mileage	10	12
Highway Mileage	15	18
Fuel Tank Capacity	80	42
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity	-	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	-	Standard

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Airbags	7	8
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	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Hill Start Assist	-	Standard
Alarm System	-	Standard
Central Locking	-	Standard
Side Impact Beams	-	Standard

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Cruise Control	Standard	Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Standard
Parking Sensors	Rear	Front and Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	-	Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert	-	Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition	-	Standard

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Seat Material	Leather	Sport Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment	Power Driver	Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats	Not Available	Front
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Rack and Pinion Power Steering	Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Standard	Ambient Sport Lighting
Folding Rear Seats	-	60/40 Split
Front Armrest	-	Standard
Rear Armrest	-	Standard

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Climate Control	Dual-zone Automatic	Automatic AC
Power Windows	All Windows	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Smart Key	Smart Entry
Push Button Start	Standard	Standard
Wireless Charging	Standard	Standard
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Power Operated	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	-	Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers	-	Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror	-	Standard

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Wireless
Android Auto	Standard	Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	8	6
Navigation System	Built-in GPS	Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster	-	12-inch Full Digital
USB Ports	-	3
Wireless Apple CarPlay	-	Standard

Specification	MU-X	Puma
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	LED	LED
Roof Rails	Standard	Standard
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch Alloy	19-inch Sport Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish	-	Not Available
Body Cladding	-	Standard
Rear Spoiler	-	Sport Rear Spoiler

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Approach Angle	23	-
Departure Angle	25	-
Wading Depth	800	-
Terrain Modes	Normal Mode	-
Locking Differential	Electronic Control	-

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Tyre Size	265/60 R18	225/40 R19
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type	-	Tyre Repair Kit

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	5-Link Coil Spring	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Monocoque
Power Steering	-	Electric
Steering Column	-	Tilt and Telescopic

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Approx R5,000
Battery Warranty	24 Months	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	-	Optional

Specification	MU-X	Puma
Warranty Years	5	3
Warranty Kilometers	120000	100000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	-	6 Years

Specification	MU-X	Puma
CO2 Emissions	210	118
Start Stop System	Standard	Standard
Hybrid System Type	None	Mild Hybrid
Noise Level	-	67

Final Verdict

🏆 Isuzu MU-X wins with 73 pts vs 61 pts for Puma

In structured scoring, MU-X emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Puma 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, MU-X performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

MU-X scores 8 while Puma scores 9 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, MU-X scores 20 and Puma scores 20. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

MU-X scores 20 versus Puma scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives MU-X 13 and Puma 12, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows MU-X scoring 12 compared to Puma scoring 8, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest MU-X 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. MU-X performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

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

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between MU-X and Puma in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: MU-X scores 12 vs 8.

Efficiency: MU-X scores 8 vs 9.

Safety: MU-X scores 20 vs 20.

Practicality: MU-X scores 13 vs 12.

Ownership: MU-X scores 20 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives MU-X the advantage in this comparison.

Isuzu MU-X vs Ford Puma

Isuzu MU-X

Ford Puma

Quick Winners

Overall Comparison Score

MU-X

Puma

Executive Summary

Key Differences At A Glance

Category Score Breakdown

MU-X

Puma

Pros & Cons

MU-X

Puma

Who Should Buy Which?

MU-X

Puma

Full Specification Comparison

Final Verdict

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Comparison Analysis