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

Overall Comparison Score

D-Max

67

🏆 Winner

5 Point Difference

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Navara

62

Executive Summary

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

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Navara (+3)

Efficiency D-Max (+8)

Safety Equal

Practicality Equal

Ownership Equal

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

D-Max

Pros

Better fuel efficiency

Cons

Less powerful engine setup

Best For: Fuel Efficiency

Navara

Pros

More powerful engine output

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: Highway Driving

Who Should Buy What?

D-Max

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Navara

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

Category Breakdown

D-Max

Performance – 12/20

Efficiency – 8/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 9/20

Ownership – 20/20

Navara

Performance – 15/20

Efficiency – 0/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 9/20

Ownership – 20/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Ground Clearance	235	225
Wheelbase	3125	3150
Length	5310	5330
Width	1870	1850
Height	1810	1810
Kerb Weight	1950	1985
Gross Vehicle Weight	3050	3150
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	0
Towing Capacity	3000	3500

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Engine	1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel	2.5L Turbo Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled
Displacement	1898	2488
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	140
Torque	350	450
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed	175	185
0-100 km/h	12.3	10.5

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	7-Speed Automatic
Drive Type	4x2	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Mechanical Limited Slip	Electronic Differential Lock
Transfer Case	None	None

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Claimed Mileage	13.8	13.5
City Mileage	10	10.2
Highway Mileage	14	14.2
Fuel Tank Capacity	76	80
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Airbags	6	6
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	Navara
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not 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	Optional
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Seat Material	Premium Fabric	Leather
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Driver Height Adjustable
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Rack and Pinion Power Steering	Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Standard

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Dual Zone Automatic
Power Windows	All Windows	Front and Rear
Keyless Entry	Remote Key	Smart Key
Push Button Start	Not Available	Standard
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Optional
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Optional

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Wireless
Android Auto	Standard	Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Smartphone Based	Standard

Spec	D-Max	Navara
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Standard	Front and Rear
Roof Rails	Standard	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	18-inch Dual Tone Alloy

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Approach Angle	29	30
Departure Angle	25	25
Wading Depth	600	600
Terrain Modes	None	None
Locking Differential	Rear Differential Lock	Electronic Rear Lock

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Tyre Size	255/65 R17	255/60 R18
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum

Spec	D-Max	Navara
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Multi-Link Coil Spring
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	High Strength Ladder Frame

Spec	D-Max	Navara
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	Navara
Warranty Years	5	6
Warranty Kilometers	120000	150000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	6 Years

Spec	D-Max	Navara
CO2 Emissions	210	220
Start Stop System	Standard	Standard
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Final Verdict

In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Navara 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 Navara scores 0 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

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

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

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

Performance category shows D-Max scoring 12 compared to Navara scoring 15, 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 Navara in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: D-Max scores 12 vs 15.

Efficiency: D-Max scores 8 vs 0.

Safety: D-Max scores 18 vs 18.

Practicality: D-Max scores 9 vs 9.

Ownership: D-Max scores 20 vs 20.

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