Isuzu D-Max (2020) vs Nissan Navara (2022)
Which Double Cab Is the Better Buy in South Africa?
Buy the 2020 Isuzu D-Max if reliability, cheap parts and resale confidence matter most. The Isuzu D-Max vs Nissan Navara fight comes down to a stubborn, proven workhorse against a comfier, more modern-riding bakkie. On paper, the 2022 Navara rides better. In the real world, the D-Max is the safer money.
The verdict: which should you buy?
For most South African buyers the 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Ride is the better used purchase, and the reason is money, not emotion. The D-Max wins on parts availability beyond the major centres, repair simplicity and a resale reputation that refuses to fall over. Its 2.5-litre turbodiesel is old-school and unstressed, which is exactly why buyers trust it. The 2022 Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi SE 4x4 counters with the best ride in the class, thanks to its coil-sprung multi-link rear, a nicer cabin and standard 4x4 on this variant. If you tow, commute long distances and value comfort, the Navara is genuinely more pleasant to live with. It just carries more unknowns on long-term parts and depreciation. Best for (D-Max): the value buyer, the fleet operator, the rural owner. Best for (Navara): the family buyer who prioritises ride quality and 4x4 ability.
Summary
- Who should buy the D-Max: the buyer who wants low running costs, easy repairs, wide parts availability and strong resale, and who does not mind a firmer ride.
- Who should buy the Navara: the buyer who values ride comfort, a modern cabin and standard 4x4 traction, and who is comfortable with a slightly narrower support network.
- Overall winner: Isuzu D-Max, on total cost of ownership and resale confidence.
- The main trade-off: you give up the Navara's superior ride and 4x4 hardware to get the D-Max's lower ownership risk.
- Our confidence in this verdict: Moderate. Spec and pricing data is well supported. Long-term reliability and real-world fuel figures rely on owner sentiment, which is directional.
Quick verdict table
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | D-Max | Lowest ownership risk, strong resale |
| Best driving experience | Navara | Coil-rear ride comfort |
| Lowest fuel costs | Draw | Both mid-4 to low-5 range unconfirmed |
| Best interior quality | Navara | More modern, car-like cabin |
| Strongest reliability | D-Max | Proven, simple diesel reputation |
| Highest resale value | D-Max | Trade guides favour Isuzu retention |
| Lowest total running costs | D-Max | Cheaper parts, simpler repairs |
| Best first bakkie | D-Max | Cheaper to run and insure, easy to sell |
| Best value for money | D-Max | More predictable long-term spend |
| Best for towing | Navara | Strong torque, composed loaded ride |
| Best for gravel roads | Draw | Both proven, trim-dependent |
Specifications table
Model years and trims: Column A is the 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Ride A/T (RWD). Column B is the 2022 Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi SE Double Cab 4x4 (manual). Specifications vary by model year and trim, confirm with an authorised dealer.
| Specification | Isuzu D-Max 250 HO Hi-Ride A/T | Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi SE 4x4 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbodiesel | 2.5L turbodiesel | Draw |
| Power (kW) | approx 100 kW | approx 140 kW | Navara |
| Torque (Nm) | approx 320 Nm (unconfirmed) | approx 450 Nm (unconfirmed) | Navara |
| Gearbox | 5-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | Trim-dependent |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | 4x4 | Navara |
| Fuel economy (combined l/100 km) | Quote required | Quote required | Draw |
| Boot / load bin | Full double-cab load bin | Full double-cab load bin | Draw |
| Warranty | Confirm with dealer | Confirm with dealer | Draw |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | Draw |
Note: the D-Max 250 badge here is the 2.5-litre, not the higher-output 3.0-litre. Confirm the exact derivative on the specific vehicle before buying.
SA Ownership Index (score out of 100)
Method: each vehicle is scored on eight factors weighted by importance to South African owners. Scores reflect segment trends and published data, not guaranteed outcomes for any single vehicle.
| Factor | Weight | How it is scored | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel costs | 15 | Manufacturer figures plus owner reports | Manufacturer, owner reviews |
| Reliability | 15 | Recurring owner themes | Cars.co.za, owner forums |
| Depreciation | 15 | Trade retention estimates | TransUnion, Mead & McGrouther |
| Parts availability | 10 | Dealer and aftermarket network | Dealer inventory, owner reports |
| Dealer support | 10 | Franchised network footprint | Manufacturer SA sites |
| Repair costs | 10 | Labour and parts complexity | Owner reports, workshops |
| Insurance | 10 | Quote-based perception | Broker guidance |
| Comfort | 5 | Ride and cabin assessment | Journalist assessment |
| Technology | 5 | Feature count by trim | Manufacturer specs |
| Factor | D-Max | Navara | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel costs | 12 | 11 | D-Max |
| Reliability | 14 | 12 | D-Max |
| Depreciation | 14 | 11 | D-Max |
| Parts availability | 9 | 7 | D-Max |
| Dealer support | 9 | 8 | D-Max |
| Repair costs | 9 | 7 | D-Max |
| Insurance | 8 | 8 | Draw |
| Comfort | 4 | 5 | Navara |
| Technology | 4 | 5 | Navara |
| Weighted total | 83 | 74 | D-Max |
The D-Max scores higher because its lead sits in the heavy-weighted columns. Reliability, depreciation and parts availability carry the most points, and those are the D-Max's traditional strengths. The Navara claws back in comfort and technology, but those are lightly weighted, so it cannot close the gap.
Ownership and Risk Scorecard (out of 10)
| Category | D-Max | Navara | Winner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | 8 | 7 | D-Max | Owner-reported, varies with load |
| Reliability | 9 | 7 | D-Max | Simple diesel reputation |
| Maintenance costs | 8 | 7 | D-Max | Cheaper routine parts |
| Parts availability | 9 | 7 | D-Max | Stronger in smaller towns |
| Insurance cost | 7 | 7 | Draw | Quote-based |
| Theft risk | 6 | 6 | Draw | Bakkies are a segment target |
| Hijacking risk | 6 | 6 | Draw | Segment trend, not a probability |
| Resale value | 9 | 7 | D-Max | Trade guides favour Isuzu |
| Comfort and practicality | 7 | 8 | Navara | Better rear ride |
| Technology and features | 6 | 7 | Navara | Trim-dependent |
Risk scores reflect segment trends, insurer considerations and market perception, not exact crime statistics. Actual risk varies by area, driver behaviour and security measures. Confirm premiums with your insurer.
Performance and driving experience
For daily commuting, the D-Max feels honest and unbothered. The five-speed auto shuffles gears calmly, and the 2.5 pulls cleanly from low revs, if without drama. On long-distance driving, the Navara is the more relaxed companion. Its rear coil suspension smooths out the joints and ripples that make a leaf-sprung bakkie skip.
Overtaking favours the Navara. More torque and a modern turbo delivery give it stronger mid-range punch when fully loaded. Steering feel is similar, both light and truck-like. Engine refinement is a small win for the Navara on the move, though both settle at cruising speed. Over mixed driving, the Navara is nicer, the D-Max more predictable.
Seasonal performance
| Condition | D-Max | Navara | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer heat and aircon load | Coping well (unconfirmed) | Coping well (unconfirmed) | Draw |
| Winter cold starts | Reliable diesel start | Reliable diesel start | Draw |
| Wet-road traction | Good with care | Better with 4x4 engaged | Navara |
| Spring and autumn mixed driving | Composed | More comfortable | Navara |
| Fuel economy variation | Stable | Stable | Draw |
Live seasonal test data is not available for these exact units, so these are cautious assessments, not measured results.
Pothole and poor road surface test
| Factor | D-Max | Navara | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension absorption | Firm | Softer, coil rear | Navara |
| Tyre profile suitability | Sensible | Sensible | Draw |
| Cabin rattles | Well built | Well built | Draw |
| Wheel damage risk | Moderate | Moderate | Draw |
| Comfort over poor surfaces | Firm | Better | Navara |
| Behaviour on gravel roads | Sure-footed | Sure-footed | Draw |
Practical winner: Navara, on ride comfort over broken surfaces. The coil-sprung rear is its real-world advantage here.
Unique South African buying factors
This is where the decision is actually made. Below, each factor is phrased as a question a buyer would type, with a winner and the basis of the assessment on every line.
| Factor | D-Max |
|---|
