Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Isuzu MU-X
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Isuzu MU-X wins on money kept: 74% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 312 167 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Trailblazer | MU-X | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 464 000 | R 752 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 8 110/m | R 13 149/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 74% |
| Value after 3 years | R 245 864 | R 558 031 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 218 136 | R 194 269 |
| Value after 5 years | R 180 171 | R 468 416 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
Chevrolet Trailblazer →
Built in Port Elizabeth, the Trailblazer was a credible Fortuner rival with 2.5 and 2.8 Duramax diesels plus a 3.6 petrol early on. The 2016 facelift range ran from R464 000 to R623 200. Values dipped when GM left but parts obligations passed to Isuzu Motors SA, which softened the blow.
Known for: sa-built fortuner rival with strong diesels
Isuzu MU-X →
Isuzu's D-Max-based seven-seater arrived in South Africa in 2018 to take on the Fortuner and Everest. It sells in smaller volumes than the Toyota but has a loyal following among towing and touring buyers. Ladder-frame toughness and diesel-only engines help it retain value in the used market.
Known for: fortuner-rivalling seven-seat diesel 4x4
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chevrolet Trailblazer or the Isuzu MU-X?
The Isuzu MU-X. It keeps about 74% of its price after three years against 53% for the Chevrolet Trailblazer, a gap of 21 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chevrolet Trailblazer loses about R 218 136 over three years and the Isuzu MU-X loses about R 194 269. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Chevrolet Trailblazer runs about R 8 110 per month and the Isuzu MU-X about R 13 149, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.