Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 74% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Everest | MU-X | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 825 000 | R 752 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 420/m | R 13 149/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 86% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 74% | 74% |
| Value after 3 years | R 611 958 | R 558 031 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 213 042 | R 194 269 |
| Value after 5 years | R 513 682 | R 468 416 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
Ford Everest →
Ranger-based seven seater sold here since 2009, squaring up to the Fortuner and MU-X in the ladder-frame SUV market. The current generation offers 2.0 single and bi-turbo diesels plus a 3.0 V6 diesel in Wildtrak and Platinum trim. Towing ability and family appeal keep used values firm.
Known for: ranger-based seven-seat family 4x4
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 Ford Everest or the Isuzu MU-X?
They are close to inseparable: 74% vs 74% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Everest loses about R 213 042 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 Ford Everest runs about R 14 420 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.