Ford Ranger vs Isuzu D-Max
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 75% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Ranger | D-Max | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 590 000 | R 433 860 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 10 312/m | R 7 583/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 86% | 87% |
| Retained after 3 years | 74% | 75% |
| Value after 3 years | R 437 949 | R 327 503 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 152 051 | R 106 357 |
| Value after 5 years | R 369 133 | R 277 709 |
| Our tier | Strong mainstream | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
Ford Ranger →
South Africa's second best selling bakkie and the closest thing the Hilux has to a genuine rival, built at Silverton in Pretoria and exported worldwide. The range runs from single cab workhorses to the V6 Wildtrak and the 292 kW petrol Raptor. Resale values are among the strongest of any locally sold vehicle.
Known for: sa-built bakkie with hilux-rivalling resale
Isuzu D-Max →
Locally built in Gqeberha, the D-Max name replaced the long-running KB badge in 2018 and an all-new generation followed in 2022. It sits alongside the Hilux and Ranger among SA's top-selling bakkies and holds value well thanks to its fleet and farming following. The 3.0 diesel in particular has a reputation for going huge mileages without drama.
Known for: unbreakable workhorse reputation and strong resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Ranger or the Isuzu D-Max?
They are close to inseparable: 74% vs 75% 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 Ranger loses about R 152 051 over three years and the Isuzu D-Max loses about R 106 357. 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 Ranger runs about R 10 312 per month and the Isuzu D-Max about R 7 583, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.