Haval H9 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 63%, worth about R 117 677 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| H9 | MU-X | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 900 | R 752 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 233/m | R 13 149/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 74% |
| Value after 3 years | R 440 354 | R 558 031 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 259 546 | R 194 269 |
| Value after 5 years | R 341 997 | R 468 416 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
Haval H9 →
Haval's ladder-frame seven-seater was sold in SA from 2018 to around 2021 as a cheaper alternative to the Fortuner. Generous kit and genuine off-road ability could not offset slow sales, and it was quietly dropped. A second-generation H9 has been confirmed for a local return.
Known for: cheap fortuner-sized seven seater
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 Haval H9 or the Isuzu MU-X?
The Isuzu MU-X. It keeps about 74% of its price after three years against 63% for the Haval H9, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Haval H9 loses about R 259 546 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 Haval H9 runs about R 12 233 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.