Isuzu D-Max vs Mahindra Pik Up
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Isuzu D-Max wins on money kept: 75% retained after three years vs 70%, worth about R 132 556 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| D-Max | Pik Up | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 433 860 | R 279 999 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 583/m | R 4 894/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 87% | 84% |
| Retained after 3 years | 75% | 70% |
| Value after 3 years | R 327 503 | R 194 947 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 106 357 | R 85 052 |
| Value after 5 years | R 277 709 | R 158 552 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Mainstream |
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
Mahindra Pik Up →
Few bakkies offer as much metal for the money as the Pik Up, on sale here since 2006 as the Scorpio Pik Up before the shorter name arrived with the 2017 update. It is regularly South Africa's best-selling Indian vehicle and undercuts a comparable Hilux or Ranger by a wide margin. Resale has firmed up as the dealer network and parts supply have grown.
Known for: most affordable proper one-ton bakkie
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Isuzu D-Max or the Mahindra Pik Up?
The Isuzu D-Max. It keeps about 75% of its price after three years against 70% for the Mahindra Pik Up, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Isuzu D-Max loses about R 106 357 over three years and the Mahindra Pik Up loses about R 85 052. 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 Isuzu D-Max runs about R 7 583 per month and the Mahindra Pik Up about R 4 894, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.