Isuzu D-Max vs Nissan Navara
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
| D-Max | Navara | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 433 860 | R 433 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 583/m | R 7 577/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 87% | 87% |
| Retained after 3 years | 75% | 75% |
| Value after 3 years | R 327 503 | R 327 231 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 106 357 | R 106 269 |
| Value after 5 years | R 277 709 | R 277 479 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
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
Nissan Navara →
Navara has been Nissan's one-ton bakkie in SA since the D40 arrived in 2006 with car-like refinement. The current generation has been built at Rosslyn since 2021 and uses coil-sprung rear suspension on double cabs. It undercuts the Hilux and Ranger on price but trails them on resale.
Known for: coil-sprung comfort and rosslyn build
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Isuzu D-Max or the Nissan Navara?
They are close to inseparable: 75% 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 Isuzu D-Max loses about R 106 357 over three years and the Nissan Navara loses about R 106 269. 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 Isuzu D-Max runs about R 7 583 per month and the Nissan Navara about R 7 577, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.