Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota Fortuner
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
| MU-X | Fortuner | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 752 300 | R 692 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 149/m | R 12 109/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 86% | 87% |
| Retained after 3 years | 74% | 75% |
| Value after 3 years | R 558 031 | R 522 966 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 194 269 | R 169 834 |
| Value after 5 years | R 468 416 | R 443 454 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
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
Toyota Fortuner →
Built locally on the Hilux platform, the Fortuner has led the adventure SUV segment since 2006. It tows, goes off-road and handles daily family duty, which is exactly the combination South Africans buy. Used values are among the strongest of any SUV in the country.
Known for: hilux-based suv dominance
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Isuzu MU-X or the Toyota Fortuner?
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 Isuzu MU-X loses about R 194 269 over three years and the Toyota Fortuner loses about R 169 834. 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 MU-X runs about R 13 149 per month and the Toyota Fortuner about R 12 109, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.