Isuzu D-Max vs KGM Musso
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Track the Isuzu D-Max & KGM Musso
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Isuzu D-Max
- REC-006053 · published 8 Aug 2024The fuel delivery hose may have been installed incorrectly and come into contact with the engine oil level gauge bracket resulting in premature wear.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006052 · published 8 Aug 2024Due to a software issue, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce the engine speed.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005842 · published 28 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel hose may chafe against the engine oil level bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- 5 more on the model page.
KGM Musso
- REC-006327 · published 8 Apr 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, under certain driving conditions the engine cooling fan fuse may fail.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu D-Max features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the KGM Musso gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Musso counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Isuzu D-Max gets cloth upholstery while the KGM Musso offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Isuzu D-Max and 2-zone in the KGM Musso.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu D-Max uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The KGM Musso responds with a Turbo DDi Diesel making 133kW and 420Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The KGM Musso has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu D-Max measures 5,340mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 75mm shorter than the KGM Musso at 5,415mm (3,110mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu D-Max generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the KGM Musso leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.2m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Isuzu D-Max and $2,565/year for the KGM Musso. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu D-Max.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max) vs 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Musso). The KGM Musso has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu D-Max if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the KGM Musso if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Isuzu D-Max: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 60
The Isuzu D-Max comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 60), taking 1 of 3 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 29), fuel economy (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 19), value (Isuzu D-Max ahead by 19). The Isuzu D-Max will save you roughly $598 a year in fuel. The KGM Musso adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu D-Max and KGM Musso?
The Isuzu D-Max is the cheapest at $41,243 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu D-Max uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Isuzu D-Max holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for KGM Musso, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu D-Max has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Musso has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The KGM Musso makes the most power at 133kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
