Isuzu NLR 45-150 vs Ford Mustang
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the Ford Mustang opens at $72,990. That makes the Isuzu NLR 45-150 the more affordable entry point by $20,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,190 and $80,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Mustang by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Mustang gets a 13.2-inch display and 12.4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Isuzu NLR 45-150 gets vinyl upholstery while the Ford Mustang offers leather accented.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout.
The Ford Mustang responds with a Petrol I4 Turbo making 232kW and 475Nm, paired to a 10-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Ford Mustang has the clear power advantage at 232kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 measures 4,735mm long on a 2,490mm wheelbase, 76mm shorter than the Ford Mustang at 4,811mm (2,719mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Mustang generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 11.5m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Isuzu NLR 45-150 and $2,679/year for the Ford Mustang. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Ford Mustang.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs $2,679 (Ford Mustang). The Ford Mustang saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 250,000km (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs 5 years (Ford Mustang). The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu NLR 45-150 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Mustang if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 and Ford Mustang trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Mustang will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu NLR 45-150 and Ford Mustang?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Mustang by $20,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Mustang uses the least fuel at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Isuzu NLR 45-150 and Ford Mustang carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Mustang makes the most power at 232kW.
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
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