KGM Musso vs Isuzu D-Max
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.
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Price Breakdown
The KGM Musso starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu D-Max opens at $41,243. That makes the KGM Musso the more affordable entry point by $743.
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 $44,550 and $45,367 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu D-Max by roughly $2,420 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 KGM Musso features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu D-Max gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Musso stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Isuzu D-Max. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the KGM Musso gets leather upholstery while the Isuzu D-Max offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The KGM Musso uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 133kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Isuzu D-Max responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The KGM Musso has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Isuzu D-Max is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The KGM Musso measures 5,105mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 235mm shorter than the Isuzu D-Max at 5,340mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu D-Max generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu D-Max 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 12.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m 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 $2,451/year for the KGM Musso and $1,967/year for the Isuzu D-Max. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu D-Max.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (KGM Musso) vs $1,967 (Isuzu D-Max). The Isuzu D-Max saves you roughly $484 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Musso) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max). The KGM Musso has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Musso if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu D-Max if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The KGM Musso takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Isuzu D-Max will save you roughly $484 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, KGM Musso and Isuzu D-Max?
The KGM Musso is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Isuzu D-Max by $743.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu D-Max uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu D-Max all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Musso 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. The Isuzu D-Max is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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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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