Leading 2025 Dual-Cab Utes: Optimal Value for Your Money
In the world of pickup trucks, six models stand out for their impressive features and capabilities. This detailed comparison focuses on key specs for the 2025 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider, JAC T9 Haven, LDV T60 Max Mega Tub Plus, GWM Cannon Ultra, KGM Musso Ultimate XLV, and Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R.
| Model | Price (approx.) | Drivetrain | Fuel Economy / CO2 | Dimensions (LxWxH) & Tray | Towing Capacity | Warranty & Service | Roadside Assistance | Overall Value | |----------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Isuzu D-Max X-Rider | R 599,990 - R 673,800 (~$57,990) | 4x4 with 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel (140kW, 450Nm) | Efficient 3.0L engine; low CO2 (specific figures not provided) | Double cab; praised for spacious/modern interior; good tray size | Rated around 3,500 kg towing | Strong warranty; competitive servicing intervals; detailed by Wheels as great long-term value | Likely comprehensive (typical of segment) | Awarded "Best Value Dual-Cab Ute 2025" by Wheels; praised for power, economy, safety, features, and off-road capabilities[3][4][5] | | JAC T9 Haven | Pricing details scarce in current results | 2.0L Turbo Diesel, 4x4 | Fuel economy and CO2 emissions data not present | Large double cab dimensions, competitive tray size | Tow rating approx. 3,000 kg (typical) | Warranty/service unspecified | Unknown | Known for affordability and features, but less tested/reviewed in local markets, limiting value insight | | LDV T60 Max Mega Tub Plus| Around R 600k (market estimate) | 2.8L Turbo Diesel, 4x4 | Decent economy, CO2 data limited | Largest tray in segment; spacious cabin | Towing up to 3,200 kg | 5-year/100,000 km warranty typical | Generally includes roadside assistance | Strong utility focus; value depends on usage style; often praised for load space but average refinement | | GWM Cannon Ultra | R 600,000 region (estimated) | 2.4L Turbo Diesel, 4x4 | Average fuel economy for class | Mid-sized tray; decent interior | Towing approx. 3,000 kg | 5-year warranty typical; service intervals competitive | Included in warranty package | Strong regional player; good value for price, but less refined than Japanese rivals | | KGM Musso Ultimate XLV | Estimated R 650,000+ | 2.0L Turbo Diesel, 4x4 | Fuel and CO2 data limited | Larger cabin, premium features | Towing rated around 3,500 kg | 5-year warranty; extended service intervals common | Usually available roadside assistance | Considered a premium choice with solid features and performance, provides good value in premium ute segment | | Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R| Approximately R 620,000 (typical) | 2.4L Turbo Diesel, 4x4 | Good fuel efficiency; CO2 typically low | Compact double cab, decent tray size | Towing capacity ~3,100-3,200 kg | Long warranty; 15,000 km service intervals | Roadside assistance included | Well-rounded popular ute; reliable, efficient, and balanced; offers strong value in terms of reputation and service coverage |
Key Insights:
- Price: The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider and similar trucks cluster in the R600k range, with some models like the JAC T9 Haven and GWM Cannon Ultra slightly less documented but generally competitive on price.
- Drivetrain & Performance: Isuzu’s 3.0L turbo diesel engine is highly praised for balance of power (140kW, 450Nm) and fuel efficiency, often considered superior to competitors' 2.0-2.8L engines.
- Fuel Economy & CO2 Emissions: Specific figures for CO2 emissions are scarce, but the Isuzu is noted for modern engine efficiency. Other models offer average economy typical of modern turbodiesels.
- Dimensions & Utility: LDV T60 Max Mega Tub Plus excels in tray size, making it ideal for heavy-duty load needs. Isuzu and KGM Musso focus on balanced cabin comfort and tray utility.
- Towing Capacity: Most utes tow between 3,000 kg and 3,500 kg, with Isuzu and KGM Musso at the higher end, making them suitable for heavier trailers.
- Warranty & Servicing: LDV, GWM, KGM, and Mitsubishi typically offer 5 years warranty; the Isuzu has strong servicing intervals contributing to long-term value. Roadside assistance is mostly included.
- Overall Value: According to the Wheels Best Ute Awards 2025, the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is the standout for best value, combining advanced features, safety, efficiency, and owner satisfaction[4]. Mitsubishi Triton and KGM Musso are noted for reliability and premium attributes, while LDV and GWM offer cost-effective utility.
Limitations:
- Exact CO2 emissions, fuel consumption figures, and detailed warranty/service specifics for some competitors were not found in the current data.
- Some pricing and specs are estimated based on typical market figures, as direct recent data is sparse for JAC T9 Haven, LDV T60 Max Mega Tub Plus, GWM Cannon Ultra, and KGM Musso Ultimate XLV.
This synthesized comparison shows the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider as a top contender in price, towing, efficiency, and overall ownership value, with the others offering competitive alternatives focused on either cost-efficiency (GWM, LDV) or premium features (KGM, Mitsubishi).
Additional details:
- The dimensions of the GWM Cannon Ultra are 5416-5703mm long, 1947mm wide, 1884-1997mm tall, and 3230mm long wheelbase.
- The Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R has a towing capacity of 3500kg, a GVM of 3070kg - 3200kg, and a GCM of 6210kg - 6250kg.
- The GWM Cannon Ultra comes with a 2.4L turbo-diesel engine producing 135kW/480Nm.
- The Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R comes with a five-year/100,000km warranty, extendable to 10-years/200,000km, 12 months of roadside assistance with each dealer service up to four years in total, annually/15,000km service intervals.
- The five-year service cost for the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is $2,245 ($449 per year).
- The JAC T9 is equipped with a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine producing 120kW/410Nm.
- The GWM Cannon Ultra has a towing capacity of 3200kg -3500kg, a GVM of 3050kg - 3225kg, and a GCM of 5590kg - 6300kg.
- The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider has a towing capacity of 2800kg - 3500kg, a GVM of 3000kg - 3100kg, and a GCM of 53700kg - 6000kg.
- The GWM Cannon Ultra comes with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and has annual/10,000km and then every 15,000km afterwards service intervals.
- The dimensions of the JAC T9 are 5330mm long, 1983mm wide, 1920mm tall, and 3110mm long wheelbase.
- The GWM Cannon Ultra has a price range from $44,490 drive away (Premium 4×2 single cab) to $50,990 drive away (XSR 4×4 dual cab).
- The dimensions of the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R are up to 5320mm long, 1865mm wide, 1795mm tall, and 3130mm long wheelbase.
In the broader context of the automotive industry, the comparement reveals significant overlap in price between the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider, JAC T9 Haven, and GWM Cannon Ultra, with each model fitting in the approximate R600,000 range. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R and KGM Musso Ultimate XLV are slightly pricier, roughly around R650,000 and above.
In the realm of sports, this competition between pickup trucks can be likened to different teams aiming for the top spot with their unique mix of features, capabilities, and value propositions. Certainly, each model represents a strong contender, demonstrating impressive specifications in fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and overall worth while catering to different market segments, allowing consumers to select their preferred match based on their individual requirements.