By Prashirwin Naidu
This one’s for the lovers of big-bodied SUVs — the segment South Africans know, love, and trust. These three are perennial favourites, each with its loyal fan base. Breaking them down into bite-sized, digestible impressions is no easy task, but here’s how they stack up in my books.
Isuzu MU-X ONYX
First up, the Isuzu MU-X ONYX. I tested the pre-facelift model — still a strong contender, though it lacks the sharper, more modern look of the newly updated 2025 version. What it does offer is classic Isuzu toughness: robust, durable, and unafraid of the rough stuff. It’s a bit old-school in feel, but that’s part of its charm.
Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport
Then there’s the Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport. I put this through its paces and, as expected, it’s powerful, responsive, and built to a recipe South Africans can’t get enough of. It’s not without its downsides — high theft risk being one — but it offers bulletproof reliability and performance that inspires confidence.
Ford Everest XLT
Lastly, the Ford Everest XLT. This one blends refinement and class with modern flair. It’s tough enough for the dirt but smart enough for the city.
Interior & Design
Design will always be subjective, but my pick of the bunch is the Ford Everest XLT. It’s mature and boxy in all the right ways, exuding charm without trying too hard. In second place, I’d put the MU-X ONYX. The spec is right, the wheels are spot-on, and those wing-shaped LEDs are a chef’s kiss — though the facelifted MU-X? Even better.
The Fortuner GR-Sport is usually where Toyota injects some style into a fairly conservative design. With GR badges and black wheels, it elevates the Fortuner’s look and gives it a more purposeful stance.
In terms of interior and build quality, the Everest XLT takes the win here. Even though it’s the entry-level Everest, it feels fresh and well-packaged, with leatherette upholstery and Ford’s excellent SYNC 4A infotainment system. You also get a full suite of driver-assist features — blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more.
The MU-X ONYX has solid build quality and a practical layout, but its 7-inch infotainment screen feels dated compared to Ford’s. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, but it’s behind the curve in both size and responsiveness.
Performance
On the road, the MU-X ONYX’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel is strong, but its soundtrack can be agricultural at times — droning, loud, and a bit clattery. It’s capable, but ride comfort isn’t as plush as its rivals. My test saw an average of 9.1 L/100 km with conservative driving.
The Fortuner GR-Sport benefits from monotube shock absorbers, which noticeably improve ride comfort and stability. It feels composed and confident, with power delivered quickly from the 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo-diesel. Fuel economy came in at 9.6 L/100 km. While it doesn’t outshine rivals across every metric, Toyota’s reliability and the GR-Sport’s added character make it a serious contender.
The Everest XLT feels the most refined of the trio. Its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel is smooth, responsive, and capable across a variety of conditions. Fuel consumption sat around 10 L/100 km during my test — not the most frugal, but the performance trade-off is worth it. It strikes a rare balance between bakkie-based toughness and SUV comfort.
Pricing (at time of testing)
- Isuzu MU-X ONYX 4×4 AT – R960,600
- 2025 MU-X ONYX facelift – ±R1,026,800
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR-Sport – R999,000
- Ford Everest XLT 4×4 – R1,017,500
It’s a tough call, but personally, I lean towards the Toyota Fortuner for its bulletproof reliability and driving comfort, or the Isuzu MU-X for its rugged charm and value. The Ford Everest XLT is the tech and comfort king, but your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritise modern refinement, legendary dependability, or unshakable toughness.
So, which would you choose?
