Verdict
At RM108,888 versus RM109,121, the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT is the rational workhorse if you can live with a six-speed manual. It costs RM233 less yet brings 187 hp and 450 Nm, a useful 26 hp and 50 Nm over the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT. The automatic suits stop-start driving better, and its RM571 annual road tax is far kinder than RM1,638. With the same 1,805 kg kerb weight, two airbags and 76-litre tank, the auto’s tiny price premium buys convenience, not extra kit.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT if you want the lower purchase price, 187 hp and 450 Nm, and do not mind shifting gears yourself.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT if an automatic transmission and substantially lower annual road tax matter more than outright output.
Key differences
- Price: RM108,888 | RM109,121
- Annual road tax: RM1,638 | RM571
- Engine capacity: 2,999 cc | 2,164 cc
- Output: 187 hp at 3,600 rpm | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm
- Torque: 450 Nm at 1,600 rpm | 400 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual | conventional automatic
3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT
- RM233 cheaper to buy
- 26 hp more power
- 50 Nm more torque
- RM1,067 more annual road tax
- Manual transmission instead of an automatic
2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT
- Conventional automatic transmission
- RM571 annual road tax
- Only RM233 more to buy
- 26 hp less than the 3.0L
- 50 Nm less torque than the 3.0L
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM108,888✓ | RM109,121 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM1,638 | RM571✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 2,999 cc | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp at 3,600 rpm✓ | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm at 1,600 rpm✓ | 400 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 95.4 mm × 104.9 mm | 80 mm × 94.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.3 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 1,805 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 76 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 205R16C |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 205R16C |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full Size |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key Ignition |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT vs 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT or Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT better?
The 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT is better for output and purchase value, with 187 hp and 450 Nm. Choose the 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT if an automatic and RM571 annual road tax are more useful to you.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT costs RM233 more than the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT.
Does the automatic get more safety or convenience equipment?
No listed equipment advantage is shown. Both have two airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, hill start assist, manual air-con, Bluetooth audio and halogen reflector headlamps.
