Verdict
The Isuzu D-MAX RG is the cheaper work-truck entry at RM88,599, while the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 costs RM103,121 for a 2,164 cc diesel with 161 hp and 400 Nm, against 1,898 cc, 148 hp and 350 Nm. That RM14,522 gap also brings foglamps, Bluetooth/USB audio and reach-adjustable steering. Both remain 1,805 kg, two-seat manual pickups on 16-inch steel wheels, so payload-related advantages cannot be assumed from these figures. For a Malaysian buyer, the newer truck's RM571 annual road tax versus RM399 also matters.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG if the lower RM88,599 entry price, RM399 road tax and hill descent control matter more than extra diesel torque.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 if you want 400 Nm, 161 hp, front foglamps and Bluetooth/USB connectivity in the same basic two-seat manual-pickup format.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RG RM88,599; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 RM103,121.
- Engine: Isuzu D-MAX RG 1,898 cc; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 2,164 cc.
- Output: Isuzu D-MAX RG 148 hp and 350 Nm; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 161 hp and 400 Nm.
- Road tax: Isuzu D-MAX RG RM399 per year; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 RM571 per year.
- Length: Isuzu D-MAX RG 5,325 mm; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 5,330 mm.
- Power sockets: Isuzu D-MAX RG two front sockets; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 one front socket.
RG
- RM14,522 lower purchase price
- RM172 lower annual road tax
- Hill descent control and airbag disable function
- 148 hp and 350 Nm trail the facelift's 161 hp and 400 Nm
- No front foglamps, Bluetooth or USB audio
- No tilt or telescopic steering adjustment
RG Facelift 2
- 161 hp and 400 Nm from the 2,164 cc diesel
- Front foglamps and Bluetooth/USB audio
- Tilt-and-telescopic steering plus driver's seat height adjustment
- RM14,522 higher purchase price
- RM571 annual road tax versus RM399
- No hill descent control or airbag disable function
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM88,599✓ | RM103,121 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM399✓ | 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 | 1,898 cc | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 148 hp at 3,600 rpm | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 350 Nm at 1,800 rpm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 80 mm × 94.4 mm | 80 mm × 94.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6MT | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,325 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 | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-Point | 2 Three-point |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Hill Descent Control | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 1-DIN Radio/CD Player with 2 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | 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
RG vs RG Facelift 2 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX RG or Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 better?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 is better for performance and daily cabin usability, with 161 hp, 400 Nm, foglamps and Bluetooth/USB. Choose the Isuzu D-MAX RG if lower upfront and annual costs matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 costs RM14,522 more than the Isuzu D-MAX RG. Its annual road tax is also RM172 higher, at RM571 rather than RM399.
Do they use the same gearbox and four-wheel-drive system?
Yes. Both use a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. They also share an 1,805 kg weight, 3,125 mm wheelbase, 76-litre fuel tank, double-wishbone front suspension and rear leaf springs.
