New Isuzu D-Max – The competitors at every price point

Isuzu’s seventh-generation D-Max, previously known as the KB, has been launched in South Africa with the double cab models starting at R498,900.

If you want the maxed-out, top-of-the-line V-Cross specification, prepare to pay a minimum of R814,700.

While the starting price of the double cab Isuzu might be higher than that of the other local favourites – such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux – its most expensive model still comes in far below that of the equivalent Ford and Toyota.

The D-Max is therefore in a perfect position to field buyers away from other manufacturers – at least for the next few months – as it launched its new-generation bakkie in South Africa before the rest.

D-Max specifications

The new Isuzu D-Max Double Cab is sold in L, LS, LSE, and V-Cross trim levels, with two turbo-diesel motors fitted throughout the range.

The L and LS are somewhat barebones, providing equipment such as a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, a 4.2-inch driver’s display, dual front airbags – and in the LS, also a 7-inch infotainment system.

Over and above this, the LSE and V-Cross see a vast array of additional niceties including a larger 9-inch display, keyless entry and start, automatic LED lights, dual-zone climate control, and parking sensors.

On the range-topper, Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assist System is also standard.

Powering the bakkies is then a 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

The units mate with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and can be had in both 4×2 and 4×4 guise.

The smaller motor puts out 110kW and 350Nm, supports a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,100kg, and carries a maximum payload of 1,000kg.

This is compared to the larger engine’s 140kW and 450Nm, 3,500kg, and 1,200kg.

The bakkies

We chose an entry-level, mid-range, and top-of-the-line Isuzu D-Max to see what’s on offer in South Africa for roughly the same price.

Click on the underlined prices to visit TopAuto Car Prices, where you can browse all the new vehicles on the local market.

Unofficial specifications are marked with *

Entry-level

Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D Double Cab GL – R480,995

Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi Double Cab Hi-Rider XL Sport – R497,630

Isuzu D-Max 1.9Ddi Double Cab HR L – R498,900

GWM P-Series 2.0TD Double Cab DLX 4×4 Auto – R500,900

Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Double Cab SE – R509,500

Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 Double Cab SR – R518,800

Mid-range (1.9-litre)

Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi Double Cab 4×4 XLS Auto – R614,800

Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D Double Cab Auto – R615,995

Mazda BT-50 1.9TD Double Cab Active – R621,100

Isuzu D-Max 1.9Ddi Double Cab 4×4 LS Auto – R629,300

Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Double Cab SE Plus 4×4 – R629,900

Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 Double Cab 4×4 Raider – R636,000

Mid-range (3.0-litre)

Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Double Cab LE 4×4 – R715,500

Isuzu D-Max 3.0Ddi Double Cab HR LSE Auto – R716,400

Ford Ranger 2.0SiT Double Cab 4×4 XLT FX4 – R718,800

Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 Double Cab Legend – R735,100

Top-of-the-line

Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Double Cab Pro-4x 4×4 – R804,500

Mazda BT-50 3.0TD Double Cab 4×4 Individual – R806,300

Isuzu D-Max 3.0Ddi Double Cab 4×4 V-Cross Auto – R814,700

Ford Ranger 2.0Bi-Turbo Double Cab 4×4 Wildtrak – R815,200

VW Amarok 2.0BiTDI Double Cab Highline 4Motion Auto – R818,100

Toyota Hilux 4.0 V6 Double Cab 4×4 Legend – R824,500