Isuzu has updated its best-selling D-Max series in South Africa with its most capable model yet – the D-Max Arctic AT35.
The AT35 is a limited-edition version of the double cab, developed in a partnership between Isuzu and the Icelandic company Arctic Trucks, meant to push the limits of what the 4×4 can do.
It has a starting price of just over R1.1 million, putting it in direct competition with another halo-model bakkie that launched in South Africa this year – the Ford Ranger Raptor.
This is what you can expect from the high-performance high-riders from two of the country’s biggest automakers.
Performance
The Arctic is based on the range-topping D-Max V-Cross, while the Raptor shares the same basic architecture as its Ranger siblings.
However, both vehicles have been substantially overhauled to accommodate their 4×4 enhancements, resulting in bodies with different measurements to their regular counterparts.
The Isuzu, which is locally built at the Struandale plant near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, requires a dedicated conversion centre to produce its altered body frame, which features larger wheel arches meant to accommodate a set of 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres and 17-inch black alloy rims.
It also receives specially-developed suspension and Bilstein dampers, and Artic Trucks mud flaps.
The Raptor, which is imported from Thailand, has a body that is slightly larger than the Ranger Wildtrak’s, while using smaller 17-inch alloy rims (rather than 18-inch ones) so as to accommodate chunkier Continental Grabber AT3 off-road tyres within the same wheel well.
Ford’s bakkie has also been reinforced to take additional punishment with more underbody protection as well as specialized Fox racing shocks and suspension for real-time terrain response.
Regarding the engine line-up, Isuzu has fitted the Arctic with the same 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel motor and six-speed automatic transmission used in the V-Cross, while the blue oval donated the Raptor with an all-new twin-turbo, 3.0-litre, V6 petrol plant with a 10-speed auto.
This is how those powertrains compare:
| Specification | Isuzu D-Max Arctic | Ford Ranger Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel | 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol |
| Power | 140kW | 292kW |
| Torque | 450Nm | 583Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 8.5l/100km | 11.5l/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 9.8 seconds | Under 6.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 175km/h | 180km/h |
The Ranger is significantly more powerful than the AT35 in terms of both power and torque, resulting in much faster acceleration.
The downside is that the Ford is extremely thirsty, and is drinking the more expensive petrol to boot, while the Isuzu has a usage figure much more in line with other bakkies, which is worth considering if you are planning to do hundreds of thousands of kilometres in your 4×4 of choice over the course of its life.
The engine performance is only half the story though, as there are other off-roading attributes to consider when picking a new bakkie, as shown in the table below:
| Specification | Isuzu D-Max Arctic | Ford Ranger Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,333mm | 5,360mm |
| Width | 2,040mm | 2,225mm |
| Height | 1,875mm | 1,926mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125mm | 3,270mm |
| Ground clearance | 266mm | 272mm |
| Wading depth | 865mm | 850mm |
| Approach angle | 33.0 degrees | 32.0 degrees |
| Break-over angle | 34.0 degrees | 24.0 degrees |
| Departure angle | 23.0 degrees | 27.0 degrees |
| Load capacity | 970kg | 667kg |
| Towing capacity | 3,500kg | 2,500kg |
The D-Max is slightly smaller than its rival, but both vehicles are very large and won’t be ideal for navigating tight city streets.
Ford has the edge in ground clearance, though Isuzu has the better wading figure, and both boast rather impressive off-roading angles.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Raptor, however, can be seen in its load and towing capacities, which are below average for a bakkie on account of its Fox rally suspension.
The Arctic’s suspension, on the other hand, has not impacted its utilitarian functions, leaving it with the same capabilities as the V-Cross.
In summary, the Ranger offers greater performance, while the AT35 is the more practical vehicle.
Features
As flagship models of their respective brands, both vehicles come with a generous spec sheet making life on the go that much more enjoyable.
Buyers can expect daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, side steps, a lockable rear differential, model-specific leather upholstery, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronically-adjustable seats, a wireless charger, keyless entry and start, and automatic climate control.
They also have a range of assistance features including front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera programme, hill launch and descent control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
As for where they differ, the D-Max comes with automatic LED headlights, an eight-speaker stereo, and a 9-inch media console.
In contrast, the Raptor offers a longer list of items including Matrix LED headlamps, a 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, a 12-inch vertical infotainment unit, a 12.4-inch digital driver display, parking assist, a lockable front diff, ambient cabin lighting, paddle shifters, an active exhaust system, and driving modes for Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud and Ruts, and Sand.
It also has a unique setting called “Baja Mode” which keeps the turbocharger spooled up after the accelerator is let go to eliminate turbo-lag when it is depressed again.
Pricing
The Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD AT35 4×4 has a South African starting price of R1,120,620.
This includes a 5-year/120,000km warranty and roadside assistance, and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
The Ford Ranger 3.0 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD has a local starting price of R1,184,100.
Each purchase comes with a 4-year/120,000km warranty.
Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35
Ford Ranger Raptor
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