Verdict
The Isuzu D-MAX is the more rational work-focused buy at RM103,121, undercutting the RM123,800 Foton Tunland by RM20,679. Both make 161 hp and 400 Nm through all-wheel drive, but the D-MAX is 355 kg lighter at 1,805 kg. The Tunland justifies its higher asking price with four doors, five seats, an eight-speed ZF automatic and a far richer cabin: 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and rear air vents. For Malaysian buyers carrying people as well as kit, the Foton is markedly more usable; the two-seat D-MAX is the cheaper, simpler tool.
Pick the Foton Tunland if you need a five-seat, four-door pickup with an eight-speed automatic and substantially more cabin equipment.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if a RM20,679 lower price, 1,805 kg kerb weight and a straightforward six-speed manual matter more than passenger space.
Key differences
- Price: Foton Tunland RM123,800; Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121.
- Kerb weight: Foton Tunland 2,160 kg; Isuzu D-MAX 1,805 kg.
- Cabin capacity: Foton Tunland has 4 doors and 5 seats; Isuzu D-MAX has 2 doors and 2 seats.
- Transmission: Foton Tunland 8-speed ZF automatic; Isuzu D-MAX 6-speed manual.
- Length: Foton Tunland 5,617 mm; Isuzu D-MAX 5,330 mm.
- Warranty: Foton Tunland 7 years/200,000 km; Isuzu D-MAX 5 years/150,000 km.
Tunland
- Four doors and five seats
- 8-speed ZF automatic transmission
- 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay
- RM20,679 more expensive
- 355 kg heavier at 2,160 kg
D-MAX
- RM20,679 lower purchase price
- 355 kg lighter at 1,805 kg
- RM571 annual road tax listed
- Two doors and two seats only
- 6-speed manual instead of an 8-speed automatic
- Five-year/150,000 km warranty is shorter
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM123,800 | RM103,121✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM571 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve, DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbo, 48-volt Mild Hybrid Assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection |
| Capacity | — | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 161 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel Hybrid/REV | Diesel |
| Bore | — | 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 8AT | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,617 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 2,090 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,955 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,355 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | 2,160 kg | 1,805 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 76 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 265/70R18 | 205R16C |
| Rear Tyre | 265/70R18 | 205R16C |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size Spare | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Giti AT71 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Steering | Hydraulic Power Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | — |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, 4-speaker Sound System | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up & Down | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key Ignition |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 200,000 km✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 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 Tunland & D-MAX for sale
Tunland vs D-MAX FAQ
Is the Foton Tunland or Isuzu D-MAX better?
The Foton Tunland is better for carrying passengers and daily comfort, with five seats, four doors and an 8-speed automatic. The Isuzu D-MAX is better if you want the lower-cost, lighter two-seat work pickup.
What is the price difference?
The Foton Tunland costs RM20,679 more than the Isuzu D-MAX: RM123,800 versus RM103,121.
Which pickup is larger?
The Foton Tunland is larger in every listed exterior dimension: 5,617 mm long, 2,090 mm wide and 1,955 mm tall, against the D-MAX at 5,330 mm, 1,810 mm and 1,770 mm.