Verdict
For just RM1,045 more, the Isuzu D-MAX brings 161 hp, 400 Nm, six manual gears, all-wheel drive and stability control, against the Maxus V80’s 136 hp, 330 Nm, five-speed manual and front-wheel drive. That is the stronger choice where traction and pulling response matter. The Maxus is the more substantial commercial body, at 5,700 mm long and 2,383 mm wide versus 5,330 mm and 1,810 mm, while adding rear parking sensors and rear air-con vents. Its 9.1 L/100 km rated economy is useful, but no equivalent figure is stated for the D-MAX.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if you want 400 Nm, a six-speed manual, all-wheel drive, stability control and a five-year/150,000-km warranty.
Pick the Maxus V80 if you need the larger 5,700-mm-long commercial body, rear parking sensors and rear air-con vents.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121; Maxus V80 RM102,076.
- Power and torque: Isuzu D-MAX 161 hp and 400 Nm; Maxus V80 136 hp and 330 Nm.
- Transmission and driveline: Isuzu D-MAX six-speed manual with all-wheel drive; Maxus V80 five-speed manual with front-wheel drive.
- Body size: Isuzu D-MAX 5,330 mm long and 1,810 mm wide; Maxus V80 5,700 mm long and 2,383 mm wide.
- Warranty: Isuzu D-MAX five years/150,000 km; Maxus V80 three years/100,000 km.
- Road tax: Isuzu D-MAX RM571 per year; Maxus V80 RM839 per year.
D-MAX
- 161 hp and 400 Nm
- Six-speed manual and all-wheel drive
- Stability control; five-year/150,000-km warranty
- No rear parking sensors or rear air-con vents
- Two speakers versus the Maxus V80’s four
V80
- Larger 5,700-mm-long, 2,383-mm-wide body
- Rear parking sensors and rear air-con vents
- Rated fuel economy of 9.1 L/100 km
- 136 hp and 330 Nm trail the D-MAX’s 161 hp and 400 Nm
- Five-speed manual and front-wheel drive versus six-speed and all-wheel drive
- No stability control; shorter three-year/100,000-km warranty
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121 | RM102,076✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Commercial |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Commercial |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571✓ | RM839 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve, common-rail direct fuel injection, turbodiesel |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | 2,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp✓ | 136 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 330 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 17.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 5 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 9.1 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,700 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 2,383 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 2,552 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 6 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 215/75R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 215/75R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full-size 16" Steel |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | — |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Two Windows |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | — |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 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 D-MAX & V80 for sale
D-MAX vs V80 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or Maxus V80 better?
The D-MAX is better for drivetrain strength and ownership cover, with 400 Nm, all-wheel drive, stability control and a five-year/150,000-km warranty. The V80 suits buyers prioritising a much larger commercial body and rear parking sensors.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX costs RM1,045 more than the Maxus V80. That small gap brings 25 hp more, 70 Nm more torque, a six-speed manual, all-wheel drive and stability control.
Which one has the stronger drivetrain?
The Isuzu D-MAX does. Its 2.2-litre turbodiesel makes 161 hp and 400 Nm, sent through a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive; the V80 has 136 hp, 330 Nm, a five-speed manual and front-wheel drive.