Isuzu D-MAX vs Nissan NV200
Verdict
This is not a like-for-like fight: the Isuzu D-MAX is a five-seat diesel pick-up at RM92,199, while the Nissan NV200 is a two-seat petrol commercial van at RM79,800. The D-MAX gives you far more grunt, with 148 hp and 350 Nm against 108 hp and 152 Nm, plus a longer five-year warranty. The NV200 hits back with 4,200 litres of cargo space, quoted 7.1 L/100 km fuel use and a much smaller footprint for tight city work.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if you need five seats, diesel torque and a pick-up body for mixed passenger and load duties.
Pick the Nissan NV200 if your priority is cargo space, lower purchase cost and easier urban manoeuvring over passenger capacity.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RM92,199; Nissan NV200 RM79,800
- Seats: Isuzu D-MAX 5; Nissan NV200 2
- Engine output: Isuzu D-MAX 148 hp and 350 Nm; Nissan NV200 108 hp and 152 Nm
- Size: Isuzu D-MAX 5,330 mm long and 1,810 mm wide; Nissan NV200 4,400 mm long and 1,695 mm wide
- Cargo figure: Isuzu D-MAX boot space not stated; Nissan NV200 4,200 litres
- Warranty: Isuzu D-MAX 5 years; Nissan NV200 3 years
D-MAX
- Much stronger 350 Nm diesel torque
- Five seats instead of two
- Larger 76-litre fuel tank
- Costs RM12,399 more
- Longer 5,330 mm body needs more space
- No quoted fuel economy figure
NV200
- Cheaper to buy
- Huge 4,200-litre cargo space
- Lower RM120 yearly road tax
- Only two seats
- Far less torque at 152 Nm
- Shorter three-year warranty
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 92,199 | RM 79,800✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Commercial |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Commercial |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with continuously variable-valve timing control |
| Capacity | 1,898 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 148 hp✓ | 108 hp |
| Torque | 350 Nm✓ | 152 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 9.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 5MT |
| Gears | 6 | 5 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Jatco |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 7.14 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 4,400 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 2,725 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 1,220 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Boot Space | — | 4,200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/65R17 | 165/R14C |
| Rear Tyre | 255/65R17 | 165/R14C |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Duravis R611 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Ladder-frame | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 14" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 14" Steel |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Drums | Drum |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | — | Brake Assist |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Tilt-up Base | — |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | AM/FM Tuner, CD-Player with 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | — | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 399 | RM 120✓ |
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.
D-MAX vs NV200 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or Nissan NV200 better?
The Isuzu D-MAX is better for passengers and torque, with five seats and 350 Nm. The Nissan NV200 is better for cargo work, with 4,200 litres of space and a lower price.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX costs RM92,199 and the Nissan NV200 costs RM79,800, so the D-MAX is RM12,399 dearer.
Which is cheaper to run on paper?
The Nissan NV200 has the clearer running-cost case here, with 7.1 L/100 km quoted fuel use and RM120 yearly road tax. The Isuzu D-MAX has no fuel economy figure listed and road tax is RM399.