Verdict
At RM103,121, the 2.2L is the rational workhorse choice: it has the same two-seat single-cab body, six-speed manual and core safety kit, while its 400 Nm is hardly modest. The RM5,767 step to the RM108,888 3.0L buys 26 hp and 50 Nm, lifting outputs to 187 hp and 450 Nm without adding listed equipment. Factor in annual road tax of RM1,638 versus RM571. For frequent heavy-load or hill work, the 3.0L’s extra shove can justify the running-cost hit; otherwise, take the 2.2L.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab MT if lower upfront cost and RM571 annual road tax matter more than 26 hp and 50 Nm.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT if you need 187 hp and 450 Nm for tougher work and accept the higher purchase price and road tax.
Key differences
- Price: 2.2L RM103,121; 3.0L RM108,888
- Engine capacity: 2.2L 2,164 cc; 3.0L 2,999 cc
- Power: 2.2L 161 hp; 3.0L 187 hp
- Torque: 2.2L 400 Nm; 3.0L 450 Nm
- Annual road tax: 2.2L RM571; 3.0L RM1,638
- Bore: 2.2L 80 mm; 3.0L 95.4 mm
2.2L 4x4 Single Cab MT
- RM5,767 lower purchase price
- RM1,067 lower annual road tax
- 400 Nm from the 2.2-litre diesel
- 26 hp and 50 Nm down on the 3.0L
3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT
- 187 hp and 450 Nm
- Larger 2,999 cc diesel
- Same six-speed manual transmission as the 2.2L
- RM5,767 higher purchase price
- Annual road tax is RM1,067 higher
- No listed equipment or safety advantage over the 2.2L
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121✓ | RM108,888 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | 2,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 187 hp✓ |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 450 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 80 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 16.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 1,805 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 76 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 205R16C |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 205R16C |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full Size |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels |
| 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 | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| 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 | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key Ignition |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571✓ | RM1,638 |
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 cars for sale
2.2L 4x4 Single Cab MT vs 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab MT or Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT better?
The 2.2L is better value for most buyers because it keeps the same listed kit and costs less to buy and tax. Choose the 3.0L only if its 187 hp and 450 Nm are important for your work.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT costs RM5,767 more than the 2.2L.
Does the 3.0L get more safety equipment than the 2.2L?
No listed safety advantage is shown. Both have driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, hill start assist, alarm and immobiliser; neither has lane-keeping assist.