Verdict
Just RM233 separates these two single-cab D-Maxes, so the choice is not really about upfront money. The 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT brings 187 hp and 450 Nm, a useful 26 hp and 50 Nm advantage for buyers who prioritise pulling force, but its RM1,638 annual road tax is RM1,067 more. The 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT makes 161 hp and 400 Nm, yet pairs that with an eight-speed automatic and RM571 road tax. Safety, cabin kit and running gear are otherwise the same. For most urban work use, take the automatic.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT if you need the stronger 187 hp and 450 Nm diesel and are comfortable with a six-speed manual.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT if you want an eight-speed automatic and RM1,067 lower annual road tax for only RM233 more upfront.
Key differences
- Price: RM108,888 versus RM109,121
- Engine capacity: 2,999 cc versus 2,164 cc
- Output: 187 hp and 450 Nm versus 161 hp and 400 Nm
- Transmission: six-speed manual versus eight-speed conventional automatic
- Annual road tax: RM1,638 versus RM571
3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT
- 26 hp more power
- 50 Nm more torque
- RM233 lower purchase price
- Six-speed manual instead of an eight-speed automatic
- RM1,067 higher annual road tax
2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT
- Eight-speed conventional automatic
- RM1,067 lower annual road tax
- Only RM233 more to buy
- 26 hp less power
- 50 Nm less torque
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM108,888✓ | RM109,121 |
| 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 | 2,999 cc | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp✓ | 161 hp |
| Torque | 450 Nm✓ | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 95.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.3 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| 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 | RM1,638 | RM571✓ |
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
3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT vs 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT or Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT better?
The 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT is the better daily-use choice because it has an eight-speed automatic and much lower road tax. Choose the 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT if its 187 hp and 450 Nm matter more than transmission convenience and annual cost.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT costs RM233 more than the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT: RM109,121 against RM108,888.
How much road tax can the 2.2L automatic save?
The 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab AT costs RM571 a year in road tax, versus RM1,638 for the 3.0L 4x4 Single Cab MT. That is a yearly saving of RM1,067.