Isuzu D-MAX: RT Facelift vs RG Facelift
Verdict
This is a straight new-versus-outgoing D-Max call rather than a body-style split. The Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift costs RM80,424, undercutting the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift at RM92,199 by RM11,775, and it is the wider, taller truck with a stated 4-star ASEAN NCAP score. The RG fights back with the numbers you feel every day: 148 hp and 350 Nm versus 134 hp and 320 Nm, plus RM399 road tax instead of RM839. Mechanically, both are diesel, manual and rear-wheel drive.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift if you want the lower purchase price, a wider and taller body, and a stated 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift if you want more power and torque, lower annual road tax, and the longer wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: RM80,424 for the RT Facelift vs RM92,199 for the RG Facelift
- Engine/output: 2,499 cc, 134 hp and 320 Nm vs 1,898 cc, 148 hp and 350 Nm
- Road tax: RM839 per year vs RM399 per year
- Dimensions: 5,295/1,860/1,795 mm vs 5,330/1,810/1,770 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,095 mm vs 3,125 mm
- Assembly and safety: CKD with 4-star ASEAN NCAP vs CBU with no stated ASEAN NCAP score
RT Facelift
- RM11,775 cheaper to buy
- Wider and taller body
- 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- Lower 134 hp and 320 Nm outputs
- Higher RM839 yearly road tax
- Shorter 3,095 mm wheelbase
RG Facelift
- Stronger 148 hp and 350 Nm outputs
- Lower RM399 yearly road tax
- Longer 5,330 mm body and 3,125 mm wheelbase
- RM11,775 dearer to buy
- No stated ASEAN NCAP score
- Narrower and lower body
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 80,424✓ | RM 92,199 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC commonrail diesel with variable geometry turbo | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 2,499 cc | 1,898 cc |
| Horsepower | 134 hp | 148 hp✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 95.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 18.1 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 5 MT | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 5 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,295 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 1,860 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,795 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,095 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,805 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 76 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Front Tyre | 245/70R16 | 255/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/70R16 | 255/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Dueler H/T | Bridgestone Duravis R611 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Chassis | Ladder Frame | Ladder-frame |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Drums |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | 4 stars — With 2 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Door | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear seats | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Tilt-up Base |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 3 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 7" Touchscreen DVD/MP3 Player with 8 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Manual Key Ignition |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | RM 839 | RM 399✓ |
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.
RT Facelift vs RG Facelift FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift or Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift better?
The RG Facelift is better if you want the stronger engine and lower road tax. The RT Facelift is the better buy if purchase price and its stated 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift is RM11,775 cheaper, at RM80,424 versus RM92,199 for the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift.
Which one is cheaper to run on road tax?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift is much cheaper on road tax at RM399 per year. The Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift costs RM839 per year, a RM440 annual difference.