Verdict
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 is the much more capable pick-up on paper: 161 hp and 400 Nm eclipse the Isuzu D-MAX RT’s 78 hp and 176 Nm, while AWD and a six-speed manual add useful hardware. The RM42,710 gap is substantial, but it also brings two airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control and a five-year/150,000-km warranty. The RT’s case is straightforward: it is 50 mm wider, has three front cup holders and costs far less, but its safety and drivetrain specification are plainly older.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RT if the lower RM60,411 entry price, 1,860-mm width and three front cup holders matter more than power, AWD and active safety.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 if you need 400 Nm, AWD, six manual gears and airbags with ABS/EBD and stability control.
Key differences
- Price: RM60,411 | RM103,121
- Power and torque: 78 hp and 176 Nm | 161 hp and 400 Nm
- Driveline and transmission: rear-wheel drive, five-speed manual | AWD, six-speed manual
- Safety: no airbags, ABS/EBD or stability control listed | driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control
- Warranty: three years/100,000 km | five years/150,000 km
- Dimensions and wheels: 5,215 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, 15-inch steel wheels | 5,330 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 16-inch steel wheels
RT
- RM42,710 cheaper to buy
- 50 mm wider body and three front cup holders
- 2.5-litre, 2,499-cc turbodiesel
- 78 hp and 176 Nm trail the RG Facelift 2’s 161 hp and 400 Nm
- Rear-wheel drive and five-speed manual versus AWD and six speeds
- No airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, Bluetooth or hill-start assist listed
RG Facelift 2
- 161 hp and 400 Nm with AWD
- Driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control
- Five-year/150,000-km warranty and RM571 annual road tax
- Costs RM42,710 more
- Has two front cup holders to the RT’s three
- 50 mm narrower body than the RT
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM60,411✓ | RM103,121 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC turbodiesel | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 2,499 cc | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 78 hp | 161 hp✓ |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 18.5 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 5 M/T | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 5 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Eaton | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,215 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 1,860 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,780 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,095 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,805 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 76 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 195R15C | 205R16C |
| Rear Tyre | 195R15C | 205R16C |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full Size |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 15" Steel | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Steel | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | 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 Reflectors | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual 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 | 3 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Not Specified | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Manual Key Ignition |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM839 | 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.
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RT vs RG Facelift 2 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX RT or Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 better?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 is better equipped and far stronger, with 161 hp, 400 Nm, AWD, six manual gears, two airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control. The RT only makes more sense on purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 costs RM42,710 more than the Isuzu D-MAX RT: RM103,121 versus RM60,411.
Which has the lower running tax and longer warranty?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 has lower annual road tax at RM571 versus RM839, and its warranty runs for five years or 150,000 km versus three years or 100,000 km.