Isuzu D-MAX: RT vs RG Facelift
Verdict
At RM60,411 versus RM92,199, this is less about old versus new styling and more about usage. The Isuzu D-MAX RT is the cheaper two-seat diesel work truck, with a 2.5 litre engine making 78 hp and 176 Nm. The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift costs RM31,788 more, but gets five seats, a stronger 1.9 litre engine with 148 hp and 350 Nm, two airbags, a longer five-year warranty and lower RM399 road tax. For private use, the newer truck is far easier to justify.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RT if you need the lowest-cost rear-wheel-drive manual diesel pickup and two seats are enough.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift if you want the stronger, newer-generation five-seat pickup with more torque, airbags and longer warranty cover.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RT RM60,411; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift RM92,199
- Seating: Isuzu D-MAX RT 2 seats; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 5 seats
- Engine output: Isuzu D-MAX RT 78 hp and 176 Nm; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 148 hp and 350 Nm
- Engine capacity: Isuzu D-MAX RT 2,499 cc; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 1,898 cc
- Warranty: Isuzu D-MAX RT 3 years; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 5 years
- Road tax: Isuzu D-MAX RT RM839 per year; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift RM399 per year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 60,411✓ | RM 92,199 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | 2,499 cc | 1,898 cc |
| Power | 78 hp | 148 hp✓ |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 0.0 s | — |
| Top speed | 0 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 0 g/km | — |
| 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 |
| Fuel tank | 76 L | 76 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | 2✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 3 | 5✓ |
| 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
- Much lower purchase price
- Wider body at 1,860 mm
- Same 76 litre fuel tank as the newer truck
- Only two seats
- Far lower output at 78 hp and 176 Nm
- No airbags listed
RG Facelift
- 148 hp and 350 Nm is a big step up
- Five-seat cabin suits family or crew use
- Lower RM399 annual road tax
- Costs RM31,788 more
- Narrower at 1,810 mm
- CBU status may matter if you prefer CKD assembly
RT vs RG Facelift FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX RT or Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift better?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift is the better all-rounder. It has five seats, 148 hp, 350 Nm, two airbags and a five-year warranty. The Isuzu D-MAX RT only makes sense if purchase price and basic work use come first.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift is RM31,788 more expensive than the Isuzu D-MAX RT. That gap buys much more power and torque, three extra seats, two airbags, a longer warranty and lower annual road tax.
Which one is cheaper to tax in Malaysia?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift is cheaper to tax at RM399 per year. The Isuzu D-MAX RT costs RM839 per year, despite being the cheaper truck to buy.