Verdict
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 asks RM14,522 more, but its 2,164 cc diesel delivers 161 hp and 400 Nm against the RG’s 1,898 cc, 148 hp and 350 Nm. That 13 hp and 50 Nm advantage matters when a manual 4x4 is working hard. The RG remains the sharper cost-led choice at RM88,599, with RM399 annual road tax versus RM571. Both retain the same 1,805 kg kerb weight, 76-litre tank, six-speed manual and 3,125 mm wheelbase, so the facelift’s case is power and cabin usability rather than a fundamentally different workhorse.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG if the RM14,522 saving, lower RM399 annual road tax and hill descent control matter more than extra diesel torque.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 if you want 400 Nm, a larger 2,164 cc diesel and useful additions including Bluetooth and tilt-telescopic steering.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RG RM88,599; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 RM103,121.
- Engine output: Isuzu D-MAX RG 148 hp and 350 Nm; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 161 hp and 400 Nm.
- Engine capacity: Isuzu D-MAX RG 1,898 cc; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 2,164 cc.
- Road tax: Isuzu D-MAX RG RM399 per year; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 RM571 per year.
- Length: Isuzu D-MAX RG 5,325 mm; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 5,330 mm.
- Front power sockets: Isuzu D-MAX RG two; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 one.
RG
- RM14,522 cheaper to buy.
- RM172 lower annual road tax.
- Gets hill descent control, an airbag-disable function and two front power sockets.
- 148 hp and 350 Nm trail the Facelift 2’s 161 hp and 400 Nm.
- No front foglamps, Bluetooth or tilt-telescopic steering.
RG Facelift 2
- 161 hp and 400 Nm from the 2,164 cc diesel.
- Gets front foglamps, Bluetooth and USB audio.
- Driver’s seat height adjustment plus tilt-telescopic steering.
- Costs RM14,522 more and has RM571 annual road tax versus RM399.
- Lists one front power socket rather than two, and lacks hill descent control and an airbag-disable function.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM88,599✓ | RM103,121 |
| 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 | 1,898 cc | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 161 hp✓ |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6MT | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,325 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 | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-Point | 2 Three-point |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Hill Descent Control | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 1-DIN Radio/CD Player with 2 Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down | 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 | 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 | RM399✓ | 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
Browse all used listings →RG vs RG Facelift 2 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX RG or Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 better?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 is better for output and convenience: 161 hp, 400 Nm, Bluetooth, front foglamps and adjustable steering. Choose the RG if its RM14,522 lower price, lower road tax and hill descent control suit the job better.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 2 costs RM103,121, which is RM14,522 more than the Isuzu D-MAX RG at RM88,599.
Do both D-MAX variants use the same gearbox and four-wheel-drive system?
Yes. Both use a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. They also share a 3,125 mm wheelbase, 1,805 kg weight, 76-litre fuel tank and 205R16C tyres.