Isuzu D-MAX: RT Facelift 2 vs RG Facelift
Verdict
This is a very straight new-versus-outgoing D-MAX call. The Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 costs RM12,799 less, yet keeps the same 1,898 cc diesel, 148 hp, 350 Nm, manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, 76-litre tank, two airbags and five-year warranty as the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift. The RG is 35 mm longer with a 30 mm longer wheelbase, but the RT is wider and taller, and it has a stated 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating plus 8.0 L/100 km fuel use.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 if you want the cheaper buy with the same engine output, drivetrain, fuel tank size and warranty.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift if you prefer the longer body and longer wheelbase, and accept paying more for the outgoing CBU model.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 RM79,400; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift RM92,199
- Assembly: Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 CKD; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift CBU
- Size: Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 5,295 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, 1,795 mm tall; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 5,330 mm, 1,810 mm, 1,770 mm
- Wheelbase: Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 3,095 mm; Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift 3,125 mm
- Engine output: both use a 1,898 cc diesel with 148 hp and 350 Nm
- Safety basics: both have 2 airbags; Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 has a 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating, Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift has no stated rating
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 79,400✓ | RM 92,199 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | 1,898 cc | 1,898 cc |
| Power | 148 hp | 148 hp |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 13.9 s | — |
| Top speed | 0 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 8.0 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 0 g/km | — |
| 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 |
| Fuel tank | 76 L | 76 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ASEAN NCAP | 4★ | — |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 399 | 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 2
- RM12,799 cheaper to buy
- Same 148 hp and 350 Nm as the RG
- Stated 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- Shorter 3,095 mm wheelbase
- Only 2 airbags
- 13.9-second 0-100 km/h time
RG Facelift
- Longer 5,330 mm body
- Longer 3,125 mm wheelbase
- Same 76-litre fuel tank and five-year warranty
- Costs RM12,799 more
- Only 2 airbags
- No stated fuel economy or ASEAN NCAP rating
RT Facelift 2 vs RG Facelift FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 or Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift better?
The Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 is the better buy on paper: it is cheaper, has the same 148 hp/350 Nm diesel drivetrain, and includes a stated 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX RT Facelift 2 is RM79,400, while the Isuzu D-MAX RG Facelift is RM92,199. The RG costs RM12,799 more.
Do they use the same engine and drivetrain?
Yes. Both use a 1,898 cc diesel engine with 148 hp and 350 Nm, paired with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.