Verdict
At RM115,888, the Ranger is RM12,767 dearer than the RM103,121 D-MAX, but it brings four doors and five seats against two doors and two seats. Its 1,996 cc diesel produces 168 hp and 405 Nm, narrowly ahead of the D-MAX’s 161 hp and 400 Nm. The Ford is much heavier at 2,227 kg versus 1,805 kg, while its 5,370 mm length and 1,918 mm width take more space. Six airbags, ISOFIX and dual-zone climate control make the Ranger the stronger people-carrying choice; the lighter D-MAX suits buyers focused on upfront cost.
Pick the Ford Ranger if you need five seats, four doors, six airbags and a little more diesel output.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if a RM12,767 lower purchase price and 422 kg lower weight matter more than rear-seat practicality.
Key differences
- Price: Ford Ranger RM115,888; Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121.
- Power and torque: Ford Ranger 168 hp and 405 Nm; Isuzu D-MAX 161 hp and 400 Nm.
- Weight: Ford Ranger 2,227 kg; Isuzu D-MAX 1,805 kg.
- Passenger accommodation: Ford Ranger four doors and five seats; Isuzu D-MAX two doors and two seats.
- Airbags: Ford Ranger six airbags; Isuzu D-MAX two airbags.
- Annual road tax: Ford Ranger RM438; Isuzu D-MAX RM571.
Ranger
- Four doors and five seats, with rear ISOFIX mounts.
- Six airbags, including side and curtain airbags.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control and 16-inch alloy wheels.
- Costs RM12,767 more.
- 422 kg heavier.
- Longer and 108 mm wider.
D-MAX
- RM12,767 cheaper to buy.
- 422 kg lighter.
- RM133 lower annual road tax.
- Only two doors and two seats.
- Two airbags versus the Ranger’s six.
- Manual air-con and 16-inch steel wheels.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM115,888 | RM103,121✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM438✓ | RM571 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC Commonrail Direct Injection with Single Turbocharger | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection |
| Capacity | 1,996 cc | 2,164 cc |
| Horsepower | 168 hp✓ | 161 hp |
| Torque | 405 Nm✓ | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 84.01 mm | 80 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 15.8 | 16.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | MT88 | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Ford | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,370 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 1,918 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,884 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,270 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | 2,227 kg | 1,805 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 80 litres | 76 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 255/70R16 | 205R16C |
| Rear Tyre | 255/70R16 | 205R16C |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size 16" Steel | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Dueler H/T | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Hill Descent Control | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Folding Bench with Tip-up Under-seat Storage | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 1 Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | — | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger 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 |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 Ranger & D-MAX for sale
Ranger vs D-MAX FAQ
Is the Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-MAX better?
The Ford Ranger is better for carrying passengers, with four doors, five seats, ISOFIX and six airbags. The Isuzu D-MAX is the better cost-led choice, costing less and weighing 422 kg less.
What is the price difference?
The Ford Ranger costs RM12,767 more than the Isuzu D-MAX.
Which one has lower running tax?
The Ford Ranger has lower annual road tax at RM438, compared with RM571 for the Isuzu D-MAX.
