Verdict
The Isuzu D-MAX is RM16,767 cheaper at RM103,121 and is 250 kg lighter, so it is the more straightforward work-focused choice if a two-seat, two-door cab and six-speed manual suit the job. The JAC T9 costs RM119,888, but its 168 hp/410 Nm diesel, eight-speed ZF automatic and five-seat cabin make it far easier to use beyond the worksite. Its advantage is not marginal on safety either: seven airbags, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control answer the needs of a family buyer far better than the D-MAX’s two airbags and no lane-keeping assist.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if you want the RM16,767 saving, a 1,805 kg kerb weight and a simple six-speed manual two-seat work truck.
Pick the JAC T9 if you need five seats, an eight-speed automatic and substantially more active and passive safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121; JAC T9 RM119,888.
- Output: Isuzu D-MAX 161 hp and 400 Nm; JAC T9 168 hp and 410 Nm.
- Transmission: Isuzu D-MAX six-speed manual; JAC T9 eight-speed ZF automatic.
- Cab: Isuzu D-MAX two doors and two seats; JAC T9 four doors and five seats.
- Kerb weight: Isuzu D-MAX 1,805 kg; JAC T9 2,055 kg.
- Airbags: Isuzu D-MAX two; JAC T9 seven.
D-MAX
- RM16,767 lower purchase price
- 250 kg lighter kerb weight
- 15 mm longer 3,125 mm wheelbase and telescopic steering adjustment
- Two-door, two-seat cabin versus the T9's four doors and five seats
- Six-speed manual versus the T9's eight-speed automatic
- Only two airbags; no autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control
T9
- 168 hp and 410 Nm, versus 161 hp and 400 Nm
- Eight-speed ZF automatic transmission
- Seven airbags, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control
- RM16,767 higher purchase price
- 250 kg heavier than the D-MAX
- 3,110 mm wheelbase is 15 mm shorter than the D-MAX's
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121✓ | RM119,888 |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve, DOHC commonrail two-stage turbodiesel |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm | 168 hp at 3,600 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 410 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 80 mm × 94.4 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 8-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,330 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,965 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,110 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 2,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | — |
| Doors | 2 | 4 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 265/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full-size Spare |
| Factory Tyres | — | Toyo Open Country H/T Z |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side Curtain and Front Centre Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats |
| Rear Seats | — | One-piece Folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB, 1 220-volt Socket |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 10.4" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Six-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, 360-degree Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Engine (1st Owner Only) |
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 D-MAX & T9 for sale
D-MAX vs T9 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or JAC T9 better?
The JAC T9 is better for passenger use, safety equipment and automatic-driving convenience. The Isuzu D-MAX is the better fit for a buyer who needs a lighter, two-seat manual work truck and wants to spend RM16,767 less.
What is the price difference?
The JAC T9 costs RM16,767 more than the Isuzu D-MAX: RM119,888 against RM103,121.
Which one has the better safety package?
The JAC T9 does. It has seven airbags, a five-star ANCAP rating, autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping steering correction and adaptive cruise control. The D-MAX has two airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control, but no lane-keeping assist.
