Verdict
At RM103,121, the Isuzu D-MAX costs RM1,045 more than the RM102,076 Maxus V80, but it is the stronger, more rounded choice for most Malaysian buyers. Its 161 hp and 400 Nm beat the V80’s 136 hp and 330 Nm, while a six-speed manual, all-wheel drive and stability control add useful traction and control. The V80 is substantially bigger at 5,700 mm long and 2,383 mm wide, and it gets rear parking sensors plus rear air-con vents. But its 3,500 kg weight and front-wheel drive make it a more specialised commercial proposition.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if you want 400 Nm, all-wheel drive, stability control and a five-year/150,000 km warranty.
Pick the Maxus V80 if its 5,700 mm commercial body, rear parking sensors and rear air-con vents suit your needs better than the D-MAX’s stronger drivetrain.
Key differences
- Output: Isuzu D-MAX has 161 hp and 400 Nm; Maxus V80 has 136 hp and 330 Nm.
- Drivetrain: Isuzu D-MAX uses all-wheel drive; Maxus V80 uses front-wheel drive.
- Transmission: Isuzu D-MAX has a six-speed manual; Maxus V80 has a five-speed manual.
- Size: Isuzu D-MAX is 5,330 mm long and 1,810 mm wide; Maxus V80 is 5,700 mm long and 2,383 mm wide.
- Safety: Isuzu D-MAX has stability control; Maxus V80 does not list stability control.
- Warranty: Isuzu D-MAX gets five years/150,000 km; Maxus V80 gets three years/100,000 km.
D-MAX
- 161 hp and 400 Nm from the 2.2-litre turbodiesel.
- All-wheel drive, hill start assist and stability control.
- Five-year, 150,000 km manufacturer warranty.
- No rear parking sensors, versus four sensors on the Maxus V80.
- No rear air-con vents, while the Maxus V80 has rear vents with blower control.
- Smaller 76-litre fuel tank than the Maxus V80’s 80 litres.
V80
- Larger 5,700 mm-long, 2,383 mm-wide commercial body.
- Rear parking sensors and rear air-con vents with blower control.
- Lower annual road tax at RM839, against RM571 for the Isuzu D-MAX.
- 136 hp and 330 Nm trail the Isuzu D-MAX’s 161 hp and 400 Nm.
- Front-wheel drive and no listed stability control, versus all-wheel drive and stability control on the D-MAX.
- Three-year/100,000 km warranty is shorter than the D-MAX’s five-year/150,000 km cover.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121 | RM102,076✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Commercial |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Commercial |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571✓ | RM839 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve, common-rail direct fuel injection, turbodiesel |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | 2,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm✓ | 136 hp at 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 330 Nm at 1,800 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 80 mm × 94.4 mm | 92 mm × 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 17.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 5 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 9.1 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,700 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 2,383 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 2,552 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 6 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 215/75R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 215/75R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full-size 16" Steel |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | — |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Two Windows |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | — |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 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 D-MAX & V80 for sale
D-MAX vs V80 FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or Maxus V80 better?
The Isuzu D-MAX is the better all-round pick. It has 25 hp and 70 Nm more, all-wheel drive, stability control, a six-speed manual and longer warranty cover. Choose the Maxus V80 only if its much larger commercial body and rear convenience features are decisive.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX is RM1,045 more expensive than the Maxus V80. That small gap brings more power, 400 Nm of torque, all-wheel drive, stability control and two extra years of warranty cover.
Which model has the longer warranty?
The Isuzu D-MAX has the longer manufacturer warranty: five years or 150,000 km. The Maxus V80 is covered for three years or 100,000 km.
