Verdict
The Mitsubishi Triton is the stronger work truck here: its 2.4-litre diesel makes 179 hp and 430 Nm, against the Isuzu D-MAX’s 161 hp and 400 Nm from 2.2 litres. It also brings a driver’s knee airbag, auto headlamps and auto wipers, plus an unlimited-mileage five-year warranty. The D-MAX costs RM103,121 to the Triton’s RM101,980, but its RM571 annual road tax undercuts the Triton’s RM794 by RM223. For Malaysian buyers covering serious mileage, the Triton’s warranty and extra shove justify the small upfront saving.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if lower annual road tax, front foglamps and seatbelt reminders for all seats matter more than extra power.
Pick the Mitsubishi Triton if you want 179 hp, 430 Nm, a third airbag and unlimited-mileage warranty cover for RM1,141 less.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121; Mitsubishi Triton RM101,980.
- Annual road tax: Isuzu D-MAX RM571; Mitsubishi Triton RM794.
- Engine output: Isuzu D-MAX 161 hp and 400 Nm; Mitsubishi Triton 179 hp and 430 Nm.
- Airbags: Isuzu D-MAX has 2; Mitsubishi Triton has 3 including a driver’s knee airbag.
- Warranty mileage: Isuzu D-MAX 150,000 km over 5 years; Mitsubishi Triton unlimited mileage over 5 years.
- Width: Isuzu D-MAX 1,810 mm; Mitsubishi Triton 1,865 mm.
D-MAX
- RM223 lower annual road tax
- Front foglamps
- Seatbelt reminder for all seats
- 161 hp and 400 Nm trail the Triton’s 179 hp and 430 Nm
- Two airbags versus the Triton’s three
- Five-year warranty capped at 150,000 km, versus unlimited mileage
Triton
- 179 hp and 430 Nm diesel
- Three airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag
- Unlimited-mileage five-year warranty
- RM794 annual road tax versus RM571 for the D-MAX
- No front foglamps, while the D-MAX has them
- Seatbelt reminder covers front seats only; the D-MAX covers all seats
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121 | RM101,980✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571✓ | RM794 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC commonrail turbodiesel, variable geometry turbo |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | 2,442 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm | 179 hp at 3,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 430 Nm at 2,250 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 80 mm × 94.4 mm | 86 mm × 105.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 15.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 6MT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Jatco |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,320 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | — |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 75 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 265/70R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 265/70R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full Size |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Leaf Springs |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels | 16" Steel Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Easy Select 4WD |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 3 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on Front Passenger Seat |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | 2-DIN CD Radio with Bluetooth, AUX, USB |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Two Windows, Driver Side Auto Up & Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Unlimited✓ |
| 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 D-MAX & Triton for sale
D-MAX vs Triton FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or Mitsubishi Triton better?
The Mitsubishi Triton is the better pick on these specifications. It has 18 hp and 30 Nm more, an extra driver’s knee airbag, auto headlamps and wipers, and an unlimited-mileage five-year warranty. The D-MAX wins on annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Mitsubishi Triton is RM1,141 cheaper than the Isuzu D-MAX. That small saving also buys the Triton’s stronger 179 hp, 430 Nm 2.4-litre diesel and unlimited-mileage warranty.
Which truck costs less to tax each year?
The Isuzu D-MAX does. Its annual road tax is RM571, which is RM223 lower than the Mitsubishi Triton’s RM794. This matters for owners keeping the truck for several years.
