Verdict
At RM103,121, the D-MAX costs RM4,521 more than the RM98,600 Navara, but its RM571 annual road tax is RM259 lower than the Nissan’s RM830. Both deliver 161 hp through a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive; the Navara’s 403 Nm only edges the D-MAX’s 400 Nm. For a Malaysian work truck, the Isuzu earns its premium with stability control, front foglamps and hill-start assist. The Navara counters with a reverse camera, two rear sensors and an 80-litre tank. Choose safety hardware or lower entry cost and parking aids.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if stability control, hill-start assist, front foglamps and lower annual road tax matter more than a reverse camera.
Pick the Nissan Navara if you want to spend RM4,521 less while gaining a reverse camera, rear sensors and an 80-litre fuel tank.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121; Nissan Navara RM98,600.
- Road tax: Isuzu D-MAX RM571 per year; Nissan Navara RM830 per year.
- Torque: Isuzu D-MAX 400 Nm; Nissan Navara 403 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
- Fuel tank: Isuzu D-MAX 76 litres; Nissan Navara 80 litres.
- Safety and parking: Isuzu D-MAX gets stability control and no rear sensors/camera; Nissan Navara lacks stability control but gets two rear sensors and a…
- Wheelbase: Isuzu D-MAX 3,125 mm; Nissan Navara 3,150 mm.
D-MAX
- Stability control and hill-start assist
- Front foglamps fitted
- RM259 lower annual road tax
- Costs RM4,521 more
- No reverse camera or rear parking sensors
- Smaller 76-litre fuel tank
Navara
- RM4,521 lower purchase price
- Reverse camera and two rear parking sensors
- 80-litre fuel tank and 403 Nm
- No stability control
- No hill-start assist or front foglamps
- Higher RM830 annual road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,121 | RM98,600✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM571✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC, Common-rail direct injection, Variable Geometry Turbo |
| Capacity | 2,164 cc | 2,488 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm | 161 hp at 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 403 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 80 mm × 94.4 mm | 89 mm × 100 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5 | 15 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Manual | 6MT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Nissan |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 5,335 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,770 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 3,150 mm |
| Weight | 1,805 kg | 1,828 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Front Tyre | 205R16C | 205R16C |
| Rear Tyre | 205R16C | 205R16C |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Dueler HT |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| 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 | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable, Driver's Seat Height Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-Zone Manual |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers | AM/FM Tuner, CD-Player, MP3, Bluetooth, AUX Input with 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Driver Side One Touch Up and Down | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key Ignition | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Multi-info Display |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 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 D-MAX & Navara for sale
D-MAX vs Navara FAQ
Is the Isuzu D-MAX or Nissan Navara better?
The D-MAX is the better choice for safety-focused buyers because it has stability control and hill-start assist. The Navara is better if a lower purchase price, reverse camera and rear sensors are the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX costs RM4,521 more than the Nissan Navara.
Which pick-up has the lower annual road tax?
The Isuzu D-MAX has lower annual road tax at RM571, compared with RM830 for the Nissan Navara. That saves RM259 each year.
