Verdict
The Nissan Navara is RM4,521 cheaper at RM98,600, yet its 2.5-litre diesel makes the same 161 hp and a marginally higher 403 Nm than the D-MAX’s 400 Nm. It also brings a reverse camera, rear sensors and folding mirrors, which matter on a working pickup. The Isuzu D-MAX counters with stability control, front foglamps and hill-start assist, while weighing 23 kg less. For Malaysian buyers, the D-MAX’s RM571 annual road tax versus RM830 is a meaningful running-cost saving, but the Navara is the better-equipped buy on paper.
Pick the Isuzu D-MAX if stability control, hill-start assist and RM259 lower annual road tax matter more than parking aids.
Pick the Nissan Navara if you want the lower purchase price, reverse camera, rear sensors and 3 Nm more torque.
Key differences
- Price: Isuzu D-MAX RM103,121; Nissan Navara RM98,600.
- Torque: Isuzu D-MAX 400 Nm; Nissan Navara 403 Nm.
- Engine capacity: Isuzu D-MAX 2,164 cc; Nissan Navara 2,488 cc.
- Kerb weight: Isuzu D-MAX 1,805 kg; Nissan Navara 1,828 kg.
- Wheelbase: Isuzu D-MAX 3,125 mm; Nissan Navara 3,150 mm.
- Road tax per year: Isuzu D-MAX RM571; Nissan Navara RM830.
D-MAX
- Stability control and hill-start assist
- Front foglamps and alarm
- RM259 lower annual road tax
- Costs RM4,521 more
- No rear parking sensors or reverse camera
- 400 Nm trails the Navara by 3 Nm
Navara
- RM4,521 lower price
- Reverse camera and two rear parking sensors
- Steering audio controls and folding wing mirrors
- No stability control or hill-start assist
- RM830 annual road tax is RM259 higher
- No front foglamps or alarm
| 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 | 161 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 403 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Bore | 80 mm | 89 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 | Driver and Passenger | 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 Navara is the stronger value pick: it costs RM4,521 less, has 403 Nm and includes a reverse camera with rear sensors. Choose the D-MAX for stability control, hill-start assist and much lower RM571 annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Isuzu D-MAX costs RM103,121 and the Nissan Navara costs RM98,600, so the D-MAX is RM4,521 more expensive.
Which pickup has better safety equipment?
The D-MAX has the better safety kit here, with stability control, an alarm and seatbelt reminders for all seats. Both have driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD and an immobiliser; neither has lane-keeping assist.
