The Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 may not be competing head-to-head or foot-to-foot in the marketplace but there is a necessity to discuss both their strong points and weak points. Let’s start with the more popular Isuzu D-Max (known as Chevrolet Colorado in the U.S.) which has been in the market for a longer period compared to the BT-50. It was first introduced in 2002 and it has been in the market for more than a decade. The Mazda BT-50 (Ford Ranger) came later in 2006 but it has become one of the main choices when buying a pickup truck.
Performance and Power
The Isuzu D-Max Pro features a 2.5LS in-line 4-cylinder direct injection diesel turbo engine that delivers 58kW at 3900 rpm and 176 Nm of torque at 1800rpm. Using independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs and stabilizer in the front and semi-elliptical leaf springs in the back, the vehicle’s rigidity is a lot better compare to the previous generation.
The Mazda BT-50 is fitted with a 2.5L 4-cylinder 12-valve SOHC indirect injection turbo engine that delivers 80kW at 3500rpm and 257 Nm or torque at 2000rpm. As for the suspension, Mazda uses independent double wishbones with torsion bar springs in the front and rigid leaf spring in the back.
Design and Reliability
The D-Max is made available in either two doors or four doors. The four-door version can carry up to five adults comfortably as the leg room for the rear seats is roomy. The 2+2 door gives an easy way for rear passengers to get in and out. Unlike what you see in the BT-50, it has a very limited space at the back of the front seats. The jump seats in the supercab are ridiculously small and it seems enough to fit a child but not an adult. With only one door at each side, the rear passengers may find it difficult to get into the car.
(Rear space for Mazda BT-50)
The overall length for the D-Max is 5030mm and 5169mm for the BT-50. So where does the extra length for the BT-50 go to? The BT-50 has a bigger cargo space compare to the D-Max. The BT-50 is more suitable for hauling heavier loads or performing other functions compared to the D-Max. However, the D-Max is more reliable as a family pickup and also capable of hauling loads. It depends on the buyer’s choice.
(Isuzu D-Max rear seat)
The D-Max has an overall width of 1800mm while the BT-50 is 1807mm, a difference of only 7mm. Compare both car heights, the BT-50 is slightly taller at 1762mm and the D-Max is 1735mm.
Weight
| Vehicle | Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) | Seating Capacity |
| Isuzu D-Max | 2650 | 5 |
| Mazda BT-50 | 2800 | 2+2 small jump seats |
Interior
The interior of pickups often does not look nice. The interior of the D-Max looks mediocre and the steering wheel looks outdated although it has been redesigned. The Mazda BT-50 is about the same but the dashboard and interior design does not look like a typical pickup truck. The gear knob is designed to look slightly cyber and the gauge lights are pretty too.
Fuel Consumption
| Vehicle | Fuel Consumption (MPG) | Fuel Tank Capacity (Liter) |
| Isuzu D-Max | 18 city/25 highway | 76 |
| Mazda BT-50 | 22 city/27 highway | 70 |
Isuzu D-Max’s characteristic: Fog lamps with bezel, oval tube aluminium side steps, LED high mount stop lamp, door visors, rubber mats, reverse sensors, and pro-lid. You can also get a better version, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.
Mazda BT-50’s characteristic: Five-point grille, powerful-looking alloy wheels, rear combination lamp, and with many chrome-plated parts.
Price
- Isuzu D-Max: RM81,129.40.
- Mazda BT-50: RM88,170.00.
Their competitors or similar cars: Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Isuzu D-Max images
Mazda BT-50 images
After reading the above comparison of the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50, which do you choose?
