How does the Ford Ranger compare to the Isuzu D-Max?
Double cabs and bakkies are firm favourites in South Africa, and it's easy to see why; they offer a blend of practicality, security, versatility and, in recent years, technology and comfort that rivals even the most established SUVs. How does the Ford Ranger compare to the Isuzu D-Max and where should you be looking to spend your money. In this article we highlight a few key features and differences to help steer you in the right direction.
The modern bakkie truly is a Swiss Army Knife of a vehicle. As at home on the road, as it is off of it. It can handle the rough stuff, big loads, and chores while doubling up as a daily driver who can take the kids to school or handle a mall crawl. Manufacturers know the value of the light commercial vehicle (LCV) in South Africa, with double cabs being the big-ticket choice for many. As such, lots of money and energy is placed into designing and creating the ideal all-rounder for consumers; everyone wants a piece of the pie.
Related: Most popular bakkies in South Africa: Top 5 Best Sellers
The Ford Ranger has come a long way from the days of the humble Mazda-based Courier that served as their 1-ton LCV for many years. The T6 platform has evolved and has roots in South Africa, produced locally in Silverton, Pretoria. It's not too dissimilar a story with the Isuzu D-Max, a model that was formerly known as the KB. This model also has a South African tie, with the D-Max produced locally but in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
Both models have numerous variants, with a range of cab, drivetrain, and engine combinations, helping to ensure that you choose the right one.
Powertrain
The Ford Ranger offers you a choice of 4 engines: two 2.0-litre options and two 3.0-litre V6 options. These are mated to 6- or 10-speed automatic gearboxes, with your choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. A 6-speed manual is available at the lower end of the spectrum.
| 2.0 SiT | 2.0 BiTurbo | 3.0TD V6 | 3.0 V6 | |
| Layout/Fuel | i4 Turbodiesel | i4 Turbodiesel | V6 Turbodiesel | V6 Turbo Petrol |
| Power (kW) | 125 @ 3500 rpm | 154 @ 3750 rpm | 184 @ 3250 rpm | 292 @ 5650 rpm |
| Torque (Nm) | 405 @ 1750-2500 rpm | 500 @ 1750-2000 rpm | 600 @ 1750-2250 rpm | 583 @ 3500 rpm |
| Claimed Consumption (l/100km) | 7.5 | 7.2 / 7.5 (4x4) | 8.4 | 11.5 |
| Manual 6-speed | Yes | No | No | No |
| Automatic 6-speed | Yes | No | No | No |
| Automatic 10-speed | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Isuzu D-Max offers considerably fewer options with just two engines on offer, a choice of manual or automatic gearbox, and either 4x2 or 4x4. Despite this, there are 33 derivatives for you to choose from, whereas Ford only offers 23 variations.
| 1.9TD | 3.0TD | |
| Layout/Fuel | i4 Turbodiesel | i4 Turbodiesel |
| Power (kW) | 110 @ 3600 rpm | 140 @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque (Nm) | 350 @ 1800-2600 rpm | 450 @ 1600-2600 rpm |
| Claimed Consumption (l/100km) | 7.3 / 7.1 | 7.6 / 7.8 (4x4) / 8.5 (AT35) |
| Manual 6-speed | Yes | No |
| Automatic 6-speed | Yes | Yes |
Standard Features
We would be here all day if we had to go through each grade and list what each one has and doesn't have. The list would be extensive with 23 variations on the Ford side and 33 on the Isuzu side. However, to help you see what equipment is available, we're comparing the popular, high-spec double cab models with excluding the single variation Raptor and AT35 models. The Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak 4WD compares to the Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4x4 across some key features.
| Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak 4WD | Feature | Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4x4 |
| Yes | Dual Zone Climate Control | Yes |
| Yes | Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes |
| Yes | Touchscreen Infotainment | Yes |
| Yes | Auto Wipers | Yes |
| Yes | Leather Upholstery | Yes |
| No | Heated Seats | No |
| Yes | LED Headlights | Yes |
Practicality
On the practicality front, we're again comparing two similar models, the Wildtrak and V-Cross, both with 3.0-litre engines and 4-wheel drive systems. While the interiors have many practical features, anyone looking to use these vehicles off-road will be looking at the following information.
| Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak 4WD | Attribute | Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4x4 |
| 5350 | Length (mm) | 5333 |
| 2015-2008 | Width (mm) | 1180 |
| 3270 | Wheelbase (mm) | 3125 |
| 237 | Ground Clearance (mm) | 232 |
| 12.9 | Turning Circle (m) | 12.5 |
| 30 | Approach Angle (deg) | 30 |
| 22 | Breakover Angle (deg) | 22.5 |
| 23 | Departure Angle (deg) | 18 |
| 800 | Wading Depth (mm) | 800 |
| 944 | Load Rating (kg) | 970 |
| 3500 | Towing Capacity (kg) | 3500 |
| 80 | Fuel Tank (l) | 76 |
The Ford Ranger, however, has several handy features that make it the more practical of the two. Design features like the integrated side step, moulded tailgate with measuring rule and clamping pockets make it easier for hobbies and work. The load bay can also accept a full-size Euro pallet between the wheel arches. Inside the cabin, included auxiliary switches allow for easier installation of electrical accessories like spotlights, light bars, winches, and coolers.
Safety
Both brands have no shortage of safety on the upper end of the spectrum. When you start stripping back some of the features, some additional safety items fall by the wayside. Driver assistance systems are usually the first to go, followed by electronic intervention and airbags. When working with your budget, it's important to remember the safety features and to inquire about the features fitted to the variant you're interested in.
| Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 Wildtrak 4WD | Feature | Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4x4 |
| Yes | Anti-lock Brakes | Yes |
| Yes | Traction Control | Yes |
| Yes | Stability Program | Yes |
| 7 | Airbags | 8 |
| Yes | Tyre Pressure Monitor | Yes |
| Yes | Blind Spot Monitor | Yes |
| No | Attention Alert | Yes |
| Yes | Park Distance Control | Yes |
| 360-degree | Camera | Rear |
| Yes | Park Assist | No |
Price and Value
The complex nature of LCVs in South Africa means that the prices range from fairly agreeable to rather high, depending on what you deem affordable. There are stripped-down workhorses at the bottom of the range and plush options up top, and that means that the pricing spread is generous.
Prices for a current generation Ford Ranger start at R574 000 for a Ranger 2.0 SiT Single Cab XL Auto and go up to R1 270 000 for the Ranger 3.0T V6 Double Cab Raptor 4WD. The price of the Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 4WD that we sampled in this comparison is R1 087 000. It is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan that can be unbundled, should you wish to have it independently serviced as per the Right to Repair Act.
The Isuzu sits with the same spread of pricing, with it starting at R452 400 for an Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Single Cab. It tops out at R1 182 100 for the D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab AT35 4x4. Our sample of the Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross Double Cab 4x4 retails for R925 600. It is sold with a standard 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
