If you're a business owner who needs a trusty workhorse for your stables, you've probably considered the Hilux, but perhaps you're also curious about what the new Isuzu D-Max (previously known as the KB) offers. We've selected the two models which are closest in price and specification level, so let's see which one offers the best value.
Who will be top dog?
This is a tough comparison since both bakkies offer a rock-solid reputation of reliability and longevity. I know of many KBs and Hiluxes that just keep on going after racking up well over a million kilometres.
Contender no. 1: Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD 5MT A/C, R296 800
Hiluxes are known for being super reliable and virtually indestructable. On the inside, the Hilux's cabin is neat and organised, but at this price point you shouldn't be expecting a very sophisticated interior. It is robust, though. The PVC seats allow for easy cleanups of that boerie-roll that you decided to eat while you were driving.
As the name suggests, the 5-speed Hilux comes equipped with air-conditioning, cup holders,
a 12V power socket, electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors. On the safety front, ABS, EBD, and BA are standard, and the Hilux also has 3 airbags including a knee bag for the driver. It automatically locks as you drive away - a feature that's missing from the D-Max. It also has remote central locking, electrical windows, and electrically adjustable side mirrors, which the D-Max doesn't have either.
Its ground clearance is 194 mm vs. the D-Max's higher 225mm. Unbraked towing capacity is the same as the D-Max at 750 kg, but braked, it's 500 kg more at R2500kg.
In the performance stakes, the Hilux also has the winning output figures of 110kW and 343Nm vs. the Isuzu's 100 kW and 320Nm.
The Toyota Hilux is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, but its service plan comprises 9 services up until 90 000 km.
Contender no. 2: Isuzu D-MAX Fleetside Safety, R310 500
The new Isuzus that go by the name of D-MAX will probably stand the test of time just like their KB forebears did. It is, after all, only a name change, with a few mild enhancements, but these are mostly found in the double-cab models.
Just like the Hilux, the D-Max has bottle holders, air-conditioning, and a 12V power socket, but the windows have to be manually operated, just like the side mirrors. As we've already mentioned above, central locking is absent too. Instead of PVC, its seats are now finished in a hardy canvas-like material. A diff lock can be optionally specced.
The D-Max is also higher than the Hilux and has a wading depth of 600 mm.
Despite having the larger engine of the two bakkies, it's slightly less powerful than the Hilux.
However, it's on the safety front where the Fleetside shines (it is, after all, called the Fleetside Safety). Currently, it's the best-equipped entry-level double cab on the SA market, with 2 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake assist, stability and traction control, and hill descent control.
The D-Max is sold with a 5-yr/ 120 000 km warranty with 5 years of roadside assistance. A five-year/90 000 km service plan is standard but can be upgraded to 6 years/ 200 000km at an additional cost. (Click here to read our review of the KB 250 D-Teq Fleetside safety 4x2 published in May this year.)
Verdict
Both bakkies have a lot going for them. They're very comfortable to drive, but I have to say that the Isuzu just feels a touch more comfortable on rough surfaces. The Hilux, however, is the better value proposition at this price point: The D-Max is R13 700 more expensive than the Hilux. Still, I'd probably feel more at ease driving the D-Max with its stability control and 5 years of roadside assistance, than the Hilux with its 3 airbags and more convenience spec.
As such, it absolutely depends on what you deem to be of the most importance. When the time comes to sell, however, you will probably find your Hilux a new home more quickly as well, plus Toyotas hold their value extremely well. The fact that Toyota has such an extensive dealer network counts in its favour as well.
The Hilux wins the bang-for-your-buck battle.
