Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Battle of the boxy commercial vehicles
If you’re an up-and-coming entrepreneur with a growing business, you might be thinking of getting a dedicated utility vehicle. A reliable, sturdy, but affordable vehicle that can handle deliveries, logistics, and even as a people carrier.
Two choices in the Philippines market are of course the Isuzu Traviz and the Kia K2500. Both are boxy-looking, both are diesel-powered, and both come in the popular utility van configuration. So, which one provides the better specs as a utility van? Let’s find out.
Before going over the comparo, do note that these two can assume many different forms. Both can come as a flatbed, as an aluminum van, etc. For now though, we’ll be comparing the utility van configuration for each model, specifically the Isuzu Traviz L and the Kia K2500 Karga 4x2.
Which commercial vehicle is better on paper? Let's find out (placeholder)
Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Exterior
In terms of size, the Isuzu Traviz L is 4,600mm long, 1,695mm wide, and 1,955mm in height. It has a wheelbase length of 2,400mm, and a ground clearance of 200mm.
Meanwhile, the Kia K2500 Karga has a length of 4,825mm, a width of 1,740mm, and a height of 2,105mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,415, as well as a ground clearance of 200mm.
Compare the Isuzu Traviz against the Kia K2500 Karga using the slider
To sum it up, the Traviz is shorter and narrower than the K2500. It also has a slightly shorter wheelbase, but the ground clearance of both vehicles is the same.
As for exterior equipment, both come standard with halogen headlamps, halogen taillights, and halogen turn signal lamps. The Kia model however, rides on a set of 15-inch steel wheels, whereas the Isuzu comes with a set of 14-inch steel wheels.
Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Interior
At most, both the Traviz and K2500 can seat up to three people in their front cabins. In utility van form, Traviz’s bench-type seats can seat up to 16 people, while the K2500 in turn can seat up to 19. Well, in both cases, that figure is what the spec sheet says and the actual number of rear cabin passengers could depend on the size of said passengers. In utility van form, both models also provide rear AC vents, and grab rails.
Inside the Traviz' front cabin
Other than that, they both offer a lot of cargo space especially with the bench seats folded up. In terms of weight loading capacity, the Traviz can carry up to 1,655 kg while the Kia model, on the other hand, can carry less at 1,235 kg.
Going back to the front cabin, both the Traviz and the K2500 Karga both come standard with fabric seats, manual air-conditioning system, as well as a tuner radio w/ USB connectivity that’s linked to a two-piece speaker system. Do note though that the K2500 does come with a 12-volt accessory charger which is absent on the Traviz.
The K2500's front cabin
For the driver, both models feature a turnkey starting system, an analog gauge cluster with a digital trip computer, and a tilt-only steering wheel. Both also have manual windows on their front cabs, and sliding manual windows on their utility van bodies.
Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Engine and Performance
Both the Traviz and the K2500 Karga are front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Both also have their engines positioned underneath the front cab.
The Traviz' rear cab
For the Isuzu model, it uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel engine that makes up to 78 horsepower and 176 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the Kia model is propelled by a 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel that can produce up to 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. As such, the Kia K2500 offers more power.
In terms of transmissions, both only come in manual. For the Traviz, it uses a five-speed manual gearbox, whereas the K2500 Karga has a six-speed manual transmission.
The K2500's rear cab
When it comes to suspensions, the Traviz and the K2500 Karga are a bit different. For the Isuzu model, it uses a double-wishbone front, and leaf spring rear suspension. The Kia model, on the other hand, has a torsion bar front, and leaf spring suspension.
| Specs | Isuzu Traviz L 2.5 MT | Kia K2500 Karga 2.5 MT |
| Engine | 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel | 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel |
| Horsepower | 78 | 128 |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual | Six-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel-drive | Rear-wheel-drive |
Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Safety
Safety-wise, the Traviz and the K2500 do not offer airbags. They do however, come with high-tensile strength body-on-frame chassis that have ample crumple zones. Both also have seat belts for their front cabs.
Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Price
| Isuzu Traviz Variants | Price |
| Traviz S 2.5 MT (cab and chassis) | Php 962,000 |
| Traviz L 2.5 MT (cab and chassis | Php 992,000 |
Note: Prices listed above are for the cab and chassis only.
| Kia K2500 Variants | Price |
| K2500 4x4 Single Cab Dropside | Php 1,010,000 |
| K2500 4x2 Kargo Plus w front AC | Php 1,025,000 |
| K2500 Karga Plus Protect dual AC | Php 1,165,000 |
| K2500 Single Cab and Chassis | Php 973,000 |
| K2500 Double cab dropside | Php 1,060,000 |
| K2500 Kargo 4x4 | Php 1,135,000 |
| K2500 Karga 4x4 w/ dual AC | Php 1,280,000 |
Isuzu Traviz vs Kia K2500: Conclusion
As commercial vehicles with utility van bodies, both the Isuzu Traviz and the Kia K2500 Karga are just as versatile as each other. Despite the lower cargo capacity though, the Kia K2500 Karga offers more horsepower and torque than the Traviz. It is, however, slightly more expensive.
When considering the other K2500 variants however, one can see that the Kia model has a wider range of prices compared to the Isuzu model. On top of that, it also has a 4x4 variant, as well as a dual-cab variant, both of which are unavailable for the Traviz.
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