2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Ford Ranger FX4 Max Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

In 2021, car brands have launched exciting new models in the highly competitive local pickup truck market. For Isuzu, it finally released the third-generation version of the D-Max. It is new from the ground up, and it comes with a lot of improvements over the previous version.

Then there’s Ford with another Ranger variant called the FX4 Max, which is essentially a Ranger that combines the style and off-road capability of the Raptor and the practicality of the regular Ranger.

So which truck is better on spec-wise? To find out, we’ll be comparing the 2021 Isuzu D-Max LS 3.0 4x4 MT, which is priced at around the same range as the 2021 Ford FX4 Max.

Size-wise, the Isuzu D-max is 5,265 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,810 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,125 mm, and a ground clearance of 240 mm.

In comparison, the Ranger FX4 Max is 5,354 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1821 in height. Its wheelbase is 3,220 mm long, and its ground clearance measures 256 mm.

2021 Isuzu D-Max

This means that the Ford model is overall, a larger truck. It also has a longer wheelbase, and it has 16 mm more ground clearance.

As for their exterior equipment, both the FX4 Max and D-Max LS 3.0 4x4 AT are equipped with power-folding side mirrors with electronic adjustment, LED headlamps, a bedliner, and side steps.

The Isuzu-made truck, however, has a larger set of 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Ford gets a 17-inch of alloy wheels. The former also uses LEDs for all its lighting, while the latter still has halogen fog lamps.

On the other side of the coin, the FX4 Max comes equipped with rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps. The D-Max LS 3.0 4x4 MT lacks these two aforementioned features.

>>> Related: Ford Ranger Raptor vs FX4 Max: What are the differences?

2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

Inside, both the D-Max LS 3.0 4x4 MT and the FX4 Max are equipped with six-piece speaker systems, 12V accessory outlets, power windows, and manually adjustable seats.  The FX4 Max however comes standard with leather seats, while the D-Max LS only comes with fabric seats.

Moreover, the D-Max LS comes standard with a manual air-conditioning system, while the FX4 Max has a dual-zone automatic AC.  

The dashboard layout of the 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

Moving on to on-board entertainment systems, the D-Max LS features a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen. The FX4 Max in comparison comes with a slightly smaller eight-inch unit. Both however can connect via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aux, and through USB. Both models also feature offline navigation.

The FX4 Max, however, does get cruise control, while the said feature is absent on the D-Max LS.

>>> Related: Ford Ranger FX4 Max: What to expect from the Raptor Lite?

The 2021 Isuzu D-Max comes with a massive infotainment touchscreen 

Under the hood, the D-Max LS variant uses a 3.0-liter inline-4 turbo diesel capable of making up to 188 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The said engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and power is sent to a 4x4 drivetrain. If the 4x4 mode isn’t activated, all power is sent to the D-Max's rear wheels. 

The Isuzu D-Max's 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine

In comparison, the FX4 Max uses a 2.0-liter biturbo inline-4 diesel. It can churn out up to 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Power is sent to a 4x4 drivetrain via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

With this, the FX4 Max is by far the more powerful pickup truck. It makes 50 Nm more torque and 22 more horsepower. It is also longer-legged due to having four more gears. The fact that it’s an automatic tranny potentially gives better access to more drivers.

>>> Related: Which 2021 Isuzu D-Max variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

The Ranger FX4 Max is ready to drive through almost any terrain

While there’s a significant power difference, both pickup trucks are equipped with e-differential locks. Both also have the same double-wishbone front suspension and leaf-spring rear suspension. Both also come with rear drum brakes and front disc brakes. The FX4 Max, however, does get Fox shock absorbers for better handling on rough terrain.

For safety, both pickup trucks get dual-front airbags, traction and stability control, hill-descent control, rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera.

Both also come standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX, and a security alarm.

The D-Max however does get an engine immobilizer, and several driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

>>> Check out Isuzu D-Max promos

The D-Max LS MT and the Ranger FX4 Max aren’t a direct comparison when it comes to specs. The FX4 Max is significantly more powerful, is easier to use for the driver since it has automatic headlamps, cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers.

In comparison, the D-Max gets a better on-board entertainment system, and it also has more safety in the form of driver-assist features.

Rear of the 2021 Isuzu D-Max

As such, we can say that choosing one over the other depends heavily on what you prioritize more as a buyer.

Be aware though that the FX4 Max comes standard with leather seats, while the D-Max LS has fabric seats. As you might already know, leather is easier to get rid of spilled drinks and other possible stain-inducing accidents. 

Rear of the 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max

Common on both trucks however is the fact that they can cater to those who want to go off-roading. Both come with a 4x4 drivetrain, and both have locking differentials. Remember though that the D-Max LS 4x4 gets a manual gearbox, while the FX4 comes with an automatic.  

Do you think the D-Max LS 4x4 MT is the better truck, or you’d rather go with the Ranger FX4 Max 4x4 AT? For more comparison articles like this, keep it here on Philkotse.com.