2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

Filipinos love pickup trucks. Why? Because these vehicles can haul a lot of stuff, can travel easily through the sketchiest of terrain, provide great passenger and driver comfort, and look good while at it. 

The Isuzu D-Max and the Toyota Hilux are both well-capable pickup trucks, but we also understand that there will come a time that a prospective buyer must compare and choose between one truck over the other. 

So, without further ado, here’s the Hilux vs D-Max spec sheet battle. And to compare them effectively, we’re pitting the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max LS-E 4x4 AT, against the Toyota Hilux Conquest 4x4 AT.  

Of note, the D-Max was launched earlier this year and it is now in its third-generation version. The Hilux in turn, received an update in September 2021, where it received a tech upgrade. Both of these variants are the top-spec trims of their respective lineups, and they’re within the same price range.  

Which pickup truck is better on paper? Let's find out

In terms of dimensions, the D-Max LS-E is 5,277 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,810 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,125 mm and a ground clearance of 240 mm.   

Meanwhile, the Hilux Conquest AT is 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,815 mm in height. It offers a ground clearance of 279 mm, and its wheelbase is 3,085 mm long.  

Compare the Isuzu D-Max LS-E (left) and the Toyota Hilux Conquest (right) using the slider function

As you can see, the Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT is larger than the D-Max overall. It also has more in the way of ground clearance. The Isuzu D-Max in turn, has a longer wheelbase. 

What about how their sizes affect interior space? Well, the differences in that regard are negligible. Both can fit five occupants (including the driver), apart from offering generous leg- and headroom. 

Moving over to exterior equipment, both the D-Max LS-E and the Hilux Conquest feature LED headlamps, LED turn signal lamps, and LED taillights. They’re also equipped with front fog lamps, roof rails, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. 

On top of that, the Hilux Conquest also features a hydraulic assist for the hood to make it easier to open. The same goes for its tailgate. These features are unavailable on the Isuzu model. 

>>> Related: 

• 2021 Isuzu D-Max Old vs New: Spot the differences
• 2021 Toyota Hilux Old vs New: Spot the differences

When it comes to interior features, the Isuzu D-Max LS-E has a lot more going for it by way of leather seats, an electronically adjustable driver’s seat, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear vent for the air-conditioning system.   

Inside the Isuzu D-Max LS-E

In comparison, the Hilux Conquest only has a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, fabric seats, as well as a manually adjustable driver’s seat. Both do come with automatic air-conditioning systems, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-leveling headlamps, power-folding side-mirrors, cruise control, a push-start button, and power folding side mirrors.  

Furthermore, the D-Max also has a built-in clinometer and it is not present on the Toyota model. For those unaware, this device can measure the angle of the D-Max relative to the angle of tilt of the surface it is travelling on. This is particularly useful in off-road situations.

The cockpit of the Toyota Hilux Conquest

When it comes to infotainment systems, the D-Max LS-E features a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The said screen is of course larger than the Hilux Conquest’s eight-inch unit. Both however are capable of connecting via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB and Aux-in. The one on the Hilux also has Miracast software which acts like a wireless HDMI cable. The D-Max's headunit doesn’t have an equivalent to the Hilux’s Miracast. 

Other than that, both trucks also have Bluetooth streaming, as well as offline navigation. However, the D-Max's screen is linked to an eight-piece speaker system. In comparison, the Hilux Conquest only has six speakers. 

>>> Related:

• Which 2021 Toyota Hilux should I buy? [Comparison Guide]
• Which 2021 Isuzu D-Max variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

The Hilux Conquest's 3.0-liter 1GD-FTV

For gearboxes, the Hilux Conquest and the D-Max LS-E both utilize a six-speed automatic transmission, with manual modes that can be controlled using the gear lever. 

For the variants compared, both have 4x4 drivetrains, but only the Hilux Conquest comes with a locking differential. If one wants an Isuzu D-Max with that feature, the only variant that provides that is the D-Max LS 4x4 MT.

The Isuzu D-Max's 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-liter engine

Both trucks are also similar suspension-wise. They both use a double wishbone front suspension, and a leaf spring suspension for the rear. For stopping, both are also equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.  

>>> Full-scale review for each pickup can be found at:

• Isuzu D-Max Philippines reviews
• Toyota Hilux Philippines reviews

In comparing the Toyota Hilux vs Isuzu D-Max in terms of passive safety, both have just about the same features. Both have seven airbags, and ISOFIX anchor points. Both also come standard with antilock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, parking sensors, a rear parking camera, a security alarm, and an engine immobilizer.   

However, active safety tech is where the D-Max LS-E shines. It comes standard with Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assist System which includes autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, among others. On top of that, the Isuzu-made truck’s cruise control is also adaptive.  

While the Hilux lacks the aforementioned driver assist features, the 2021 update also provided the Hilux Conquest with a panoramic view monitor, which isn’t available on the D-Max LS-E. Then again, the Isuzu also has a walk-away door lock which is unavailable on the Toyota model. 

While we have to acknowledge the D-Max LS-E's superiority in terms of safety features, we have to mention the differences in engine performance. The Hilux Conquest has more pulling power, and we all know that torque is very important if you’re planning on using a truck for off-roading, cargo hauling, and towing. It might just be 50 Nm more, but for some people, that will go a very long way. 

However, Isuzu has gone to great lengths to improve the D-Max's refinement. It now brings a lot of high-tech tools for both comfort and safety, and the interior is now more upmarket than before. But also consider that as of 2021, the Hilux now has a panoramic-view camera, and that’s something you’d want if you’re going to use a Hilux Conquest as a daily driver in the city. 

So, which is better, the Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max? For us though, both of these trucks are well worth their price tags. Each carries the reputation of being reliable, versatile workhorses that will definitely keep on running for decades to come. But what do you think? Do you like the more powerful Hilux? Or do you prefer the more refined D-Max?   

 For more comparisons like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.