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.

We here at Philkotse.com love both of these trucks, but we also know that there will always come a time that a prospective buyer or even a current owner of one or the other will want to compare these badass vehicles with each other.

So, without further ado, here’s the D-Max vs Hilux spec sheet battle.

To keep this comparison simple, we’re comparing the specs of the Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT and the D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT. We chose these two because they’re within the same price range. Moreover, both are also the top-spec trims in their respective variant lineups. 

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 is larger than the D-Max overall. It also has more in the way of ground clearance. The Isuzu D-Max, however, 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.

>>> 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, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 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 and fabric seats. Both do come with automatic air-conditioning systems, power-folding side-mirrors, cruise control, a push-start button, and power folding side mirrors.

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 cockpit of the Toyota Hilux Conquest

Both 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]

From the table above, it is pretty obvious that the Hilux Conquest’s 2.8-liter is the more powerful engine. It makes 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Compare that to the D-Max LS-E's 3.0-liter power plant, which can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. 

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 a 4x4 drivetrain with differential lock. 

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.  
 

For passive safety equipment, the D-Max LS-E and the Hilux Conquest 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, 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, and it also has speed sensing door locks along with a tire pressure monitoring system. 
 

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.  

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.com.