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

Updated Nov 11, 2022

Two manly trucks go head-to-head

In this article...

  1. Macho trucks face off
  2. Dimensions
  3. Interior
  4. Engine & Performance
  5. Safety
  6. Variants & Prices
  7. Verdict

2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux: Macho trucks face off

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. 

2021 Isuzu D-Max Quick Look (with driving impressions): All new and ready for you!

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 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

2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux Philippines: Dimensions

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. 

Isuzu D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

Dimensions 

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

5,277mm 

Length 

5,325mm 

1,880mm 

Width 

1,900mm 

1,810mm 

Height 

1,815mm 

3,125mm 

Wheelbase 

3,085mm 

240mm 

Ground Clearance 

279mm 

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. 

Isuzu D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

Exterior Equipment 

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

Bi-LED with auto-on/off 

Headlights 

LED with auto-on/off 

With 

Headlight auto-leveling 

With 

LED 

Daytime Running Lights 

LED 

LED 

Turn signal lamps 

Halogen 

LED 

Taillights 

LED 

With 

Front Fog lights 

With 

With 

Roof rails 

With 

18-inch 

Wheel size 

18-inch 

Alloy 

Wheel type 

Alloy 

>>> Related: 

2021 Isuzu D-max vs Toyota Hilux: Interior

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.  

Isuzu D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

Interior Equipment 

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

Leather 

Seat Material 

Fabric 

Electronic 

Driver’s seat adjustment 

Manual 

Tilt and Telescopic 

Steering wheel adjustment 

Tilt  

Dual-zone automatic w/ rear vents 

Air-conditioning type 

Dual-zone automatic w/ rear vents 

Push button w/ remote start 

Ignition 

Push button 

None 

Seat cooling 

None 

None 

Power liftgate 

(Tailgate lift assist) 

Seating capacity 

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. 

Isuzu D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

On-board tech 

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

10.1-inch touchscreen 

Infotainment system 

8-inch touchscreen 

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB 

Connectivity options 

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, Miracast 

8 speakers 

# of speakers 

6 speakers 

None 

Wireless charger 

None 

With 

Offline Navigation 

With 

With 

Power-folding side mirror 

With 

With 

Auto-dimming rearview mirror 

With

With 

Rain-sensing wipers 

None 

>>> Related:

2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Hilux Philippines: Engine & Performance

When it comes to engines, the D-Max LS-E uses a 3.0-liter turbodiesel power plant, which can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.  In turn, the Toyota Hilux uses a 2.8-liter turbodiesel capable of making up to 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. With that, it is pretty obvious that the Toyota’s engine produces more horsepower and 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 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.  

Specs 

Isuzu D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

Engine 

Inline-4 turbodiesel 

Inline-4 turbodiesel 

Displacement 

3.0-liters 

2.8-liters 

Transmission 

Six-speed automatic 

Six-speed automatic 

Horsepower 

187 horsepower  

201 horsepower 

Torque 

450 Nm 

500 Nm  

Drivetrain  

4x4 

4x4 

Differential lock 

None

With 

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

2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux Philippines: Safety

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. 

Isuzu D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

Safety equipment 

Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

Airbags 

With 

Antilock braking with EBD 

With 

With 

Reverse Camera 

With 

None 

360-degree camera 

With 

Adaptive 

Cruise control 

Standard 

With 

Hill-start assist 

With 

With 

Hill descent control 

With 

With 

Stability control 

With 

With 

ISOFIX child seat tethers 

With 

With 

Lane departure warning 

None 

With 

Blind-spot detection 

None 

None 

Tire pressure monitoring 

None 

With 

Engine immobilizer 

With 

With 

Security alarm 

With 

None 

Speed sensing door locks 

None 

With 

Emergency braking 

None 

2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Hilux 2020: Variants & Prices

Isuzu D-Max Variants 

Price 

D-Max 1.9 4x4 Single Cab MT 

Php 857,000 

D-Max LT 1.9 4x2 MT 

Php 987,000 

D-Max RZ4E 1.9 LS 4x2 MT 

Php 1,219,000 

D-Max LT 3.0 4x4 MT 

Php 1,288,000 

D-Max RZ4E 1.9 LS 4x2 AT 

Php 1,309,000 

D-Max 3.0 LS 4x2 MT 

Php 1,320,000 

D-Max LS-A 3.0 4x2 AT 

Php 1,390,000 

D-Max LS 3.0 4x4 MT 

Php 1,630,000 

D-Max LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT 

Php 1,825,000 

Toyota Hilux Variants 

Price 

Hilux Cab and Chassis 

Php 843,000 

Hilux Cargo 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 936,000 

Hilux J 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 952,000 

Hilux FX w/o Rear AC 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 1,029,000 

Hilux FX w/ Rear AC 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 1,057,000 

Hilux E 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 1,135,000 

Hilux J 2.4 4x4 MT 

Php 1,148,000 

Hilux G 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 1,250,000 

Hilux G 2.4 4x2 AT 

Php 1,325,000 

Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 MT 

Php 1,420,000 

Hilux Conquest 2.4 4x2 AT 

Php 1,495,000 

Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 MT 

Php 1,800,000 

Hilux Conquest 2.8 4x4 AT 

Php 1,875,000 

>>> List of used Hilux for sale

2021 Isuzu D-Max vs Hilux: Verdict

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

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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