Pickup trucks are one of the popular vehicles in the Philippines. In fact, three of the top 10 best-selling cars in the country last 2020 were pickup trucks, which shows that it is among the tightly contested segment in the Philippine market.
From left to right: Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, and Jeep Gladiator
Two of the well-known trucks in the country are included among the finalists for the 2022 International Pick-Up of the Year (IPUA). The IPUA is organized by the Europe-based International Van of the Year (IVOTY), which was established in 1992. It is composed of jury members that include several journalists.
The IPUA started in 2009, and it is held every other year with the goal of awarding the most efficient 1-tonne pickup truck. For this year, the jury tested the trucks in Croatia, and look into the following criteria: functionality, efficiency, and performance.
2022 Toyota Hilux vs Isuzu D-Max | Philkotse Spec Check
The Isuzu D-Max, and the Toyota Hilux are among the four finalists in contention to take home the 2022 IPUA. The two Japanese pickup trucks are also competing with the Jeep Gladiator as well as the SsangYong Musso for the top honors.
Jeep Gladiator
“For the 2022 IPUA, there are four main contenders, three of which derive from Asia and the other from the United States, to demonstrate the truly international aspect to our award,” said IVOTY chairman Jarlath Sweeney.
The 2022 IPUA will be presented at Solutrans, a trade show for heavy and light commercial vehicles, held in Lyon, France this week. The winner of the IPUA will be announced at a special gala dinner.
The Ford Ranger is the latest recipient of the IPUA, which was awarded last 2020. Other previous winners include the Volkswagen Amarok (2018), and the Nissan Navara (2016).
All-new Isuzu D-Max
The all-new Isuzu D-Max made its debut in the Philippines last March. The PH-spec D-Max can be equipped with either a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine or a 1.9-liter RZ4E power unit. On the other hand, the Hilux is currently the second best-selling Toyota in the Philippines with 13,300 units sold as of September 2021.
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