Pickup truck brawl: Isuzu D-Max vs. Mitsubishi Triton

Isuzu Philippines Corporation has introduced the updated D-Max for the Philippine market. It received a revised exterior for a more impactful look, as well as a substantial upgrade for its safety kit. 

But how does the facelifted Isuzu D-Max compare to the Mitsubishi Triton, which received a next-gen model for the Philippine market earlier this year? 

To find out, let us compare the top-spec D-Max LS-E 4x4 AT with the Triton Athlete 4x4 AT. Both are top-spec variants and, as such, are comprehensive representations of their respective nameplates. 

Tale of the Tape

In terms of size, the D-Max LS-E 4x4 AT is 5,277-millimeters (mm) long, 1,880-mm wide, and 1,810-mm in height. The Isuzu-made truck also has a wheelbase length spanning 3,125-mm, a ground clearance of 240-mm, and a curb weight of 2,600 kilograms. 

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4x4 AT, is 5,360-mm long, 1,930-mm wide, and 1,815-mm in height. Its wheelbase has a length of 3,130-mm, and its ground clearance of 222-mm. The Triton Athlete’s curb weight is clocked in at 2,035 kg. 

Based on the figures above, the Triton Athlete is a slightly larger vehicle than the D-Max LS-E. The Isuzu model offers more ground clearance, but the Mitsubishi pick-up truck has a slightly longer wheelbase and a lighter curb weight. 

As a reminder, taking note of a vehicle’s overall dimensions can be crucial for one’s car-buyer experience. Size, after all, can provide an estimate of how roomy a vehicle is. For off-roaders, buyers should also consider its ground clearance as the latter can equate to the vehicle’s ability to travel over rough terrain. 

Exterior

Appearance-wise, both pickup truck models sport a unique contemporary design that blends with an adventure-ready persona. 

For features, both also get LED headlamps with automatic functionality, LED daytime running lamps, power-folding side mirrors, roof rails, LED taillights, rain-sensing wipers, a bedliner, beefy side steps, front fog lamps, fender flares, and a sports bar for the bed, among others.

Completing the look of the D-Max LS-E is a set of 18-inch matte dark grey metallic alloy wheels. Similarly, the Triton Athlete also rides on an 18-inch set, but its wheels come with a silver finish.

Interior

Inside, the Isuzu D-Max has a well-arranged cabin mostly made of black-colored soft and hard materials. The dark coloration extends to its leather-wrapped seats, but its leather steering wheel gets brown stitching.

In contrast, the Mitsubishi Triton’s interior has more splashes of color, including orange contrast stitching on the dashboard and two-tone black seats with orange accents. The Mitsubishi also has suede inserts, while the Isuzu uses plain black leather. 

Both pickup truck models have dual-zone automatic climate control systems and rear air-conditioning vents to keep occupants comfortable. For the drivers, the two models were also fitted with a push-to-start button, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, and plenty of USB charging ports. 

The updated D-Max, however, was provided with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, which isn’t available on the Mitsubishi. On the other hand, the Triton Athlete gets a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, which is absent in the Isuzu model. 

The D-Max's onboard entertainment and navigation are handled by a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is linked to an eight-piece speaker system. 

The Triton Athlete, meanwhile, has a nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A six-piece speaker system feeds sound into its cabin.

Where screens are concerned, the D-Max gets a larger screen, which may mean better legibility. More speakers for the Isuzu-made model can also mean better sound quality. Nevertheless, both get the same connectivity options. 

Safety

Concerning crash safety, the two pickup trucks have seven airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, traction control, a 360-degree-view camera, parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, among other features. 

The two truck models also include a host of advanced driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, pedal misapplication mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Unique to the D-Max is a rear cross-traffic brake function, which applies automatic braking when the vehicle detects a possible collision with an object from the rear. It was also fitted with a built-in digital video recorder, replacing the functions of an aftermarket dashcam. 

On the other hand, the Triton Athlete received an active yaw control feature, which actively controls the vehicle’s rear differential to reduce yaw movement for better cornering. 

Engine

Nestled the hood of the Isuzu D-Max LS-E is the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine. At maximum, the said engine can produce up to 187 horsepower (hp) and 450 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The D-Max LS-E's gear-shifting is handled by a six-speed automatic gearbox. It also uses a 4x4 drivetrain supported by an electronic differential lock for optimum traction on harsh terrain. 

The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, meanwhile, is powered by the 2.4-liter 4N16 turbodiesel mill. The engine can output up to 201 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque. It uses a six-speed automatic gearbox and an electronic locking differential. 

Based on the figures above, the Triton Athlete is the more powerful pickup truck model. 

On top of having more power, the Triton Athlete has an advanced 4x4 management system called the Super Select 4WD-II. It comes in the form of a dial, offering easier accessibility for the off-roader’s drivetrain modes. The Isuzu’s equivalent to this is a Rough Terrain Mode, which optimizes braking and power distribution but does not allow for specific 4x4 mode selection. 

For suspensions, the D-Max and the Triton use a double-wishbone front suspension and leaf springs for the rear. Stopping power for both models is provided by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. 

Variants, Price

Isuzu D-Max

• 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT: P1.945 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT​: P1.695 million​
• 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT Plus: P1.75 million ​
• 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT​: P1.71 ​million
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT Plus​: P1.51 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT​: P1.47 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT Plus: P1.44 million ​
• 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT​: P1.4 million ​
• 3.0 4x4 LT MT​: P1.299 million ​
• RZ4E 4x2 LT MT: P1.048 million ​
• 3.0 4x4 Single Cab MT​: P1.178 million ​
• RZ4E 4x2 Single Cab MT​: P938,000 ​

Mitsubishi Triton

• Athlete 4x4 AT: P1.909 million
• GLS 4x2 AT: P1.582 million
• GLX 4x4 MT: P1.561 million
• GLX 4x2 AT: P1.383 million
• GLX 4x2 MT: P1.311 million
• GL 4x4 MT: P1.157 million
• GL 4x2 MT: P1.134 million

Verdict

As comfortable daily drivers, the Isuzu D-Max and the Mitsubishi Triton can fit the bill. Both have plenty of creature comforts and safety features to make for versatile chariots that can handle a wide variety of driving situations.

The same goes for extreme off-roading. Both vehicles have the tools for going deep into the boonies on paper. Some more hands-on buyers, however, may prefer the Mitsubishi’s more in-depth 4x4 system. The Mitsubishi model also has more horsepower and torque than the Isuzu, which may also affect off-road performance.

Like we say on most on-paper comparisons, though, serious pickup truck buyers should always give both trucks a thorough test drive to form a more informed final choice. 

Photos from Cesar Guiderone Miguel, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines

Also read:

Isuzu PH plans to sell up to 500 2024 D-Max units monthly

Isuzu D-Max: old vs. new

Isuzu PH updates D-Max with revamped exterior, more safety tech