Toyota Tamaraw vs. the competition

Toyota Motor Philippines made waves when it first revealed that it was reviving the Tamaraw nameplate. In other markets, the model goes by another name, but locally, the said name harkens back to a long line of highly capable workhorses that practically helped build our nation. 

Fast forward to the present, and the Tamaraw long wheelbase (LWB) is now listed on TMP’s official website with prices ranging from P937,000 to P1.075 million. 

With its affordable price tag, the Tamaraw has thus entered the market as a very attractive option for business owners as a practical but affordable logistics solution. As demonstrated by Toyota’s local arm, the nameplate may also fit the bill as a highly customizable platform for folks who just want to build something truly unique. 

The Tamaraw, however, does have some competitors in the local market, and most of them are similarly priced entry-level trims of locally available pickup trucks. But before listing down its competitors, let us summarize the specifications of the all-new Tamaraw.

Toyota Tamaraw 

On the outside, the Tamaraw comes with a striking design derived directly from the Toyota IMV 0 concept. For starters, its front end is dominated by angular-shaped, black-colored pieces such as bumper and grille. It comes with a pair of square headlamps, a short and flat hood, and more angular character lines on its doors. 

Particular to the GL Dropside variant are the following exterior features:

• LED headlamps
• LED daytime running lamps
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Power-adjust side mirrors

As Toyota intended from the start, the model can be fitted with a variety of body types ranging from a flatbed with dropside functionality, a utility van, and a box cargo van - among others. All currently available trims, however, get a single-cab front end. 

The Japanese marque kept the dashboard simple but robust inside. It mainly uses sturdy plastics, which will definitely withstand the rigors of daily use. Even its manual adjustable seats are clad in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), again, to ensure durability. 

Otherwise, the model gets a manual air-conditioning system, an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip meter, and a lot of storage bins and cubby holes. 

Unlike many of its rivals, however, the Tamaraw’s GL Dropside version comes equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen central display, which offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the model has keyless entry functionality. 

For its engine, the Tamaraw lineup depends on the 2.4-liter 2GD-GTV inline-4 turbodiesel - the same engine found on the lower trims of the Philippine-spec Toyota Hilux. The GL Dropside variant, in particular, uses the 2GD-FTV High version, which can churn out up to 147 horsepower (hp) and 400 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The Tamaraw uses a rear-wheel-drive layout. The GL Dropside comes with a six-speed automatic, while the rest of the trims use a five-speed manual gearbox. 

For ride quality and optimal cargo loading capacity, the Tamaraw depends on an independent coil front suspension and leaf springs for the rear. 

As a side note, the Toyota Tamaraw uses the same body-on-frame International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform as the Hilux. It likewise shared the said chassis with the Toyota Innova and Fortuner. 

Here is a table showcasing the specifications of the Toyota Tamaraw GL Dropside:

Model	Toyota Tamaraw GL Dropside
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	5,300x1,800x1,800
Wheelbase (mm)	3,085
Wheel size	16-inches
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	PVC
Amenities	Manual air-conditioning Urethane steering wheel Cupholders Keyless entry Power-adjust side mirrors Two-piece speaker system
Instrument cluster	Digital trip meter, analog gauge cluster
Infotainment system	7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Two
Powertrain
Engine	2.4-liter 2GD-FTV (high) inline-4 turbocharged
Fuel type	Diesel
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Horsepower	147
Torque	400 Nm
Brakes	Front disc, rear drums
Technology
Safety	Dual-front airbags Anti-lock braking system Electronic brake-force distribution
Price	P1.075 million

Isuzu D-Max Single cab

The chief rival of the all-new Tamaraw in the Philippine market is the Isuzu D-Max Single cab version. Locally, it is priced at P1.178 million, and like its Toyota competitor, it boasts a long truck bed and a two-seater, two-door single cab front end. 

Like most entry-level versions of locally available pickups, the D-max Single cab gets a simpler-looking front fascia equipped with a plastic black-colored front bumper and grille. It also has a pair of multi-reflector headlamps, manual side mirrors, and halogen taillights. 

Found inside the Isuzu model is a simple but practical cabin equipped with the following amenities:

• Manual air-conditioning
• 12-volt accessory outlet
• 3.5-inch trip meter and analog gauge cluster
• Urethane steering wheel
• Fabric-covered manual seats

Handling on-board entertainment for the Isuzu work truck is a single-DIN headunit with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The said system is also linked to a two-piece speaker system. 

For engines, the D-Max Single cab may come with two very different engines. The 4x4 version, for instance, uses a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine, the same mill as the one found on the top-spec D-Max LS-E. At the most, it can produce up to 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque. 

The 4x2 version of the D-Max Single cab, on the other hand, is propelled by the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC inline-4 turbodiesel. At maximum, the smaller engine option can churn out 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission. 

Here is a table listing the specifications, specifically for the Isuzu D-Max Single cab 4x2: 

Model	Isuzu D-Max Single cab 4x4
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	5,020x1,810x1,700
Wheelbase (mm)	3,125
Ground clearance (mm)	195
Wheel size	15-inch
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Manual air-conditioning 12-volt accessory outlet Urethane steering wheel Manual seats
Instrument cluster	3.5-inch trip meter, analog gauge cluster
Infotainment system	1-DIN audio system
Seating capacity	Two
Powertrain
Engine	1.9-liter inline-4 turbocharged
Fuel type	Diesel
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Horsepower	148
Torque	350 Nm
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking Electronic brake-force distribution
Price	P938,000

Kia K2500 

While most of the other models on this list are based on dual-cab pickup truck models, the Kia K2500 is a standalone model. It is Kia Motor Philippines’ premier logistics-oriented offering with a price of P1.21 million for the Dual cab dropside variant. 

To note, Kia no longer lists the K2500 single cab dropside on its official website. Its available versions in the local market now consist of the Utility van 4x2, the Utility van 4x4, and the Double Cab dropside. Nevertheless, the K2500 remains a possible alternative to the all-new Tamaraw. 

Style-wise, the K2500 comes with a simple, truck-like appearance, with the cabin sitting on top of the engine bay. As such, it doesn’t come with a hood. 

Notable exterior features of the K2500 include halogen headlamps, manual side mirrors, halogen taillights, and the Korean car brand’s Tiger Nose grille design. 

The interior of the Kia model, meanwhile, comes with Vinyl-wrapped seats, a manual air-conditioning system, and a polyurethane steering wheel. It doesn’t have an infotainment system, but it has space available for a 1-DIN or 2-DIN audio system. 

 

For power, the K2500 depends on a 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel engine capable of making up to 128 hp and 255 Nm of torque. The model is available in both 4x4 and 4x2 versions, but all trims were fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. 

Here are the specifications of the Kia K2500 Dual cab dropside: 

Model	Kia K2500 Dual cab dropside 4x4
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,825x1,740x2,105
Wheelbase (mm)	2,415
Ground clearance (mm)	200
Wheel size	15-inch
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Vinyl
Amenities	Manual air-conditioning Polyurethane steering wheel 12-volt accessory outlet
Instrument cluster	Analog gauge cluster
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Diesel
Transmission	Six-speed manual
Horsepower	128
Torque	255 Nm
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum
Technology
Price	P1.21 million

Suzuki Carry

Another possible alternative to the Toyota Tamaraw is the Suzuki Carry. Locally, it has a price ranging from P614,000-P798,000. 

On the outside, the Carry is a bonnet-less single cab vehicle similar to the Kia K2500 and Hyundai H-100. As such, it has simple styling cues reminiscent of the small but capable Kei-class trucks sold in Japan. 

Notable exterior equipment of the Carry includes a pair of halogen headlamps, a set of 13-inch wheels, and manual side mirrors. Its interior is also relatively straightforward, but it has enough creature comforts in the form of a manual air-conditioning system, vinyl seats, and a 1-DIN audio system. 

The engine of the Philippine-spec Carry is a 1.5-liter four-banger capable of producing 95 hp and 135 Nm of torque. The said engine is also paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the model’s rear wheels. Contrary to the models listed above, the Carry is a gasoline-powered model. 

Here are the specifications of the Suzuki Carry, particularly the Dropside trim:

Model	Suzuki Carry Dropside
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,195x1,765x1,910
Wheelbase (mm)	2,205
Ground clearance (mm)	160
Wheel size	13-inch
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Vinyl
Amenities	Manual air-conditioning 12-volt accessory outlet Cup holders Manual sliding seats
Instrument cluster	Analog gauge cluster
Seating capacity	Two
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Five-speed manual
Horsepower	95
Torque	135 Nm
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum
Technology
Price	P642,000

Hyundai H-100

Likewise fitting the bill as an alternative to the Toyota Tamaraw is the Hyundai H-100. Locally, the model is priced at P1.024 million for the cab and chassis version and P1.243 million for the Shuttle variant. 

Appearance-wise, the H-100 carries a style similar to that of the Suzuki Carry and the Kia K2500. It has a truck-like, hood-less appearance, with the occupant cab placed over the vehicle’s engine. 

For its exterior, the Korean brand fitted the logistics-oriented ride with halogen headlamps, manual side mirrors, and a set of 15-inch wheels. Its interior, on the other hand, is uncomplicated with its PVC seats, manual air-conditioning system, and 1-DIN audio system. 

Propelling the utilitarian Hyundai model is a 2.5-liter CRDi engine capable of outputting 128 hp and 254 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. 

Here are the specifications of the Hyundai H-100 Shuttle: 

Model	Hyundai H-100 Shuttle
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,850x1,740x1,970
Wheelbase (mm)	2,430
Ground clearance (mm)	185
Wheel size	15-inch
Lighting system	Halogen
Interior
Material	Vinyl
Amenities	Manual air-conditioning Vinyl-covered manual seats 12-volt accessory outlet Cup holders
Instrument cluster	Analog gauge cluster
Seating capacity	Two (front cabin)
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter CRDi inline-4
Fuel type	Diesel
Transmission	Six-speed manual
Horsepower	128
Torque	254 Nm
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum
Technology
Price	P1.243 million

Final thoughts

There you have it, the alternatives to the all-new Toyota Tamaraw. To sum it all up, all models listed above are simple but capable offerings that will do well as the backbone of small to large businesses. 

As different models, however, each will have its unique strengths and weaknesses. So, for folks seriously looking to get a business partner or a utility vehicle, you would do well to give each a test drive first. 

Also read: 

Zigwheels PH: Top 7 vehicles to look forward to in 2025

Next-gen Tamaraw SWB gas trim to be released by Q1 2025

TMP eyes to next-gen Toyota Tamaraw ‘as much as it can produce’