TOYOTA Hilux Vigo vs ISUZU DMax Double Cab
When it comes to heavy duty pickups, two names emerge from the group. The Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux Both are famous for their power and build quality, and both vehicles have a long history with farming communities especially the Hilux which is a darling of Miraa farmers of Meru for many years.
In this expose, we pitch the 2.5-litre DMax and 3-litre Vigo respectfully - of the two titans up against each other to see which one truly should be delegated 'Champion of the Pickups'.
Cabin Comfort
Climbing into the cabin is a bit effortless on the D-Max as it sits lower, yet both are level-pegging regarding driving position and visibility. The D-Max highlights the more extravagant, and easier to clean, leather upholstery, while the Hilux has cloth seats.
It's hard to isolate these two as far as spec, as the Vigo and DMax are the most premium trim levels on the Hilux and D-Max respectfully. Both vehicles brag a touchscreen with GPS, AC, reverse sensors and cameras.
The infotainment system on the Hilux is notably basic and easy to use, while the Pioneer system on the D-Max is excessively muddled for its own usability and the GPS has some dull elements.
Having said that, the D-Max has a considerable measure of better finish. The gearstick, handbrake and steering wheel are smooth to handle, while similar components on the Hilux feel old school, and the gearstick feels notchy. The D-Max guarantees more prominent storage room, including a good size cubby box between the seats and two or three little ones incorporated into the dashboard.
Load Capacity
While the D-Max is longer than the Hilux, the Hilux's shorter nose implies that, shockingly, it has a longer load space. Up to 60mm longer loads (1,545mm v 1,485mm) can be conveyed in the Hilux, in spite of the fact that the D-Max is marginally more extensive at 1,530mm (Hilux: 1,515mm).
Payload is precisely the same on the two models at 1,060kg, albeit recent adjustments to the D-Max imply it has the upper hand, on towing capacity. At, 3.5 tons, it beats the Hilux by 700kg.
Driving impressions
While the 3-liter motor in the Hilux is a large portion of a liter greater than the 2.5-liter D-Max, there's only 8bhp (Hilux 169bhp and D-Max 161bhp) isolating the two models. In any case, it's the D-Max which dominates the competition for pulling power, with 400Nm contrasted with 360Nm of the Hilux, despite the fact that the two are equitably matched in both regards.
Another amazing result was the engine noise; the snorting from the smaller D-Max motor was far more prominent than the gentler snarl of the Hilux. Both engines are coupled to a 5-speed auto gearbox and, in spite of the fact that the D-Max is easier to drive, the Hilux gives much smoother and quicker gear changes.
The ride on the D-Max is somewhat firmer, while the Hilux tends to bob around when without load. The vehicles handle potholes and speed bumps extremely well, yet the Hilux profits by better traction with the all-time four-wheel-drive mode.
When taking rough terrain, four-wheel drive is chosen by means of a turn switch on the D-Max. Both are regarded for their off-road prowess however the Hilux simply has an edge over its opponent because, in spite of the fact that they have equal ground clearances of somewhere around 220 and 225mm, the Hilux has a far superior wading profundity of 700mm, contrasted with 500mm on the D-Max.
Cost of possession
As far as valuing, next to no isolates the two. Cost of a standard Hilux Vigo 3-liter 169bhp Automatic was not found on the Dealer's Website. A D-Max DMax 2.5-liter 161bhp Automatic will cost Ksh 5.9M, which is inclusive of VAT.
The same goes for efficiency. Both accomplish 13.7km/L on the highway runs, in spite of the fact that the D-Max's joined figure is marginally better at 11.9, while it's 11.6km/L on the Hilux. Service intervals are set at 12,000 miles or two years on the D-Max, and 20,000 miles or two years on the Hilux.
The real contrast however, is the guarantee. Toyota's 3-year, or 60,000-mile guarantee is no match for Isuzu's five-year, or 120,000 mile guarantee, which gives incredible peace of mind to heavy use owners.
Conclusion
While the D-Max clearly wins on the guarantee and towing capacity, the Hilux is more refined and has a much more profound wading profundity. Neither one of the pickups is the most comfortable vehicle to drive, however they're both worked to exclusively high standards and are capable performers on and off the road.