Thread: New model Isuzu DMax vs Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo 4x2

Right then team looking at grabbing a new ute in month.
So comments from those who own a either the latest Isuzu DMax or latest Ranger XLT 2.0 Bi Turbo.
First hand experience only please re DMax or Ranger only please
What your thoughts....
Likes / dislikes.
Any issues
Reason why you went one over the other

Cheers in advance

we tried a few, almost went for the navara.
ranger had too much lag and spun the wheels a bit too much in 2wd. also only available in slusho matic
trying to buy a dmax at present but everything is shut down

Yeah same @gonetropo, wanting to go drive a few but have to wait....
Are you going with a stick shift?

Read quite a few recent aussie reviews and they asked why people still buying the hiluxes and /rangers? Consistent maintenance issues over there with Rangers, and Toyotas having so many problems they are subject of a full legal class action in Aus against toyota. The Aussie media went for the D-Max. Cited very good reliability from the 3.0 motor. This unit taken from a commercial truck - not one of the high pressured twin turbo 2 and 2.2 litre motors in Rangers etc today. Things don't last once boost wound up. Mate has one and loves it. Worth a look when available..

Had wifes ranger serviced at isuzu dealer last week [warranty thing ] mech taking me home in d max reckons they have torque converter issues so get 5yr warranty was his comment . They all got there own issues just different .

Originally Posted by m101a1

Had wifes ranger serviced at isuzu dealer last week [warranty thing ] mech taking me home in d max reckons they have torque converter issues so get 5yr warranty was his comment . They all got there own issues just different .

The Mech said that the DMax having converter issues or yr wife's Ranger?
You are right about them have their problems.....had a new Hilux for 4 years smoked like a train form 40000ks to 95k.
Took them 55000 kms to sort it....thankfully it was a leased ute

Originally Posted by #the creeper

The Mech said that the DMax having converter issues or yr wife's Ranger?
You are right about them have their problems.....had a new Hilux for 4 years smoked like a train form 40000ks to 95k.
Took them 55000 kms to sort it....thankfully it was a leased ute

The d max my ranger will get egr and cooler delete once out of warranty to late for hers but thats her problem

Here's a note on the Aussie class action against Toyota:

"The class action alleges that: certain models of Toyota motor vehicle in the Hilux, Prado and Fortuner ranges fitted with a 1GD-FTV engine or 2GD-FTV engine are defective; ... Toyota Australia has engaged in conduct that was misleading or deceptive and which, in the circumstances, was unconscionable." High court case to be heard November 2021. Evidently Aus police have given untold traffic infringements to hilux etc owners because of excessive smoking. Problems include DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues. Back to the old Hilux 2.8 of 1990 perhaps - that was a good old donk. Until you turboed it...

Have heard nothing of D-Max torque converter issues, but mate at big diesel shop in Chch is no fan of rangers now. Went to Ford recently to get a replacement Ranger gearbox, and guy behind counter asks him "how many do you want?" ... They had 11 on the shelf. Mmmmmm...

New Dmax getting pretty good raps here except for dated interior. I’m looking but not buying at this stage. Seeing a few of the new Isuzu powered Mazda’s kicking about now.

Ive got a Mazda work Ute. New bt50, interior is flash, the dmax and Mazda are the same I think. ? With some subtle differences. The Mazda Is gutless for a 2021 3 litre imo. It’s had a factory recall already where it was stuck in gear and the thing wouldn’t change. It’s a nice Ute but the engine seems very dated. Our old 2018 colorados went a lot better in the engine department.

@#the creeper our new work ute is a new ranger bi diesel, haven't driven it much but it travels a lot better then the the last ranger, goes like any new ute and tows like any new ute.
The main two things i don't like is i find the big flat dash catches the sun and glare's back up on the screen, Also don't like how it shuts down at lights or when you stop, to me the the diesel you are saving will need to pay for a stater motor, the ten speed auto?? its a auto who cares.
There is a lot of other crap that i would be happy to get rid of in any new ute, interior scan? its a ute not a 40 seater bus
A new ute comes down to what the individual likes and servicing. I would be happy to use the local ford or toyota service center
I didn't bother looking at dmax the price put me off

Dicko - the 2021/22 model DMax just out has a brand new interior to please all you sydneysiders... apparently its the bees knees now.

Originally Posted by #the creeper

Yeah same @gonetropo, wanting to go drive a few but have to wait....
Are you going with a stick shift?

yep. 6 speed manual

Personally I'm a little staggered at how much the price of the Dmax has gone up from the old model.
Mind you the s/hand market seems to have gone nuts too, could sell my current one (2018) for the same price I bought it for at the moment.

Originally Posted by Mohawk .308

I was walking past a Isuzu dealer the other day and they had the latest d max on the yard. Nice looking truck but @ 76k a lot of coin for a Ute.

Pretty sure top model is $82k. I asked the dealer how come price was so high. Reply was aligned with costs of new safety features. Agreed, it’s a lot of loot!