Isuzu D-Max vs JAC T9
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Isuzu D-Max starts from $41,243 before on-road costs, while the JAC T9 opens at $42,662. That makes the Isuzu D-Max the more affordable entry point by $1,419.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $45,367 and $46,928 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu D-Max by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Isuzu D-Max and JAC T9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu D-Max features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the JAC T9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Isuzu D-Max gets cloth upholstery while the JAC T9 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu D-Max uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The JAC T9 responds with a Turbo-diesel making 125kW and 410Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The JAC T9 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Isuzu D-Max is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu D-Max measures 5,285mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 45mm shorter than the JAC T9 at 5,330mm (3,110mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu D-Max generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu D-Max leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 13.8m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,910/year for the Isuzu D-Max and $2,166/year for the JAC T9. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu D-Max.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Isuzu D-Max) vs $2,166 (JAC T9). The Isuzu D-Max saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu D-Max) vs 7 years (JAC T9). The JAC T9 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (JAC T9).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu D-Max if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the JAC T9 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu D-Max takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Isuzu D-Max will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. The JAC T9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu D-Max and JAC T9?
The Isuzu D-Max is the cheapest at $41,243 before on-road costs. That undercuts the JAC T9 by $1,419.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu D-Max uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu D-Max and JAC T9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu D-Max has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The JAC T9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The JAC T9 makes the most power at 125kW. The Isuzu D-Max is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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