Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota HiLux: Value vs Legacy
Can the D-Max's lower price and bigger engine beat the HiLux's legendary resale?
Price Breakdown
The D-Max is $3,250 cheaper and uses 0.4L/100km less fuel. Over 5 years, that's ~$4,800 in savings. But the HiLux retains roughly 8% more value at resale. on a $60k ute, that's ~$4,800. They essentially cancel out over 5 years.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP. Both have AEB, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The D-Max has a slightly more comprehensive suite at lower trim levels. No meaningful safety difference at the top-spec models we're comparing.
Feature Showdown
The D-Max X-Terrain gets a 9-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, heated seats, and a bi-LED headlight array. The HiLux SR5 gets an 8-inch screen, wired CarPlay, and a digital rear-view mirror. The D-Max feels more modern inside; the HiLux feels more rugged.
Drivetrain
Both are turbo diesel workhorses, but the HiLux makes more power from a smaller engine. a sign of Toyota's more advanced engineering.
| Drivetrain Spec | D-Max X-Terrain | HiLux SR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX Turbo Diesel | 2.8L 1GD-FTV Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 140kW @ 3,600rpm | 150kW @ 3,400rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm | 500Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Aisin Auto | 6-speed Auto |
| 4WD System | Part-time, rear diff lock | Part-time, rear diff lock + A-TRAC |
| Fuel Economy | 7.2L/100km | 7.6L/100km |
| DPF | Yes | Yes |
| AdBlue | Yes | Yes |
The HiLux's 2.8L makes 50Nm more torque than the D-Max's larger 3.0L. You feel this when towing on highway inclines. the HiLux has more overtaking confidence with a heavy trailer. The D-Max compensates with slightly better fuel economy (0.4L/100km less).
Both engines require DPF regeneration and AdBlue top-ups. Both should be avoided for short city-only trips. the DPF needs regular highway runs to stay healthy.
Space & Comfort
The D-Max X-Terrain has the more modern cabin. Isuzu invested heavily in tech and features for the current generation, while the HiLux SR5 still feels a generation behind inside for its price.
| Interior Spec | D-Max X-Terrain | HiLux SR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 9" touchscreen | 8" touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay | Wireless | Wired only |
| Seats | Leather-accented, heated | Fabric |
| Headlights | Bi-LED | Halogen |
| Overall Length | 5,265mm | 5,325mm |
| Tray Length | 1,535mm | 1,520mm |
| Payload | 965kg | 925kg |
| Kerb Weight | 2,085kg | 2,125kg |
For $3,250 less, the D-Max gives you leather seats, heated front seats, bi-LED headlights, and wireless CarPlay. all missing from the more expensive HiLux SR5. The HiLux gets fabric seats and halogen headlights at this trim. Toyota knows buyers will pay a premium for the badge.
True Cost to Own
This is where it gets interesting. The D-Max is cheaper to buy and cheaper to run. but the HiLux's legendary resale almost cancels the difference.
| 5-Year Cost | D-Max X-Terrain | HiLux SR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway (est. VIC) | $62,000 | $66,000 |
| 5yr Fuel (15k km/yr) | $9,990 | $10,545 |
| 5yr Servicing | $3,750 | $4,000 |
| 5yr Insurance | $9,500 | $10,000 |
| 5yr Tyres | $1,900 | $2,000 |
| Resale (est. 5yr) | -$34,100 (55%) | -$41,580 (63%) |
| True 5yr Cost | $53,040 | $50,965 |
Despite costing $4,000 more to buy, the HiLux is actually $2,075 cheaper over 5 years thanks to its resale advantage. The D-Max saves you money every year on fuel, servicing, and insurance. but the HiLux gives it all back (and more) when you sell.
The calculus changes if you keep it 7+ years. After year 5, resale differences shrink and the D-Max's ongoing running cost advantage starts to compound. If you're a "drive it till it dies" buyer, the D-Max is the better bet.
The Engine Battle
The D-Max's 3.0L is a bigger engine but makes less power (140kW vs 150kW) and torque (450Nm vs 500Nm) than the HiLux's smaller 2.8L. Toyota's engine is the more advanced unit. lighter, more refined, and produces more from less displacement.
In practice, the HiLux feels stronger when towing. 500Nm of torque makes highway overtaking with a trailer more confident. The D-Max is adequate but works harder.
The Resale Factor
This is the HiLux's trump card. Toyota HiLux resale value is the best of any vehicle sold in Australia. period. After 5 years, a HiLux retains 60-65% of its value. The D-Max retains 52-57%. On a $60k purchase, that's a $3,000-5,000 difference in your pocket when you sell.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the D-Max if: You want more features for less money, plan to keep it long-term (7+ years), and value fuel economy. The smart money choice.
Buy the HiLux if: You buy and sell every 3-5 years, want maximum resale return, need the extra torque for heavy towing, or run a fleet where Toyota parts availability matters.
The Verdict
The D-Max is $3,250 cheaper with better fuel economy and more payload. The HiLux has more torque, legendary reliability, and the best resale value of any vehicle in Australia. If you're buying for work and keeping it 7+ years, the D-Max's value edge wins. If you're buying for 3-5 years and want maximum resale return, the HiLux pays for itself.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 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. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
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