Mitsubishi Triton vs Isuzu D-Max (2026)
The Triton and D-Max are the value plays in the pickup class — both often undercut the Hilux and Ranger while offering low range, a rear diff lock and 3,500 kg towing. The new Triton brings a stiffer frame and a punchy bi-turbo with the clever Super Select 4WD-II; the D-Max counters with a bulletproof 3.0 and the best clearance here.
| Spec | Mitsubishi Triton | Isuzu D-Max |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (SRP) | ₱1,750,000 (~$29,000) | ₱1,700,000 (~$28,000) — lowest starting price |
| Engine | 2.4L Bi-Turbo diesel I4 (4N16) | 3.0L turbo-diesel I4 |
| Power | 204 hp (150 kW) — highest power | 187 hp (140 kW) |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 450 Nm |
| 4WD system | Super Select 4WD-II (full-time & part-time) with dual-range | Terrain Command 4WD (2H/4H/4L) with dual-range |
| Low range | Yes | Yes |
| Diff locks | Rear diff lock | Rear diff lock |
| Ground clearance | 222 mm | 240 mm — highest ground clearance |
| Approach angle | 30° | 30° |
| Departure angle | 23° | 24° — highest departure angle |
| Wading depth | 700 mm | 800 mm — highest wading depth |
| Towing (braked) | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Body | Pickup (double cab) | Pickup (double cab) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Sold in | PH, AU, SEA, Middle East (L200 in Europe) | PH, AU, SEA, UK, global (not US) |
Leads marks the better figure on that row only. Capability specs are trade-offs — more ground clearance usually costs stability, more towing usually costs ride comfort — so the vehicle with more marks is not automatically the right one. Read the verdict below.
Prices are an approximate PH SRP for a flagship 4x4 variant; capability figures are the manufacturer’s quoted 4x4 figures (trim/market differences noted on each model page). Conversions are approximate at ≈₱61 = US$1 (mid-2026); exchange rates move, so treat the converted figures as ballpark.
Mitsubishi Triton vs Isuzu D-Max: the real trade-offs
Engine
The Triton’s 2.4 bi-turbo (204 hp / 470 Nm) makes more power; the D-Max’s 3.0 (187 hp / 450 Nm) makes its torque very low down and is famed for longevity. Both are strong, willing workhorse diesels.
4WD system
The Triton’s trump card is Super Select 4WD-II — you can run full-time 4WD on any surface, lock the centre diff, and drop to low range, with seven terrain modes. The D-Max uses a simpler part-time Terrain Command system with Rough Terrain Mode. Both have a rear locker.
Off-road geometry
The D-Max leads the numbers with ~240 mm clearance and 800 mm wading; the Triton sits around 222 mm and 700 mm. Both clear serious terrain, but the D-Max has the edge on paper.
Durability & running cost
The D-Max’s 3.0 has the stronger longevity reputation and excellent economy. The Triton is well-built too and its warranty is often generous — check local terms.
Value
Both are keenly priced. The Triton tempts with more power and the flexible Super Select system; the D-Max with proven durability and better off-road numbers.
Cheaper to live with? Warranty side by side
Philippines: 3 years / 100,000 km, whichever comes first, on powertrain main assemblies and other components per Mitsubishi domestic warranty policy
Philippines: 3 years / 100,000 km, whichever comes first
Terms name their market and differ elsewhere. Full detail on Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max, or compare all on the ownership page.
Which should you buy?
Buy the Mitsubishi Triton if you want the most power and the most flexible 4WD system (Super Select-II) at a sharp price. Buy the Isuzu D-Max if durability, the best clearance and wading, and low running costs top your list. Both are excellent-value workhorses — Super Select versus proven longevity is the core choice.
Buyers who want strong power and the versatile full-time/part-time Super Select 4WD-II at a keen price.
Full Mitsubishi Triton specs →Buyers who want maximum durability, the best clearance and wading, and low running costs.
Full Isuzu D-Max specs →Whichever you pick, own it well with Kotselog: log fuel and servicing to see your real cost per km, track off-road maintenance (diff and transfer-case oil, tyres, suspension, post-wading checks), and get reminded before your registration or insurance lapses. Open the app →
Mitsubishi Triton vs Isuzu D-Max FAQ
Is Super Select 4WD-II better than the D-Max’s system?
It is more flexible: Super Select-II lets you run full-time 4WD on any surface (including tarmac) and then lock the centre diff and use low range, whereas the D-Max’s part-time system is for loose surfaces and low range only. Both are capable; the Triton’s system is simply more versatile on mixed terrain.
Which has the better engine, the Triton or D-Max?
The Triton’s bi-turbo makes more power (204 hp vs 187 hp); the D-Max’s 3.0 has a stronger longevity reputation and strong low-end torque. For outright go, the Triton; for long-haul durability, the D-Max.
Do both tow 3,500 kg?
Yes — both are rated at 3,500 kg braked on the diesel 4x4, matching the class best. Stay within your gross combination mass.
Related reading: 4x4 & off-road maintenance checklist.
Comparing the Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max?
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