Isuzu D-Max vs RAM 1500
What's the difference?

Isuzu D-Max

$36,200 - $80,900

2026 price

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RAM 1500

$109,950 - $249,950

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Isuzu D-Max

2026 RAM 1500

By Chris Thompson

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Fuel Efficiency

Seating

Likes

New 2.2-litre is smooth and quieter
Hasn’t ballooned pricing much
D-Max retains balance of comfort and simplicity

Massive space and refinement
Engineering sophistication
A strong heart

Dislikes

Not many variants with 2.2L
Lane-keep is a bit keen
Interior feels spartan

Expensive
Not as economical as hoped
Poor warranty coverage

2026 Isuzu D-Max Summary

There’s a fairly big change hiding under the metal of one of Australia’s favourite utes. The Isuzu D-Max has a new 2.2-litre engine, replacing the 1.9-litre unit, and it brings a couple of other things with it.

A bigger engine designed to be more powerful and more efficient can only be a good thing, surely, especially with Isuzu looking down the barrel of stringent emissions laws with only two models in the line-up, both diesel powered.

But is this new 2.2-litre engine any good? Isuzu’s gone to the trouble of a new gearbox and some new tech to go with it, so we check it out to see if it stacks up against the increasingly strong competition.

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2026 RAM 1500 Summary

Fancy a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota HiLux Rogue or Isuzu D-Max Blade, but need something that’s a bit bigger, bolder and brawnier?

Behold the Ram 1500 Rebel. No, not a Rambler Rebel from the Mad Men era, but a full-sized pick-up truck that’s aimed at younger and/or more-adventure-minded buyers.

Rivalling the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, it brings a sporty off-road vibe to Australia’s best-selling big US-made ute. Let’s check it out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Isuzu D-Max 2026 RAM 1500

Verdict

The new engine makes the D-Max a much more likeable ute than it already was, which is high praise.

It’s smoother and quieter and makes for a more pleasant drive. The added efficiency is a bonus both for your wallet and Isuzu’s emissions credits.

The 3.0-litre engine will probably remain the favourite, but anyone who test drives a 2.2L might even be tempted to opt for the smaller unit. Isuzu sure hopes so.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

As with all current-generation Ram 1500s, the Rebel remains one of our favourite full-sized American utes on the Australian market.

Yes, it is not cheap, and a few items standard on the Laramie Sport have been deleted for better or worse, but the Rebel offers better off-road capability without losing any of the regular 1500’s driver enjoyment, comfort, refinement and overall class.

An upsized Ranger Wildtrak with more civility than its redneck reputation suggests.

Isuzu D-Max vs RAM 1500 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Isuzu D-Max vs RAM 1500
What's the difference?