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Isuzu D-Max vs Renault Kangoo

What's the difference?

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Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max

$32,700 - $78,900

2025 price

Renault Kangoo
Renault Kangoo

$38,990 - $63,990

2025 price

Summary

2025 Isuzu D-Max
2025 Renault Kangoo
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 1.3L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
8.0L/100km (combined)

6.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

2
Dislikes
  • Too many decals
  • No power and torque increase
  • Could do with more mods

  • No ANCAP
  • Bulkhead-restricted rear view
  • No 180-degree locks on barn-doors
2025 Isuzu D-Max Summary

Carmakers nowadays are increasingly entering into collaborations with vehicle-engineering companies in order to develop “special” vehicles.

Why? 

Well, for one thing, car buyers now demand much more than a mere sticker pack on their 4WD if that vehicle has been marketed as a limited-edition/special-edition/whatever version of the standard vehicle on which it’s based.

And these special vehicles have proven very popular because they benefit from the substantial engineering work undertaken away from the OEM.

You only have to look at the recent collaborations between Nissan Australia and Melbourne-based vehicle engineering company, Premcar, on the Navara and Patrol Warrior to see that Premcar and companies of the same ilk can be entrusted with conversion work, engineering upgrades and the fitment of off-road accessories in order to add real value to a vehicle.

And so it is that Isuzu has joined forces with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to develop the D-Max Blade.

Based on the LS-U+, the Blade was developed locally and among its enhancements over and above the D-Max on which it’s based, it has Aussie-tuned lifted suspension, a lightbar, underbody protection, light truck construction all-terrain tyres and some Blade-specific design enhancements.

But with the same powertrain as a LS-U+ and no power and torque improvements, is the Blade worthy of your consideration?

Read on.

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2025 Renault Kangoo Summary

The small van segment (Under 2.5-tonne GVM) is one of the smallest in Australia’s light commercial vehicle market, as it currently caters for only three contenders, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo.

Although total sales in this category are a fraction of those achieved in the mid-size (2.5-3.5-tonne GVM) van division, these compact commercials are ideal for buyers not requiring the big one-tonne payload ratings and cavernous load volumes of their larger siblings.

Petrol and diesel-powered models are typically equipped with small displacement engines offering excellent fuel efficiency, combined with cabin ergonomics and driving dynamics which are the most car-like of any LCV offering.

French manufacturer Renault released its third generation Kangoo range in Australia in 2024, comprising a mix of petrol and full-electric variants. We were recently handed the keys to one of the petrol models to see if it has what it takes to win costumers in this three-way fight.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Isuzu D-Max 2025 Renault Kangoo

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