Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Fortuner
What's the difference?

Isuzu D-Max

$36,200 - $80,900

2026 price

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Toyota Fortuner

$53,990 - $70,990

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Isuzu D-Max

2025 Toyota Fortuner

By Chris Thompson

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Capable 4WD
Rugged build
Function over fashion

Dislikes

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

Feels old
Lacklustre performance
Driver-assist tech needs work

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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2025 Toyota Fortuner Summary

The Toyota Fortuner has been around since 2015 with very few significant changes in the years between then and now.

And that’s telling because the HiLux-based Fortuner has never managed to make the mark in its market segment that Toyota would so dearly like it to.

With a new Fortuner possibly due in the not-too-distant future – with Toyota’s mild-hybrid 48V V-Active system onboard perhaps? – it’s worth revisiting the seven-seat Fortuner to see how the current ageing 4WD wagon stands up against its fresher rivals.

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Isuzu D-Max 2025 Toyota Fortuner

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

The Toyota Fortuner is a family friendly wagon and a very capable 4WD, but it’s looking and feeling decidedly old, especially when cross-shopped against the current highly competitive 4WD wagon market in which vehicles are increasingly stylish, sophisticated and packed with driver-assist tech (that isn't clunky) and standard features (that are extensive).

The Fortuner is practical and easy to live with as a daily driver, and in GXL spec it makes a lot of sense as a functional not flashy off-road tourer, but it’s far from the best family 4WD wagon around.

Until a next-generation Fortuner possibly arrives, there are plenty of Toyota fans who’d happily settle for a current Fortuner – if they haven’t already.

Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Fortuner What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Fortuner
What's the difference?