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Isuzu D-Max vs Volkswagen Caddy 5

What's the difference?

VS
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max

$32,700 - $78,900

2025 price

Volkswagen Caddy 5
Volkswagen Caddy 5

$38,888 - $67,590

2024 price

Summary

2025 Isuzu D-Max
2024 Volkswagen Caddy 5
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
8.0L/100km (combined)

4.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

7
Dislikes
  • Too many decals
  • No power and torque increase
  • Could do with more mods

  • List price
  • Tow ball download
  • Turning circle
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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2024 Volkswagen Caddy 5 Summary

Volkswagen’s Caddy Life seven-seater combines compact dimensions with efficient use of internal space and seating flexibility to deliver an effective combination of comfort and utility.

We recently spent a week with the premium model to see if this people-mover can meet the diverse requirements of busy families for work and play, in a people-mover segment dominated by the Kia Carnival.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Isuzu D-Max 2024 Volkswagen Caddy 5

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