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

Toyota Fortuner

$53,990 - $70,990

2025 price

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Isuzu D-Max

$36,200 - $80,900

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Toyota Fortuner

2026 Isuzu D-Max

By Marcus Craft

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Capable 4WD
Rugged build
Function over fashion

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

Dislikes

Feels old
Lacklustre performance
Driver-assist tech needs work

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

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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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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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Fortuner 2026 Isuzu D-Max

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.

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.

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

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

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