SIBLING SHOWDOWN: Isuzu D-MAX LS-A 4x2 vs. Mazda BT-50 4x2

It's no secret that Isuzu and Mazda have worked together for the next-generation versions of their pickup trucks.

The Isuzu D-MAX, after all, is the basis for the Mazda BT-50, as they share the same body, chassis, engine and a few interior bits.

However, don’t let a front-end swap fool you, as Mazda has done its best to separate the BT-50 from its mechanical twin.

For this comparison, we will put the Isuzu D-MAX LS-A 4x2 against the Mazda BT-50 (Specs | News) 4x2 as they are the closest to one another regarding specification and price.

Which of these twins will come out on top?

Exterior

Despite the two pickup trucks being mechanical siblings, they don't share the same front design.

Mazda has given the BT-50 a unique twist, with a hint of the Kodo design language with the large grill and sharp headlights. 

Speaking of headlights, the Mazda BT-50 has LEDs as standard for all its variants, including the entry-level 4x2 MT model.

In the Isuzu D-MAX, it's a different story. The Japanese automaker has given its pickup truck corporate styling.

While the front of the D-MAX isn’t sleek like its Mazda counterpart, it leans more toward the aggressive side. Its grill looks like fangs coming out of it.

The headlights of the D-MAX are also different from the BT-50, as the LS-A model comes with halogen bulbs instead of LEDs. 

Regarding wheel sizes, the D-MAX has a bigger set with 18-inch alloys. The Mazda BT-50, on the other hand, has 17-inch wheels.

These specs are essential as the Mazda pickup truck delivers a slightly better ride than its mechanical twin.

Mazda Philippines has also just released the Black Edition BT-50. Essentially a 4x2 with gloss black trims, it offers a bit more styling accents and upgraded seats to the pickup buyer.

While it boils down to personal taste, we give the win to the BT-50 as it delivers a slightly more comfortable ride.

Verdict: Mazda BT-50

Interior

The Isuzu D-MAX and the Mazda BT-50 share a similar cabin layout.

It is evident in the tall dashboard with similar gauge clusters. However, Mazda has given the BT-50 different air vents, which are more rectangular than the triangular vents found in the D-MAX.

One thing to note is that the Isuzu D-MAX has no heating controls for its climate control dials. The BT-50, on the other hand, has this feature available.

Both pickup trucks do not have leather seats available for this trim level, but they come with sturdy, cloth seats. That is unless you pick the BT-50 Black Edition, which has just received a leather-seat upgrade.

You can’t go wrong with which of the two pickups you choose, as they both come with the same interior layout and features.

Verdict: Tie

Technology 

Regarding technology, the Isuzu D-MAX has a 10-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the BT-50 has a much smaller 7-inch head unit, offering the same connectivity.

Both vehicles also come with a six-speaker sound system which is decent for what they offer, but it won’t sound too go for an audiophile. The sound stage is a bit muddy and requires a better head unit to bring out the best in the speaker system. 

That said, if screen real estate is what you are after, then the D-MAX is the pickup choice. 

Verdict: Isuzu D-MAX

Power

Under the hood, both vehicles use the same 3.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine that lives inside the Isuzu D-MAX. Regardless of which model you choose, you will get 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque to the crank, irrespective of which model you choose. 

As for the transmission options, both have a six-speed automatic. While both pickup trucks may have the same kit, there is a noticeable difference in tuning the transmissions. 

The BT-50's more linear tune fits its lifestyle pickup truck positioning. On the other hand, the D-MAX tends to hit boost a little quicker, hinting at its more utilitarian-oriented positioning. 

Verdict: Tie

Safety

Regarding safety features, both pickup trucks carry a similar feature set. Both vehicles come with ABS, EBD, dual airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control, just to name a few.

They even come with a reverse camera and reverse sensors. As you can tell by now, the Isuzu D-MAX LS-A AT and the Mazda BT-50 are twins, especially with regard to their mid variants. 

The two have very little difference. We will declare a tie in this category.

Verdict: Tie

Final Verdict

As both pickup trucks are similar, the deciding factor now is price.

The Isuzu D-MAX LS-A AT has an SRP of ₱1,440,000, while the Mazda BT-50 4x2 is priced at ₱1,430,000. As you can see, there is a ₱10,000 for little difference.

You do get a smaller screen with the BT-50, but it still retains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You also have to contend with the 17-inch wheels, but at least that means the tires will be cheaper too. It also keeps the powerful 3.0-liter turbo diesel and the six-speed automatic transmission. 

But if you're lucky to snap up a limited BT-50 Black Edition, with its leather seats and soft-landing tailgate and blacked-out trims, you do get a bit more kit for the same BT-50 4x2 price.

In this scenario, we understand that ₱10,000 can be a notable sum for those working on a tight budget, so we recommend getting the BT-50 instead of its twin brother, the D-MAX.