TOWING TEST! Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 vs Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain - 2.8t caravan tow review

This caravan towing comparison test puts the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 up against each other. Which wins? You'd better watch!

It seems pretty lopsided when you consider the engines of these two - the Ford Ranger Wildtrak has an optional 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel with 184kW and 600Nm. The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain only comes with a 3.0-litre engine - but it's a four-cylinder with 140kW and 450Nm (or about a third less power and torque than the Ford).

So can it compete in other ways? It'll need to, considering the cost of the Ranger is only a few grand more - and it comes even more comprehensively equipped than the D-Max.

There's a lot more to it than what you get for your money though - and in this towing test from Matt Campbell, you'll get an idea of what each is like to tow a 2.8-tonne-plus (2.8 ton, or 2800kg) caravan in Australia, on all sorts of different roads.

Is the V6 the big winner? Or is there more to it? Read the detailed review for a full-scale breakdown on both utes, and watch the towing test!
*Insert introductory text here - At least 150 words/Max 4200 characters*

#Ford #FordRanger #review
#Isuzu #IsuzuDMax #review

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00:00 Intro
00:39 Under the bonnet
02:19 Towing - D-Max
04:50 Towing - Ranger
08:15 Efficiency
08:45 Verdict

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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

#2023Ford #2023Isuzu #2023FordRanger #2023IsuzuDMax #2023FordRangerReview #2023IsuzuDMaxReview #Ford #Isuzu #FordRanger #IsuzuDMax #FordRangerReview #IsuzuDMaxReview #CarsGuideReview #UteReview #Utes #Ute #FordRangerWildtrak #IsuzuDMaxXTerrain #Wildtrak #Xterrain #Adventure #AdventureGuide

[martyhughes]

One thing never mentioned in the towing reviews is the GVM & GCM of the vehicles tested. This is a critical aspect to being able to tow legally!

[alexclarke]

Test drove both today and bought the dmax. The ford was much quieter. But I’ve never known a single ranger to be reliable or long lasting, and the dmax was 22 grand cheaper.

[SaulWiseman-csls]

Good to see a comparison between the new Ford Ranger and the Isuzu DMAX. The new Ranger looks fantastic in my view and I haven't driven one so I can't talk about how good the Ranger is but I chose Isuzu instead and here is why.
I own the 2022 MUX and our family van and belongings maxes out the weights+. It is a must to upgrade your suspension when towing a full van as the MUX is sprung too soft. I opted for Dobinson 2" / Monotube with airbag man assisting and I can drive fully loaded with my knee if I wanted to its that smooth and stable.
I don't go over 50% throttle as I don't need to. I keep it in 4th gear and it goes up and down hills, cold days, hot days in the one gear without any issues. If it's pretty hilly I use Drive and it drops down 1 gear and it can pull up any hill in 3rd.
One thing buyers I believe should be thinking about for tow vehicles is capability and reliability over shiny smoothness. The Isuzu is capable towing 3500kg, been there. The Ranger does have better weights which is pretty good. If you go over weight in the Isuzu you can get a GVM and GCM upgrade.
Reliability. The Ford has a smooth V6, 2 turbos and 10 gears. Thats allot of bits. The Isuzu uses the 4JJ motor that is Isuzu's 8 Ton truck engine, hence why the noise but who really cares about noise? Your car has a truck engine with proven reliability, and you don't hear it much. I'd rather tow with a truck engine than a smooth shiny V6. The Isuzu also has 1 variable geometry turbo. Maybe it's my age but I knew guys who had modified Supras. How relevant to a Diesel tow vehicle I don't know but they always said the single turbo engines were always better. That always stuck with me. About that 450Nm. That is 450Nm 'at least' between 1600 and 2600 RPM. Isuzu never talk about peak torque. The 4JJ3 has been dynod with a result of 450Nm at the wheels, factory! the 450Nm isn't counting peak torque which is somewhere around 550Nm. Also, the Isuzu uses the Aisin AC60 6 speed transmission. I only use 1 gear when towing, 4th, why have 10? Would it ever stop changing gears?! The Toyota Prado and Hylux also the same transmission. Can't go wrong there, and the 200 series Land Cruiser uses the heavy duty AB60. Another reason why in my view that transmission is much better.
During my travels around Aus, there were more Isuzu's towing vans than any other in my opinion.
If you want a truck engine with a proven transmission, choose the Isuzu. If your heavy consider an GVM / GCM upgrade.
If you want a shiny new smooth 6 cylinder's, 10 gears and 2 turbos and more weight. Choose the Ranger. Both great cars and will do the job well.

[clairejames]

Ive got the Wildtrack V6 arriving end of the month, super excited and have it especially for a tow job here and there with horses. Can't wait and thanks for the update of towing👍

[ahmostaudros]

D max any day mate..tried test proven and reliable over here in Africa..all weather buddy 👌🏽

[Dusty]

Unfortunately it wasn't a particularly enlightening review, like someone else said, how was engine braking between the two. Also acceleration runs 0-80 or 0-100 up an incline would be good to actually compare how much better the V6 is. Somewhere repeatable so you can compare all the tow vehicles you have at your disposal would be nice. Emergency braking stability aswell??

[ManyArmedMooseDei]

Between these two, I prefer the Isuzu, and plan on soon getting an X-Terrain version myself. I prefer it because frankly, I’m no city bloke. Compared to the Ute I grew up with, Utes these days are like luxury cars. Smooth suspension, quiet engine, and most importantly, good wheel and pedal feel. Never mind that the donk makes a bit of noise. That’s what truck engines do, as this is the same engine used in some Isuzu commercial trucks as well.

As others have said, their reliability and build quality is bulletproof, whereas fords tend to have an interior that feels a bit too rattly for comfort. If the Japanese vehicle manufacturers are known for one thing, it’s reliability, so in a Mad Max: Fury Road type scenario, I’d take a D-MAX any day when it comes to dual cab Utes.
That being said, in a mad max scenario, I probably would go for a road train, as they’re just so ripper and unstoppable that it seems the only logical choice.

TLDR; You buy the Isuzu if you’re a Ute person or tradie, because you know it won’t leave you stranded in whoop-whoop during the wet season.

[petewielsma]

Bought a new Dmax late July, towed the camper trailer (2.1 ton) from Mackay to Uluṟu and back . 6560kms round trip . Cruised average 125 kph in Northern Territory, total fuel consumption over the whole trip averaged at 13.3 litres per 100 km which is an accurate tally of taking note every time we filled up, not just what the dashboard says . Very happy and I wouldn’t say it’s noisy after spending up to 10 hours a day at the wheel . Only time I felt the gears were hunting was in cruise control as it tries to maintain the speed you’re locked too which is common in any vehicle .

[philtaylor]

Build price including on road costs in WA $78, 804 for the Ranger Wildtrak and $67, 083 for the DMAX X-Terrain - $11, 721 difference.

[johncarne]

I took a 2600kg 22.6ft Envey caravan around OZ with my 2016 Mux....did a great job. Just wish I'd fitted my idrive before I left...

[Doreen]

All others reviews said the noise on Dmax is quite reasonable compared to other Ute, also D-max has won the last 2 years ute of the year.

[arkashrampadarath]

The bottom line is that that Isuzu will outlive that Ford anyday. Check back in a few years to see which Ute is still going strong 💪 and you won't be surprised that the Isuzu is champ 💪

[SaferiderSRR]

Thank you for mentioning the brake pedal. You seem to be the only reviewer mentioning such a critical component and your 100% right.

[revhappy]

Upgrade the 3.0 D-Max with a larger intercooler, metal hoses, bigger injectors, remap to bring it to 350+ hp and 550nm+. You get a much smoother, quicker and reliable beast. I do dig how the new ranger looks and the V6 is tempting, but given how I toss my D-Max's around, I wouldn't want to be stuck anywhere.

[alexfrankl]

Unfortunately as per previous Rangers the reliability and long term ownership is in question, the 10 speed auto isn't renowned for being a good unit at all and the V6 has a lot going on, the D-Max isn't as refined or grunty but we know it will do it for ten years day in day out, like my last two.

[biglap.australia]

The first thing you have to do before you tow with a Dmax (2020 on) is ditch those OEM Bridgestone tyres and put on a good set of all terrains. Drives like a totally different car then.
Noise? Gear hunting? Guess don’t buy an Avida caravan because I haven’t noticed that at all and I’m 30000km towing around Australia. Finally I know what my choice would be dealing with Ford warranty or Isuzu? I’m taking Isuzu thank you. The Warranty department of Ford is located on the 7th circle of hell.
Oh one more thing. 3/4s around Australia when you look around camps and caravan parks the manufacturers dominating the towing scene are? Toyota, Isuzu and Mitsubishi from what I’ve seen.

[VECALAISV]

The D-Max is now 2 years old vs the all new Ranger so of course it would be better. I have to disagree with the feel and noise in the D-Max, I tow my 3.2T van with mine and have done quite a lot of long days with no issues what so ever. It’s miles ahead of the previous Gen Ranger I had. Handling and drivability is so much better.

[hedydd]

I’ve just ordered a Ranger Wildtrak with tow and feature pack plus 20” wheels and electric roller shutter. I would not have chosen the last two options but all their stock orders are that spec and if I wanted a factory order, delivery would be next March or April. As it is, they are available in six week’s time with the 2.0 twin turbo engines, which is the engine I would have chosen anyway for long term use. I would have liked the next pack up for £150 more which would have given surround cameras. As it is though, I’m more than happy to save £25, 000 over the price of a Grenadier for a more practical, comfortable and economical vehicle. In the UK the Ranger comes with Adblue, no electric trailer brake actuator but with the same transfer box as the Platinum, which has the option of auto4WD on firm surfaces in high range. Pity it doesn’t also have this in low range for moving really heavy trailers on a steep farmyard in reverse.

[adriaanvanzyl]

Tx for the great video as always. Why not test the new Ford V6 with the Ford 2L BiTurbo. Same manufacturer etc but to see the difference. Just a thought as the Ford 2L BiTurbo also has the same type gearbox and higher output than the Isuzu.

[Sabumnim]

V6 Ranger Wildtrak by far, I have the 2021 Wildtrak in bi turbo and that is a lot better than the Dmax yep I have tested the Dmax that is why I bought the Wildtrak.