Twin Test: Isuzu D-Max vs Mitsubishi L200 [2017] • Professional Pickup

The Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi L200 are two of the best-selling pickups in the UK, and both perform well in the agricultural industries. Pitching the two head to head, we examine the lifestyle and working advantages of both machines to determine which vehicle is best for you, your family and your business.

D-Max vs L200: In the Cabin

There are three cab options on both the L200 and Isuzu D-Max; single, extended (Mitsubishi calls this the Club cab) and double cab. The L200 has four trim levels (4Life, Titan, Warrior and Barbarian) plus SVP special editions, while the D-Max has five – Utility, Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade, plus the Arctic Trucks modified AT35.

Climbing into the cab is a lot easier on the Mitsubishi L200 as the doors open wider and the cab sits lower to the ground. The cab of the L200 is the longest in the class and feels more spacious, comfortable and stylish than that of the Isuzu. The D-Max is slightly dated inside now and doesn’t have quite as many of the features of the more modern Mitsubishi.

D-Max vs L200: Payload and Towing

The load area of the double cab Mitsubishi L200 measures 1,520mm in length, 1,470mm in width and has 475mm sidewalls. In contrast, the Isuzu D-Max load bed is 1,485mm long by 1,530mm wide, with 465mm sidewalls, making it slightly less accommodating than the L200. However, payloads start from just 1,045kg on the double cab L200, whereas they start from a heftier 1,126kg on the D-Max.

Towing capacities are also better on the D-Max, with the Isuzu capable of towing 3.5-tonne trailers, against the L200’s 3.1tonne towing limit – although they both have six-tonne gross combination weights.

D-Max vs L200: On the Road

As with the cab environment, the two vehicles are polar opposites when it comes to on-road performance. The suspension on the Isuzu is stiffer and there is less body roll, although the bumps of the road are felt more than in the Mitsubishi. While the D-Max is quieter overall at higher speeds, the 1.9-litre engine is noticeably louder than the L200’s more refined 2.4-litre unit.

There are two outputs on the L200 (153hp/380Nm and 180hp/430Nm), while there is just one on the D-Max (163hp/360Nm). The gear ratios are extremely short in first and second, which is great for towing but hampers acceleration. The L200 is significantly quicker, reaching 62mph in just 10.4 seconds.

D-Max vs L200: Off the Road

Taken off the road, the D-Max and L200 both performed well. The Isuzu has approach, departure and ramp over angles of 30, 23 and 22 degrees respectively, compared with 30, 22 and 24 degrees of the Mitsubishi. The ground clearance measures just 205mm on the L200 and 235mm on the D-Max.

Both vehicles have a shift-on-the-shift four-wheel-drive system, with two- and four-wheel drive high range settings, and four-wheel-drive low range. The L200 also has a locking rear differential, whereas Isuzu has chosen to rely on electronic traction control. Both vehicles weigh in at less than two tonnes unladen, therefore they’re incredibly nimble off-road.

D-Max vs L200: Cost of Ownership

The Isuzu comes out on top when it comes to running costs, as it has better residual values and better fuel economy (40.4mpg v 39.8mpg). Isuzu has opted for an enhanced NOx trap to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations, so there’s no need for AdBlue either, unlike the L200.

Service intervals are set at every 24 months or 12,000 miles for the Isuzu and every 12 months or 12,000 miles for the Mitsubishi L200. Both manufacturers offer a five-year warranty, although this is capped at 62,500 miles with Mitsubishi and 100,000 miles with Isuzu.

D-Max vs L200: Verdict

Despite both vehicles being aimed at the farming communities, the two vehicles couldn’t be further apart when it comes to their performance.

Deciding which vehicle is better for you depends on what you’re after; if you want comfort, refinement and a good off-roader, the L200 is the vehicle for you, but if you want a tough and practical workhorse that has the reassurance of a long warranty, the D-Max is the more attractive option.

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Liam Campbell

Liam Campbell is an award-winning journalist with a master's degree in Automotive Journalism from Coventry University. Growing up on a farm and learning to drive in a Mk1 Range Rover, Liam likes to think he knows a thing or two about commercial 4x4s. Previously, he was the Van Editor at Parkers and resident pickup expert at Car magazine before taking up a post at Professional Pickup.