Ford Ranger Wildtrak v Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain 2024 Comparison

Aussie families have always loved tough cars, but our priorities have changed over time.

A generation ago, it was all about the performance of home-grown muscle cars. But, today, we want a car that can explore well beyond the back-street racetracks and burnout pads.

We want a car that can go anywhere, from navigating the urban jungle to crossing the country, and do everything, from carting the kids to school and tools to the worksite to weekend camping adventures in five-star comfort.

That’s why dual-cab utes have become the default choice for modern Australian families and are today one of most popular types of vehicle.

And, if you’re wondering which in this growing league of four-wheel Swiss Army Knives is the best of the best, then let’s take a look at the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain.

On price alone, the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is more affordable than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

The D-MAX X-Terrain is priced from $67,500 plus on-road costs, but there is only one model variant available, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.

Ford, on the other hand, offers the choice of either a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel (from $69,390 plus ORCs) or a turbo-diesel V6 (from $73,590 plus ORCs) with its hugely-popular Wildtrak.

And then there’s the special-edition Wildtrak X, which is exclusively available with the four-cylinder but comes with a host of mechanical upgrades and accessories, starting from $76,890 plus ORCs.

What are the main differences between the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain?

The 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain are five-seater, dual-cab light commercial utilities that use body-on-frame construction, have four-wheel drive transmissions and are designed to cater for adventure-seeking off-roading enthusiasts.

As such, they feature more rugged styling enhancements and mechanical upgrades that improve their four-wheel capabilities over regular workhorse versions, while also offering the latest in comfort and connectivity features to be more car-like and justify their flagship positions.

Physically, the Ranger is slightly larger than the D-MAX in all dimensions – 5370mm v 5303mm in length, 1918mm v 1880mm in width, 1886mm v 1810mm in height, and 3270mm v 3125mm in wheelbase.

As such, the Ranger is also significantly heavier, with 2.0-litre models weighing 2329kg and V6 versions tipping the scales at 2384kg compared to the D-MAX at 2175kg.

Both the Ranger Wildtrak and D-MAX X-Terrain are only offered with automatic gearboxes (a six-speed unit in the Isuzu and 10-speeder in the Ford) and have low-range four-wheel drive transmissions.

The Ranger Wildtrak 2.0-litre and D-MAX have part-time systems that operate in rear-wheel drive until four-wheel drive is selected (at speeds up to 100km/h), while the Ranger Wildtrak V6 and Wildtrak X have permanent all-wheel drive.

All models offer multiple 4WD drive modes that alter the transmission, engine and stability control systems to suit different driving conditions and have locking rear differentials in low range to improve traction on slippery or rocky terrain.

Both the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain come with a comprehensive list of standard equipment that includes (on all variants) leather trim, power windows, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, sat-nav, smartphone mirroring and 18-inch alloys fitted with all-terrain tyres.

However, the Ranger has a few more tricks up its sleeve when it comes to connectivity and convenience features. It has an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster where the Isuzu’s is traditional analogue gauges, as well as a larger 12.4-inch tablet-style central infotainment screen (compared to the D-MAX’s 9.0-inch unit) with wireless phone charging and an embedded modem that provides access to FordPass Connect services.

There are also five USB power outlets in the Wildtrak’s cabin compared to the X-Terrain’s three, plus a handy 12-volt connection in the tray.

The D-MAX does have a unique ‘Sky Sound’ audio system with additional roof-mounted speakers that are designed to provide a more immersive sonic experience.

The Wildtrak X, however, brings some off-road-focused features that are not offered on regular models, and unavailable on the D-MAX, including smaller 17-inch alloys fitted with General Grabber AT3 off-road tyres and higher-grade Bilstein remote reservoir dampers that both contribute to raising the suspension by 26mm and increasing the track width by 30mm, as well as the aforementioned V6’s full-time 4WD system.

Plus, there’s more advanced Matrix LED headlights, a larger 12.4-inch digital instrument display, premium Bang and Olufsen audio system, a standard auxiliary switch bank and Ford’s clever Flexi-Rack system that features an adjustable sail plane and flip-out racks in the roof rails as well as an electrically operated hard tonneau cover.

On paper, there’s very little difference between the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain when it comes to space inside their five-seat cabins.

There are literally millimetres between them in terms of headroom (1024mm v 1020mm), shoulder-room (1450mm v 1460mm), front legroom (1057mm v 1075mm) and rear legroom (879mm v 905mm).

But the Ranger looks more modern and has more useable storage spaces, including twin glove boxes and larger door bins.

Similarly, at the business end of things, there’s not much separating the tray capacity between the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain.

The Ranger Wildtrak’s tray is fractionally shorter (1541mm v 1570mm in floor length), but is both wider (1578mm v 1530mm between the walls and 1218mm v 1122mm between the wheel-arches) and deeper (526mm v 490mm), allowing a standard-sized ‘Euro’ pallet to be loaded incumbered.

It also brings a slightly higher payload at 951kg (for 2.0-litre models) and 966kg for the Wildtrak V6, compared to 925kg for the D-MAX X-Terrain.

Both the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain have a 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity.

However, the Ford comes standard with a genuine tow bar and integrated trailer brake controller, where it’s an additional extra on the Isuzu.

If you tow a large trailer or caravan regularly, the Wildtrak V6 is a better option than the four-cylinder. But the D-MAX has an equally strong reputation for towing.

Both the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain are covered by a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating – both based on 2022 assessment protocols – and feature a comprehensive suite of standard features.

These include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The Ranger has an additional airbag (protecting the passenger’s knees) for a total of nine compared to the Isuzu’s eight, and the pair are closely matched on individual ANCAP scores for adult occupant protection (86 per cent for the D-MAX version 84 per cent for the Ranger), child occupant protection (93 per cent for the Ranger compared to 89 per cent for the D-MAX), vulnerable road user protection (74 per cent in favour of the Ranger versus 69 per cent) and Safety Assist (84 per cent for the Isuzu compared to 83 per cent for the Ford).

Neither of these vehicles are poster cars for the environment, but the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0L is the most economical choice with a claimed average consumption of 7.6L/100km.

That figure rises to 8.4L/100km with the larger-capacity V6, while the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain slots right in between with a claimed average consumption of 8.0L/100km.

The humble hay-hauling ute has come a long way over the past decade, and the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain showcase this evolution better than most.

Neither of them can totally escape their hard-working underpinnings and aren’t as refined or surefooted as a regular passenger vehicle or an SUV. But they provide a more car-like driving experience than ever before and, coupled with the latest safety systems, are relatively easy for most people to drive.

The Ranger is more sophisticated than the D-MAX in its overall on-road character with light and yet positive steering, comfortable suspension and secure handling.

Ford’s powertrains are more advanced and produce higher outputs too. The 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder, which produces 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque, is perfectly adequate for everyday use in town, on the highway and off-roading but it can feel strained at times and works the 10-speed gearbox harder than it needs to, whereas the V6, with 184kW/600Nm, has effortless performance on tap in any situation and is more relaxed.

The D-MAX’s 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel might appear underdone in comparison, producing 140kW/450Nm, and it isn’t as refined nor as responsive – with more turbo lag and less gears to work with – but it is a very strong engine and feels just as gutsy in the real world.

Both the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain are extremely competent off-roaders and will easily tackle difficult terrain.

The D-MAX has fractionally more ground clearance than the standard Ranger Wildtrak models (240mm v 234mm) and, subsequently, a higher breakover angle of 23.8 degrees compared to the Ranger’s 21 degrees.

The D-MAX X-Terrain also has a slightly better approach angle (30.5 degrees v 30 degrees) but has a longer rear overhang that limits the departure angle to 19 degrees compared to the Ranger Wildtrak’s 23 degrees.

Both models have a maximum wading depth of 800mm.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X is even better still. The upgraded suspension, with additional ride height and track, and specific wheel and tyre combination, delivers improved off-road capabilities. Plus, it features some of the unique four-wheel drive electronic software from the Ranger Raptor, such as Trail Control mode, Trail Turn Assist and a Rock Crawl setting, that makes light work of tough terrain.

The former is an off-road-specific version of cruise control that limits the speed to a maximum of 32km/h, allowing drivers to focus on navigating tricky conditions without losing or gaining speed. Trail Turn Assist can automatically apply brake pressure to the inside rear wheel when making a tight turn at low speeds, helping to rotate the car and reduce the turning circle by up to 25 per cent. The Rock Crawl mode locks the rear differential when in low-range and provides a unique throttle calibration to traverse smoothly at slow speeds over rough terrain.

The latest generation of turbo-diesel engines are prone to numerous issues relating to the emissions control systems through clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), and the 2024 Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-MAX are not immune to these problems.

Long-term reliability will, of course, depend on how you use the vehicle, and while they are designed and capable for towing and off-roading, this can cause stress on critical components such as the transmission and suspension.

All Ford Ranger Wildtrak models are covered by the blue oval’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty while Isuzu offers an extra year but limits the mileage to 150,000km.

Both require servicing every 12 months or at 15,000km intervals, with Ford offering a significantly cheaper maintenance schedule over seven years. The Ranger models will cost $1936 and $2956 for 2.0-litre and V6 versions respectively, while the D-MAX will set you back $3945 for the same timeframe.

The 2024 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is a supremely capable off-roader and comfortable everyday machine that is loaded with features and great value for money.

It remains the default choice for those that tow heavy trailers and caravans regularly thanks to its gutsy engine and reputation for reliability. And it is excellent value for money at this end of the market segment.

But the Ford Ranger Wildtrak sets a very high-water mark for dual-cab four-wheel drive utes and, if you can stretch the budget, is undeniably the better machine.

How much does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak cost?
Wildtrak 2.0L BiT – $69,390
Wildtrak 3.0L V6 – $73,590
Wildtrak X 2.0L BiT – $76,890
*Price excludes on-road costs

How much does the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain cost?
X-Terrain 3.0L 4-cyl – $67,500
*Price excludes on-road costs