ISUZU D-Max Auto Plus vs. JAC T9 Hunter | Two Best Entry Level Pickup Trucks

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JAC T9 Hunter is Pakistan’s first-ever Chinese pickup truck brought by Ghandhara Motors in Pakistan. Engine-wise, it’s not as powerful as other Japanese trucks, but in terms of features, it stands out. 

If you compare the T9 Hunter price-wise, you will find the ISUZU D-Max Auto Plus, a toned-down variant of the X-Terrain with a smaller engine, no exterior garnishes and some compromises on the features.

Both trucks cost the same. We believe ISUZU intentionally offered Auto Plus the same price as the T9 Hunter to penetrate the T9 Hunter’s market. 

Let’s compare both and see what you get and what you lose.

Engine and Performance

The T9 Hunter features a 2.0L common-rail diesel engine with higher torque output than the Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus, which utilises a 1.9L turbo diesel. Therefore, Hunter is somewhat more powerful due to its 100cc larger engine, and HP and torque are also higher in Hunter. However, due to smaller engine and low power output, D-Max will give better fuel economy than the Hunter.

Feature T9 Hunter Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus
Engine Type 2.0 Turbo Diesel 1.9L Turbo Diesel
Displacement (cc) 1999 1898
Max Power (hp/rpm) 168/3600 148/3600
Max Torque (Nm/rpm) 410/1500–2500 350/1800-2800
Emission Standard Euro II Euro II
Transmission 8-Speed AT 6-Speed Sequential
Max Speed (km/h) 160 180
Drive Type 4×4  4×4
Drive Modes Normal, Economy, Sport, Snow Eco, Power

Dimensions

The T9 Hunter is longer and taller than the Isuzu D-Max, offering more presence and slightly higher ground clearance. However, the D-Max is lighter, which may benefit fuel efficiency and handling in certain conditions.

Feature T9 Hunter Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus
Overall Dimensions (mm) 5330 x 1965 x 1920 5300x 1870 x 1810
Wheelbase (mm) 3110 3125
Curb Weight (kg) 2055 1990
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) 3055 2950
Ground Clearance (mm) 210 310
Payload (kg) 1000 *825
Approach/Departure Angle 27°/23° *29.2°/19.2°

Interior Features

The T9 Hunter offers a comprehensive set of comfort features, such as power-adjustable seats, rear AC vents, and multiple USB ports. The D-Max is comparatively simpler, focusing on basic utility with fewer premium touches.


Feature T9 Hunter Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus
Seating Capacity 5 5
Leather Seats Brown  Black
Driver’s Power Seat Adjustment 6-Way Not specified
Passenger Seat Adjustment 4-Way Not specified
Infotainment Screen 10.4″ Touch Screen 8″ Touch Screen
Connectivity Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth
Rear AC Vents Yes Yes
USB Ports Front and Back Front and Back
Climate Control Auto AC with Climate Control Auto AC with Climate Control

T9 Hunter provides superior interior features with a focus on technology and comfort, while Isuzu D-Max remains functionally basic and practical.

Exterior Features

From the exterior side, on paper, both are almost the same, the design language of Hunter might look better due to garnishing and off-road looks.

Feature T9 Hunter Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus
Headlamps LED Bi-LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) LED Yes
Fog Lamps Yes Yes
Roof Rails Yes Yes
Side Steps Yes Yes
Mirror Adjustment Electrically Adjustable  Electrically Adjustable 
Wheels 265/60R18  265/60R18

Safety Features

The D-Max lacks curtain airbags, a 360-degree camera, and TPMS; the rest of the features are the same for both cars.

Feature T9 Hunter Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus
Airbags 4 2
ABS + EBD Yes Yes
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Yes Yes
Traction Control Yes Yes
Hill Start Assist Yes Yes
Downhill Assist Yes Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Yes No
360° Camera Yes No
ISOFIX Yes Yes

This was it for this comparison. Overall, we think that JAC T9 looks better value on the paper. It comes with  better power figures, 4×4 capability, two extra airbags, bigger infotainment, 360 camera TPMS monitor which lacks in the D-Max Auto Plus. However, due to smaller engine and low power output, D-Max might be better in the fuel economy side.

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2 Comments
  1. Waqas says

    You Saïd because of 100 cc gap ,T9 id more powerful and later d-max IS lighter meaning it better fuel efficient,doesn’t it make d max more powerful as well ?
    To confirme that whatvare ghe towing capacity of both of them and safety rating ?
    Physics IS a thing

  2. Waqas says

    Towing capacity Isuzu 3500 kg
    Towing capacity jac 3200 kg
    Both of them have 5 star with ancap
    It seem the better IS Isuzu
    With Come with a sequential AT

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