Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain vs. V-Cross Auto Plus | Power vs. Fuel Efficiency
Selling pick-up trucks used to be straightforward. You just needed a rugged engine, a solid payload, and reliability to win over off-roaders and haulers. But times have moved on, and so has the Isuzu D-Max.
Nowadays, toughness alone won’t cut it. Pickups must double as versatile all-rounders—equally at home or on the off-roading arena, and packed with the comfort and safety features that make them a viable alternative to SUVs for family outings.
The D-Max answers that call with multiple configurations: choose from a single cab with an extended bed, made specifically for commercial use, a V-Cross, an starter-level family pickup truck, or an X-Terrain, the top-spec pickup truck with full off-roading capabilities.
ISUZU hasn’t ended its lineup here. Just yesterday, they also introduced the D-max Auto Plus, which is a lower trim than the X-terrain but falls under the personal truck category and not the commercial category like Hi-Spark and Hi-Rider.
Here’s a comparison of D-max X-terrain with its Auto Plus variant.
Engine and Performance
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is the muscle—3.0L turbo diesel pumping 187 hp and 450 Nm torque, perfect for heavy hauling and serious power. The 1.9L V-Cross is the smarter, lighter option with 148 hp and 350 Nm—less grunt but more fuel-efficient. Both have smooth 6-speed automatics. Choose X-Terrain for brute strength; pick V-Cross if you want decent power with better economy.
| Feature | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto Plus 1.9L |
| Engine Type | 3.0L DOHC 16-valve Turbo Diesel | 1.9L DOHC 16-valve Turbo Diesel |
| Displacement (cc) | 2999 | 1898 |
| Maximum Power (hp) | 187 @ 3600 rpm | 148 @ 3600 rpm |
| Maximum Torque (Nm) | 450 @ 1600-2600 rpm | 350 @ 1800-2600 rpm |
| Turbocharger | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission | 6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 | 4×2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 76 L | 76 L |
Dimensions
The V-Cross is just a smidge longer—5300mm vs. 5265mm—but both share the same width and wheelbase. The V-Cross stands taller at 1810mm, while the X-Terrain is slightly lower and meaner at 1785mm. Both have almost identical footprints, with minor height and length tweaks—practically neck and neck.
| Feature | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto Plus 1.9L |
| Length (mm) | 5265 | 5300 |
| Width (mm) | 1870 | 1870 |
| Height (mm) | 1785 | 1810 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3125 | 3125 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 310 | 310 |
| Bed Length (mm) | Approx. 1550 | Not specified |
| Curb Weight (kg) | Approx. 2000 | 1990 |
Interior Features
Inside, the X-Terrain feels a bit more premium with its brown-and-black leather combo, giving off a warmer, richer vibe. The V-Cross keeps it cool and minimalist with black and silver—clean but less personality. The X-Terrain’s 9-inch touchscreen beats the V-Cross’s 8-inch by a notch, making it more user-friendly and modern. Both have the same comfy leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and fancy digital-analogue clusters. Tech and comfort are close, but the X-Terrain subtly flexes its class.
| Feature | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto Plus 1.9L |
| Cabin Scheme | Brown and Black | Black with Silver |
| Upholstery | Leather Seats | Leather Seats |
| Infotainment System | 9-inch Touchscreen, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | 8-inch Touchscreen, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic | Dual-Zone Automatic |
| Steering Wheel | Leather Wrapped, Multi-function | Leather Wrapped, Multi-function |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital & Analog Combo | Digital & Analog Combo |
| Push Engine Start | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC Vents | Front & Rear | Front & Rear |
| USB Ports | Multiple USB Ports | Multiple USB Ports |
| Storage Compartments | Ample, including glovebox and center console | Ample, including glovebox and center console |
Exterior Features
The X-Terrain takes the standard pickup silhouette and amps it up with aggressive, chunky black cladding around the wheel arches and a more rugged, muscular front grille.
The AutoPlus is the cleaner, more urban-friendly sibling, less off-road warrior, more practical city bruiser. The silver colour keeps it sleek but safe; it doesn’t make a statement but avoids being boring. The grille is simplified, with a shinier chrome accent that softens the overall look.
| Feature | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto Plus 1.9L |
| Over Fenders | Yes | No |
| Cargo Spoiler | Yes | No |
| Roof Rails | Yes | No |
| Front Bumper Cladding | Yes | Yes |
| Headlamps | LED with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) | LED with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) |
| Fog Lamps | LED | LED |
| Alloy Wheels | 18-inch Alloy Wheels | 18-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Tyres | All-Terrain | All-Terrain |
| Tailgate | Power Tailgate | Power Tailgate |
Safety Features
The X-Terrain’s comprehensive safety features include multiple airbags and electronic aids that enhance driving stability. The V-Cross is expected to maintain parity in safety, aligning with modern safety standards.
| Feature | Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain | Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto Plus 1.9L |
| Airbags | 7 SRS Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Knee) | 2 SRS Airbags (Driver & Passenger) |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Override System | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | Front and Rear | No |
Concluding this comparison, we think X-terrain is a gas guzzler truck made specifically for some rugged work like off-roading and northern trips as well as perfect for motorway, city and home use. If this engine is too big for your usage, the AutoPlus can be a good choice. It is well-suited for city and home use. It’s a 4×2 drivetrain, which means you can’t take it on serious off-roading, but for normal motorway cruising and light northern trips, it’s good to go on this one.