Which pick-up truck offers the most power for the least money?

Earlier, we’ve established that if you want to buy a new car in Malaysian without tax, get a pick-up truck.

But what about pick-up trucks that offer the best RM-per-PS ratio?

Isuzu D-Max - D-Max 3.0 is the surprising champ

(Isuzu D-Max Spec and Prices | Gallery)

If you’re in the market for a pick-up truck that offers the most power for every Ringgit you spend, the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 is your best bet.

No, really.

Initially, we thought that the RM 144,888 Ford Ranger Wildtrak and its 213 PS output figure would top the RM-per-PS ratio, but that was not the case.

Instead, the Isuzu D-Max 3.0 offered the best RM-per-PS ratio at RM 682/PS, marginally beating out the Ranger Wildtrak’s RM 699/PS figure.

That said, both the Ranger and D-Max beat out the Toyota Hilux (RM 790/PS) and Mitsubishi Triton (RM 761/PS) by a fair bit.

While the cheaper D-Max 1.9's RM-per-PS ratio isn't segment leading, road tax for this model is the cheapest for this comparison, coming in at RM 399.20 annually. 

Earlier, we’ve already established that the Isuzu D-Max is one of the best value for money pick-up trucks you can get, as our Malaysian-market model undercuts the Australian-market model by RM 25,000.

Granted, the D-Max can be a tad bit too utilitarian for some, as its interior is more workhorse-biased than the Ranger Wildtrak.

Regardless of which Isuzu D-Max variant you pick, its mechanical simplicity means that it the the most robust truck money can get you. 

Ford Ranger - For when Japanese trucks are too mainstream

(Ford Ranger Price & Specs | Gallery)

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak narrowly missed out the top spot to the Isuzu D-Max, but that does not matter, as the Ranger still has a lot going for it.

Not only is the Ranger Wildtrak the most powerful truck here, its cabin is also one of the nicest place to be in, thanks to Ford's usage of high quality materials. 

Furthermore, Ford Malaysia offers a wide range of Ranger variants, including the utilitarian Ranger XL all the way up to the Ranger Raptor (RM 980/PS). 

That said, Ranger’s warranty is the shortest among the trio as Ford Malaysia only offers a 3-year/100,000 km warranty. The number of Ford service centres in town also pale in comparison to its Japanese rivals.

Mitsubishi Triton - Middle of the pack, but lots of safety

(Mitsubishi Triton Price & Specs | Gallery)

The Mitsubishi Triton may not be the cheapest or the most expensive bunch here, but Mitsubishi has done a great job speccing it - compared to the model it replaces, the updated model's safety features are miles ahead of the D-Max and Hilux, though slightly behind the Ranger Wildtrak (No adaptive cruise control on the Triton). 

Further adding to the Triton’s credibility is its ride comfort – the Triton is the most comfortable in its segment, thanks to its angled rear seats and well-tuned suspension set-up.

Couple that with its surprisingly practical interior, the Triton is a good choice for those upgrading from a sedan/hatchback.

That said, when we were driving the Triton, we noticed that it does not feel as eager to accelerate as the predecessor model, despite getting a new 6-speed automatic.

Whilst climbing up steep hills, we noticed that the gear ratios are rather poorly-matched, as the transmission was hunting between second and third gear too frequently as neither ratios were suitable.

Toyota Hilux - Not the top, but that doesn't matter

(Toyota Hilux Price & Specs | Gallery)

The Toyota Hilux 2.8 may not offer the best RM-to-PS ratio, but as folks in East Malaysia (and some say Cameron Highlands) can attest, there's no substituting the Hilux. 

Not only are Hilux parts easy to find, these trucks are virtually indestructible, making them a solid option for those mission-critical roles.

Despite having a 2.8-litre turbodiesel that pushes out 177 PS and 450 Nm, in real-world driving conditions, the engine does not feel as powerful as the numbers suggest.

Part of the reason why it feels as such is because of its kerb weight - the Hilux 2.8 tips the scales at 2,100 kg, making it one of the heaviest pick-up trucks on the market, hurting its power-to-weight ratio.

That said, cabin refinement of the Toyota Hilux could have been better, as engine noise is rather noticeable at speeds. But for rough use, hard and tough wearing plastics is what you want in a truck.

What about #SaveTheManuals?

If you want a manual transmission truck that offers the best bang for your buck, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Single Cab is your best bet, as its RM 571/PS is the cheapest option here.

The Toyota Hilux 2.4 Single Cab trails the D-Max, coming in at RM 600/PS. 

Conclusion - It boils down to your needs, really

If you're looking for a reliable, fuss-free pick-up truck to get the job done efficiently, the Isuzu D-Max is your best option. 

That said, if you want a lifestyle-biased truck that you can drive on a daily basis, then the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, and Toyota Hilux are good options.