Live in a flood-prone area? Consider relocating or buy these pick-up trucks

• Pick-ups are the cheapest and most effective means of tackling floods
• Average wading depth of around 700 mm
• Can be had for less than RM 100k for base models

Over the weekend, the floods caused by continuous rain have wreaked havoc throughout Peninsular Malaysia. It has been estimated by the government that over 21,000 people were affected across the country and if you’re amongst them, we hope you are holding up well.

At the risk of patronising, perhaps it’s time to consider relocating if you live in an area that is prone to floods. Granted, this is not an option for everyone and it’s easier said than done, which is why the alternative is to buy a pick-up truck for situations like this.

Also read: Forced to abandon your car in a flood? Do this one thing first

When the flood happens, you stand a better chance - with a pick-up truck - of fleeing the area before the condition becomes dire. In times like these, pick-up trucks also come in handy for transporting people, food, and assist stuck vehicles.

Which pick-up truck to buy, you ask? Well, we’ve rounded up our favourite pick-up trucks starting with…

Isuzu D-Max – Our favourite truck of the year

The third-generation 2021 Isuzu D-Max brough its A-game to the pick-up truck competition. It is leaps and bounds improved over its predecessor by just about every aspect. Prices range from RM 88,599 (base single cab) and tops out at RM 141,938 for the range-topping X-Terrain variant.

The interior isn’t just good for a pick-up, it’s good full stop. It’s also impressively refined and comfortable, more than up to the task of being your daily runabout. Plus, it gets the full suite of ADAS with adaptive cruise control (stop-and-go) and whatnot.

The improved on-road behaviour wasn’t gained at the expense of off-road capability, it’s still as tough and dependable as ever. Wading depth is rated at 800 mm, which is above average even for a pick-up truck. 

Downside? Well, the 3.0-litre mill isn’t the most refined and feels a little lazy, but this borders on nitpicking really.

Also read: Review: 2021 Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain - A better 'Hailak' than the Hilux?

Mitsubishi Triton – The ‘Hailak’ you’d actually want to ride in

Launched earlier this year, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is the flagship variant of the local Triton line-up, priced at RM 141,500 (OTR, 10% SST inclusive). The workhorse Mitsubishi Triton Quest meanwhile, is priced at RM 79,890, but we wouldn't recommend this for crossing floods as it's a low-rider 4x2.

Also read: New 2020 Mitsubishi Triton Quest is a low riding tuner truck, most affordable pick-up in Malaysia

The Triton remains one of our favourite trucks to drive due to its relatively short wheelbase and low weight. This makes the Triton inherently more agile and nimbler than other pick-up trucks, closer to an SUV.

However, the short wheelbase and long rear overhang work against it when loaded as the weight distribution is not as good as a Toyota Hilux, for example. When going over steep terrain, the long rear overhang may sometimes scrape the ground.

On the highway, the Triton's cabin is also rather quiet, aided by the lightweight and refined aluminium-block engine.

Mitsubishi may no longer be in the World Rally Championship, but their expertise in chassis tuning is still apparent, the Triton has a supple yet controlled damping that works well on- and off-road. Wading depth is 700 mm – the average for pick-up trucks.

Also read: Review: 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is the best Hilux that you want to ride in

Toyota Hilux – The default choice

The Toyota Hilux is to pick-ups like Tupperware is to plastic containers; Maggi to instant noodles; Air Selangor to water cuts, you get the drift. Prices start from RM 92,880 for the Single Cab 4x4 variant to RM 146,880 for the Hilux Rogue - the jack of all trades in the realm of pick-up trucks.

It comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of ADAS with AEB and adaptive cruise control. Powertrain and suspension are well-calibrated to just about any condition. The interior is practical and feels like it would withstand a hurricane. It’s everything you’d expect from a ‘Hailak’. Wading depth is like the Triton – 700 mm.

There’s not much to complain about the Toyota Hilux, except that it’s pricier than other pick-ups and a hot item for thieves.

Also read: Quick Review: New 2020 Toyota Hilux Rogue - best RM 150k jack-of-all-trades truck?

Ford Ranger Raptor – Bring out the big gun

The Ford Ranger Raptor is bigger in every way than the standard Ranger, it measures in at 44 mm longer, 168 mm wider for better stability, and sits higher by 50 mm at 282 mm tall. Of course, sitting taller means the Raptor has a deeper wading depth at 850 mm (standard Ranger is 800 mm).

It’s also bigger in price, coming in at RM 210,888. But you do get goodies like the Fox Racing Shox dampers that were specially developed for the Ranger Raptor, giving it off-road talents unlike any other whilst improving on-road manners. Truly brilliant stuff.

Downsides are the high asking price and while the engine is one of the smallest in class, it’s not particularly efficient either. Also, after-sales service hasn’t been as well received as some of the Japanese makes mentioned here.

Also read: New 2021 Ford Ranger Raptor X is seeing Red in Malaysia, priced RM 6k more

Nissan Navara – Mother Trucker had a makeover    

Earlier this year, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) launched the facelifted Nissan Navara with 6 variants offered, prices range from RM 91,900 for the Single Cab variant to RM 142,200 for the range-topping Pro-4X.

The range-topping Navara Pro-4X comes with plenty of black trim pieces including black fender flares, black Nissan badges with red accents, all-terrain tyres, and black 17-inch wheels. These give the Navara a more action-packed look.

Safety features have also been improved, now featuring ADAS. Six airbags, 360-degree camera, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) are standard for V variants and above, while VL and Pro-4X variants add Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

A downside would be that's it's an aging product despite the updates, with an even older powertrain. And for the purpose of this article, wading depth is lower than rivals too, at 600 mm.

Also read: Priced from RM 92k, new 2021 Nissan Navara NP300 (D23) is ready to truck up the competition

Conclusion

And that’s it for our top picks for a pick-up truck. Any of these would do the job of wading through floods when the situation calls for it. But remember, pick-up trucks are not invincible in floods, so do exercise caution when crossing floods.

Also read: 

Pick-up trucks are not invincible in floods, here are 10 tips for driving through water

So your car was stuck in a flood, now what do you do?