Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express (2016) vs Isuzu D-Max 1.9 LS 4×2 AT (2021)

Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express (2016) vs Isuzu D-Max 1.9 LS 4×2 AT (2021): which should you buy?

For a Filipino buyer deciding between the 2016 Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express and the 2021 Isuzu D‑Max 1.9 LS 4×2 AT, the choice hinges on intended use and budget. The Grand Starex costs ₱1,418,000, is a 10‑seat, body‑on‑frame van with a 2.5‑L turbo diesel delivering 100 PS and 226 Nm, and comes with a 5‑speed manual. Its large 5,125 mm length and ten‑seat capacity make it ideal for family outings, shuttle services, or small business cargo‑passenger combos where space outweighs performance. The D‑Max is cheaper at ₱1,309,000, a pickup truck with a 1.9‑L turbo‑intercooled diesel that produces 150 PS and 350 Nm, offering substantially higher power and torque for hauling loads or off‑road driving. Although the D‑Max’s drivetrain is also RWD, it lacks the van’s seating capacity and interior volume. If you need a workhorse for cargo, higher torque, and lower price, the D‑Max is the better fit. If passenger capacity, cabin space, and a dedicated van platform are priorities, the Grand Starex justifies its higher price despite lower power. Both have diesel engines and RWD, but the Grand Starex provides unlimited/5‑year warranty and a larger cabin, while the D‑Max offers newer model year and better performance for a lower cost.