[DUAL-CAB DUEL]

Improved 4x4 utes developed in Australia and tuned for local conditions have become common among the big-name manufacturers, with most upgrades focused on suspension, tyres and factory add-ons.

- WORDS TIM VAN DUYL PHOTOS JACK PYPER

Two of the more popular examples come from two of the country's bestselling brands: the Toyota HiLux GR Sport and the Isuzu D-MAX Blade. So we're putting them head-to-head to see which brand does it better.

We're chasing answers for three core types of ute buyers: tradies who need strength, load-carrying and durability; tourers looking for traction, comfort and capability when fully loaded; and weekend warriors chasing a mix of tech, safety and that tough-truck image. Both of these utes claim to tick all the boxes straight off the showroom floor.

But which one actually delivers? That's what we're here to find out.

In the Sunstone Mica corner is the Isuzu D-MAX Blade - Isuzu Australia's locally engineered flagship dual-cab 4x4, positioned above the popular X-Terrain. Based on the mid-spec LS-U, the Blade has been reworked with input from Walkinshaw to better suit local terrain and Aussie buyer expectations. It looks the part too, with satin-black striping, flares, red front-rated recovery points and Blade-exclusive alloys wrapped in 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs.

THE ISUZU D-MAX BLADE BEAT THE TOYOTA HILUX GR SPORT IN OUR FIRST HEAD-TOHEAD TEST OF THE TOP-OF-THE-LINE RIVALS - BUT WAS IT THE RIGHT CALL?

Under the bonnet is the familiar 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm), paired with a six-speed auto, part-time 4x4 system and a rear diff lock.

In the Eclipse Black corner is Toyota’s HiLux GR Sport, launched in 2023 as the range-topping variant above the Rogue. It shares the same platform but scores a power bump, uprated suspension, wider tracks and a handful of styling tweaks. It retains the 2.8-litre 1GD turbo-diesel, now paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system for a combined 165kW and 550Nm, sent through Toyota’s familiar six-speed auto.