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Isuzu D-Max vs Toyota Probox / Succeed: which should you buy?

Specs, prices, running costs and Kenyan-road suitability compared — Isuzu D-Max 3.0 (2021+) vs Toyota Probox 1.5.

The short answer

The Isuzu D-Max is more powerful, stronger on hills and when loaded and more reliable by our estimate, and copes better with bumps and murram. The Toyota Probox / Succeed is cheaper to buy and cheaper to fuel.

Side by side

Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 (2021+)		Toyota Probox / Succeed
Toyota Probox 1.5
Typical priceKES 4.5M–6.5MKES 900K–1.6M
Power188 hp108 hp
Torque450 Nm136 Nm
Engine3.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel1.5L 4-cyl
Fuel economy12 km/L15 km/L
Fuel per month*KES 28,500KES 22,700
Ground clearance240 mm155 mm
Drivetrain4WDFWD
GearboxAutomaticCVT
Seats55
Parts costLowLow
Reliability estimate5/54.7/5

*1,500 km a month at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026); diesel KES 227.76/L. Typical factory figures for the most common version of each.

Choose the D-Max if…

  • Business and farm use
  • Local dealer support
  • Towing and loads
  • Off-road capableLow-range 4WD and 240 mm of ground clearance for rough tracks, game drives and flooded roads.
  • Hill & load ready450 Nm of torque climbs Mai Mahiu with a full load without strain.
  • Parts everywhereIsuzu spares are sold in every town and on Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them.
  • Easy overtaking188 hp makes overtaking lorries on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway quick and safe.

Choose the Probox / Succeed if…

  • Small businesses and deliveries
  • Very low running costs
  • Carrying goods
  • Parts everywhereToyota spares are sold in every town and on Kirinyaga Road, and every mechanic knows them.

Frequently asked questions

Isuzu D-Max or Toyota Probox / Succeed — which is better?

The Isuzu D-Max is more powerful, stronger on hills and when loaded and more reliable by our estimate, and copes better with bumps and murram. The Toyota Probox / Succeed is cheaper to buy and cheaper to fuel. Choose the D-Max for: business and farm use, local dealer support, towing and loads. Choose the Probox / Succeed for: small businesses and deliveries, very low running costs, carrying goods.

Which is more fuel efficient, the D-Max or the Probox / Succeed?

The 3.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel Isuzu D-Max returns about 12 km/L (≈ KES 28,500/month for 1,500 km) and the 1.5L 4-cyl Toyota Probox / Succeed about 15 km/L (≈ KES 22,700/month), at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026).

Which is better for Kenyan roads?

The D-Max has 240 mm of ground clearance (4WD); the Probox / Succeed has 155 mm (FWD). The D-Max copes better with tall bumps, potholes and murram.

Which is cheaper to buy and maintain?

Typical prices: Isuzu D-Max KES 4.5M–6.5M, Toyota Probox / Succeed KES 900K–1.6M. Parts: D-Max Low cost — Excellent local dealer and parts support. Probox / Succeed Low cost — Among the cheapest cars in Kenya to maintain.

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