Incomparable test drive UAZ and ISUZU
As part of the preparation of an off-road test drive, we managed to test, in real conditions,() two representatives of brutal cars: UAZ Patriot and ISUZU D-Max.
It is clear that they are completely different, both in cost and in purpose, but one thing unites them – both of these frame cars see off-road spaces as their native element or… which is closer to the truth, bad roads.
So: as if by chance, they met outside the city.
Rivals
UAZ Patriot 2019.
Gasoline engine ZMZ-409, volume 2.7 liters, 150 hp.
Gearbox – automatic, six-speed 6L50
Length / Width / Height: 4750/1900/1910 mm., Base 2760 mm.
Curb weight 2000 kg.
ISUZU D-Max 2019 ISUZU
4JJ1 diesel engine with Common Rail system, 2.99 liters, 177 hp.
Gearbox – automatic, six-speed
Length / Width / Height: 5295/1860/1780 mm., Base 3095 mm. Curb weight 2055 kg.
In move
The first thing you pay attention to when changing from UAZ to ISUZU is smoothness. Where, on bumps, the UAZ throws passengers hard from side to side, the ISUZU gently “rolls over”, demonstrating even some kind of feline grace.
This is easily explained by the presence of front independent suspension on ISUZU and a longer base.
But UAZ warms up faster. During the time that the ISUZU diesel engine starts to give heat, “summer” will come in the UAZ cabin for a long time.
Cars drive confidently along the highway, unless you have to “taxi” more on the UAZ, but here it can all be a matter of habit ()
“” on ISUZU should be a little faster than on UAZ, but they feel exactly the same. Maybe due to the fact that the test ISUZU D-Max has not had time to run in yet.
Off-road
The first attempt to “compare” cars off the road “failed”.
Since the pickup was shod in road, summer tires, it did not drive through the snow. Any slide was an insurmountable obstacle.
And UAZ, on the contrary, was driving very confidently on its winter tires, even without turning on the forced lock, only at the expense of electronic assistants.
It was not possible to see how the electronics on ISUZU will redistribute the torque. The pickup truck was helplessly squatting on the “diagonal” and did not go. Why is unclear.
So the first round went to UAZ.
The second comparison attempt turned out already on the most off-road test drive. There were two changes at once: the pickup was changed into more muddy Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires and the weather completely switched to spring mode. Where there was snow there was mud.
As you understand, the cars changed places: UAZ on winter tires quickly “blurred” the tread and often drove only due to blocking and the skill of the driver.
ISUZU, on the contrary, went everywhere, but until the UAZ filled a deep rut.
As soon as the track appeared, UAZ again began to win. He almost never sat on his belly. Due to the short base, it was easier for him to maneuver and choose the right trajectory. A pickup truck often fell into a rut and “sat down” on the rapids.
In general, in the second round it turned out to be a draw.
But unlike the UAZ, ISUZU was financially damaged – numerous plastic plugs, linings, could not withstand contact with the track and fell out. Which greatly darkened the mood of a financially responsible person?
But ISUZU did not need a downshift at all. Due to the high-torque diesel engine, due to the moment of 430 Nm, he drove like a tractor! He should still put blocking…
Results
What is the result? Can ISUZU D-Max compete with UAZ Patriot off-road?
As practice has shown, But with numerous reservations: firstly, there must be good rubber, and secondly, all excess plastic must be unscrewed in advance so that it does not fall off by itself. But it's better to put a power kit and additional protection.
And thirdly, we must not forget that a pickup truck is designed to carry cargo, and not to chase UAZ:)))
