What is the difference between the Lingtuo and D-MAX engines?
4 Answers
The difference between the Lingtuo and D-MAX engines lies in their displacement: the Lingtuo engine has a displacement of 2.5T, while the D-MAX engine has a displacement of 2.5L. Additionally, the air conditioning systems differ: the Lingtuo is equipped with electric air conditioning, whereas the D-MAX comes with manual air conditioning. Both the Lingtuo and D-MAX share identical body dimensions, measuring 5295mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1775mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3095mm. Both vehicles have a maximum payload capacity of 485kg, feature a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and are equipped with double-wishbone independent front suspension and leaf spring non-independent rear suspension.
I've been driving this kind of pickup truck, and the main technical differences between the Lingtuo and DMAX lie in their engines. The Lingtuo usually comes with a 1.9-liter diesel engine, delivering around 140 horsepower and approximately 360 Nm of torque, while the DMAX commonly features a 3.0-liter diesel engine, boosting power to 190 horsepower with torque reaching up to 430 Nm. The difference in displacement leads to variations in power output: the Lingtuo focuses more on fuel efficiency, making it suitable for daily commuting and light loads, with smooth acceleration but less power; the DMAX's larger engine is more robust when overtaking on highways or hauling heavy loads, offering a much stronger sense of push-back. Technically, both utilize high-pressure common rail systems, but the DMAX version might be newer, featuring variable turbocharging for quicker acceleration response. Overall, the choice depends on your usage. If you frequently haul goods in rural areas, the DMAX is more practical; for regular city driving, the Lingtuo is sufficiently fuel-efficient.
As a veteran long-haul trucker, I often drive these vehicles, and their engines perform quite differently in real-world conditions. The 1.9L diesel in the Lingtuo is decent for city driving, with smooth starts and lower fuel consumption, averaging around 8L per 100km. However, it struggles in mountainous areas or when climbing slopes fully loaded, with loud engine noise at high RPMs. The 3.0L version of the DMAX is truly powerful, offering quick acceleration and no issues starting even with a ton of cargo. It handles highway overtaking with ease and gives you plenty of confidence behind the wheel. That said, the DMAX is noisier, especially at idle, where it can feel a bit shaky. Having driven both on the same route, I find the Lingtuo more suitable for short trips and cost-saving runs, while the DMAX, with its stronger power, handles complex road conditions better, though it requires more frequent refueling.
Having worked in repair shops for over a decade, I've seen plenty of these engine issues. The 1.9L diesel in the Lingtuo has a simpler structure, good durability, low failure rate, and longer maintenance intervals—generally stable even after 150,000 km. However, its power output is modest, and components like belts and injectors wear faster under heavy loads, with average repair costs around 1,000 yuan per visit. The DMAX's 3.0L engine is more complex, featuring turbocharging for stronger power output, but it has more cooling issues. Prolonged high-RPM operation can lead to cylinder block problems, and major repairs can cost over 10,000 yuan. Overall reliability: the Lingtuo suits cautious drivers; the DMAX packs a punch but shouldn't be abused, or repairs will be a headache.
