The Navara's fuel economy, IMHO, may probably be a good match for the D-Max. Even the "high horse" 170 hp version is fuel efficient.

If you're going for an off-roadable 4x4, the Ranger has the best performance there is. Most powerful engine-transmission combo (whatever the numbers say... the Ford's torque and gearbox conquers all), great off-road abilities and supreme on-road handling. Even the 2.5 has a lot of pep and power, and with the standard LSD, the 4x2 can even take some light off-roading. The ride is stiff, but it's not as bad as the Fortuner or the Everest (strangely).

If you're going for a city-only car, the Strada is the most comfortable, and it's the only pick-up in the class to score as well as a sedan in crash tests, thanks to its modern body. Only gripe is the tiny bed.

If you're going for a mix of the two, the Navara has either the second-best or the best ride in the class (depending on who you ask), has a crackling good engine, and has handling that is either nearly as good as or better than the Ranger's (depending on the road and conditions).

Just decide what your priorities are and choose accordingly... good luck!