Quick verdict
The Bosch has the torque; the Makita has the control, the current design and a battery that runs a whole yard. For a homeowner the XDT20Z is the better buy. For an existing Bosch 18V owner the GDR18V-220C sinks lags well and the connectivity is a bonus few use.
Makita XDT20Z 18V LXT 4-Speed Impact Driver
The XDT20Z is the current Makita four-speed LXT impact driver with 1,590 inch-pounds, 3,600 RPM, Quick-Shift and assist modes, one-touch mode selection and an LED ring. It gives fine control and runs the broadest 18V yard platform in the US.
Makita XDT20Z four-speed impact driver versus Bosch GDR18V-220C connected impact driver: torque, control modes, connectivity and yard tool platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XDT20Z 18V LXT 4-Speed Impact Driver | Best Current Impact With a Yard Platform | 9.0 | Check price |
| Bosch GDR18V-220C 18V Impact Driver | Best Torque on Bosch 18V | 8.5 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Makita XDT20Z 18V LXT 4-Speed Impact Driver
The XDT20Z is the current Makita four-speed LXT impact driver with 1,590 inch-pounds, 3,600 RPM, Quick-Shift and assist modes, one-touch mode selection and an LED ring. It gives fine control and runs the broadest 18V yard platform in the US.
Reasons to buy
- Four speeds with Quick-Shift and assist
- One-touch mode selection
- Current model
- LXT yard platform
Reasons to avoid
- Less torque than the Bosch
- Modes to learn
- Full price as the current model
Bosch GDR18V-220C 18V Impact Driver
The GDR18V-220C is a Bosch 18V brushless impact driver rated around 1,950 inch-pounds with three modes and an optional Bluetooth settings module. It is a strong, durable impact on a platform with little outdoor range in the US.
Reasons to buy
- Higher torque
- Optional Bluetooth module
- Bosch build
- Compact for its power
Reasons to avoid
- Few Bosch yard tools in the US
- Three modes
- Harder to find
Where these two differ
The Makita XDT20Z is the current four-speed LXT impact driver with Quick-Shift, assist mode and one-touch selection. The Bosch GDR18V-220C has more torque, three modes and a slot for a Bluetooth module. Both are brushless quarter-inch hex impacts that drive a deck; the Makita emphasizes control and the Bosch emphasizes power, and only the Makita battery runs a yard of tools in the US.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both tools and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either driver ourselves.
| Specification | XDT20Z | GDR18V-220C |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Makita 18V LXT | Bosch 18V |
| Torque | 1,590 in-lbs | About 1,950 in-lbs |
| Modes | 4 speeds, Quick-Shift, assist | 3 |
| Mode selection | One-touch | Button |
| Connectivity | None | Bluetooth module |
| Yard tools on battery | Full range | Few in the US |
Torque
The Bosch has more reserve on a long lag and keeps speed where the Makita slows a little. Deck screws and hardware are easy for both.
Control
Assist mode starts a screw gently and Quick-Shift slows the Makita before the head seats, so composite and cedar finish flush. One-touch selection makes switching between trim screws and lags quick. The Bosch lowest mode does the same job with more trigger attention.
Bits and accessories
Both take quarter-inch hex bits in a one-handed chuck. Impact-rated torsion bits suit both and the Makita control modes work best with a snug bit. The Bosch module is a separate purchase.
Yard jobs this decides
A composite deck favors the Makita. A pergola with long lags favors the Bosch by a little. The battery decides the rest: LXT runs mowers, blowers, trimmers, chainsaws and X2 36V tools; Bosch 18V runs very few outdoor tools in the US.
Noise and vibration
Both are loud hammer-and-anvil impacts. Quick-Shift keeps the Makita under impact for less time per screw. Hearing protection suits both on a full deck.
Batteries and runtime
Both last a deck on a mid-size pack. LXT packs are cheaper and more plentiful than CORE18V packs.
Setup tips
On the Makita, speed two with Quick-Shift for composite, speed four for lags and assist mode for small screws; the one-touch selector makes switching quick. On the Bosch, mode one for trim and mode three for lags. Both want impact-rated torsion bits and a magnetic sleeve for long deck screws.
Fence and deck hardware
Joist hangers, post bases and gate hinges are short structural screws that both tools drive without effort. The Makita assist mode stops the first turn skating on a galvanized bracket; the Bosch lowest mode does the same with trigger care. For a run of fifty hangers the Makita one-touch switch between modes saves time.
Common owner complaints
XDT20Z owners mention price and the number of modes. GDR18V-220C owners mention availability and the thin Bosch outdoor range. Both are durable.
Which one should you buy
Buy the XDT20Z for a yard system and for control on composite. Buy the GDR18V-220C only if Bosch 18V packs are already in the shed.
Our verdict
The Makita XDT20Z takes this comparison on control, current design and platform. The Bosch GDR18V-220C is the stronger impact for a Bosch owner.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Platform
LXT runs the yard. Bosch 18V largely does not in the US.
Control
Quick-Shift and assist protect composite and small screws.
Torque
The Bosch has more reserve for long lags.
Connectivity
Only the Bosch offers a module, and it is optional.
Our verdict
The Bosch has the torque; the Makita has the control, the current design and a battery that runs a whole yard. For a homeowner the XDT20Z is the better buy. For an existing Bosch 18V owner the GDR18V-220C sinks lags well and the connectivity is a bonus few use.
FAQs
The Bosch at around 1,950 inch-pounds. Both sink structural lags.
Faster switching between speeds on the XDT20Z than the rear buttons on the older XDT19Z.
Only for fleet tracking or custom settings. A homeowner can ignore it.
They are close; the Makita is a compact design.
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