Isuzu D-Max pick-up review

The Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck is the only Isuzu for sale in the UK. However, there are a wide range of variants on offer, so there should be a D-Max available to suit your needs. At the entry point is the basic Utility model, which Isuzu pitches towards business users and is offered in different body styles and with conversion options. If you're a sole trader, then Isuzu's 'All Purpose' models might be more suitable. It offers Eiger, Yukon and Utah trims which have rising levels of kit to make them more appealing as a work vehicle that doubles as family transport. 

At the top of the range are the lifestyle-focused 'Adventure' models, which comprise Blade XTR and Arctic Trucks AT35 variants. These models come very well equipped, but they are relatively expensive. Isuzu also offers Special Edition models from time to time, which can offer better value.

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The current Isuzu D-Max is the second-generation that arrived in 2012, but while it's been on sale for a long time, constant updates have helped it keep pace with the pick-up truck market. In 2017 the truck's 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel was replaced by a smaller 1.9-litre unit. This motor has the same power output at 162bhp, but it's more efficient, with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. This is the sole engine choice on offer, although six-speed manual and auto gearboxes are available depending on which model you're looking at.

Rivals for the Isuzu D-Max are the usual pick-up truck suspects, such as the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok and SsangYong Musso. However, the D-Max has a broader range than most of these models.

The Utility model is a genuine workhorse, and is offered in single cab, extended cab and double cab body styles, while Isuzu also offers an off-the-shelf tipper conversion, too. It's the most basic model in the range, with steel wheels, unpainted bumpers and a basic interior. 

The Yukon is sold in the extended and double cab body styles, but the rest of the range is double cab only. The extended cab version features extra storage behind the seats, while the double cab has a conventional four-door layout with a rear bench seat and room for five.

D-Max models that sit above the Utility feature painted bumpers, while alloy wheels are also fitted as standard. Equipment on Eiger and Yukon models is modest, but the Utah and Blade versions are up there with rivals for standard kit, with sat-nav and other luxuries exclusive to Blade models. The XTR builds on this with a more aggressive exterior look, Pedders off-road suspension and Pirelli off-road tyres.

At the very top of the range is the Arctic Trucks AT35. This monster is based on Blade trim, but adds huge 35-inch tyres, plus raised suspension and enlarged wheelarches to fit them in. It gives the D-Max real presence, although it's pretty expensive.

Overall, the Isuzu D-Max is geared more towards work than family life, but its rugged, no-nonsense character means it'll take pretty much anything you can throw at it. It's a great tow vehicle, too, able to haul up to 3.5 tonnes, while the load bed can easily carry over a tonne of cargo.

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Prices for the D-Max start from around £17,500 for the most basic single cab, rear-wheel-drive Utility version, while the premium models start from around £22,500. At the top of the range, the Blade costs £30,000 with the auto box, while the AT35 is £40,500. These prices are all excluding VAT - add it, and the most you'll pay for a top spec D-Max AT35 auto is a whopping £49,750.

All versions of the Isuzu D-Max use the same 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, which develops 162bhp and 360Nm of torque. That’s the same power output as the old 2.5-litre unit, but with 40Nm less torque. However, Isuzu has shortened the gearing so that you stay within the power band, and if you're towing you won't feel the deficit.

With the six-speed manual gearbox, the RWD D-Max returns 45.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 163g/km. This drops to 40.4mpg and 183g/km on 4x4 models, and 4x4 automatic cars return 36.2mpg and 205g/km of CO2. However, the Nissan Navara is a better bet if running costs are a priority.

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The Isuzu doesn’t use AdBlue, so there’s no need worry about filling up a second tank at the petrol station like you would in a Navara. Plus, Isuzu offers an excellent warranty, at 5 years or 125,000 miles. That puts it slightly ahead of the Navara, which is also covered for five years, but the mileage limit is set at 100,000 miles.

Service intervals for the Isuzu D-Max are at 12,000 miles or 24 months.   Isuzu isn't as desirable a brand as some pick-up truck makers, but that five-year/125,000 mile warranty does give the D-Max added appeal.

While other manufacturers focus on double cabs, Isuzu offers single and extended cab variants of the Utility business model. It's also available with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and all trucks get a low-range gearbox that's useful for off-roading.

The update to the smaller engine did contribute to a loss of weight, so the D-Max now has a better payload capacity that it did with the 2.5-litre motor.

The load bay in the single cab model measures at 2,305mm by 1,570mm, with a payload capacity of 1,282kg (or 1,196kg on the 4x4 model). Head up to an extended cab for dimensions of 1,795mm by 1,530mm and a payload capacity of 1,141kg.

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The double cab gets a load bay of 1,552mm by 1,530mm, but the payload capacity varies based on the model you choose - with the maximum being 1,126kg. The towing weight for 4x4 models is 3,500kg, dropping to 2,500kg on the RWD model.

The D-Max has a larger load bay in equivalent bodystyles to the Navara and the Mitsubishi L200, as well as a slightly higher payload capacity. There’s not much in it, but the Isuzu is still a top pick for all-out carrying capacity.

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Isuzu also offers a wide range of load covers and hardtop backs for the D-Max range, for both extended-cab and double-cab models. A tow bar receiver hitch with electrics is available, plus roof bars, frames and cargo rails to hold loads in place in the bed. There's even a bed extender available that fits in the rear of the load bed to allow longer loads to be carried.

Specific upgrade packages are also available. The Huntsman pack is designed for field sports, and adds black trim and wheels, a lockable drawer system in the load bed and a truck top, plus off-road tyres for around £7,000. You can also add off-road suspension to the D-Max for extra ability.

There's also a Utility upgrade pack that can be added to the basic D-Max to make it look like and offer the same off-road ability as the Arctic Trucks AT35. For around £10,000 you get the big 35-inch tyres, alloy wheels, enlarged wheelarches, raised suspension, new dampers and side steps.

By offering a full range of cab options, Isuzu has covered every sector of the pick-up market, from single-cab workhorse to luxury dual-purpose double cab. While the off-the-shelf extended cab Tipper conversion is on offer for very specific needs.

All D-Max models come with ABS brakes, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control as standard, which is par for the course in the pick-up market. The front bumper and bonnet have been re-designed for better crash protection, too.

Isuzu offers a five-year/125,000-mile warranty on all models, which gives you some idea of how confident the brand is about the D-Max.

In fact, an unmodified D-Max competing in the British Cross Country Championship rally racing series was the only competitor for two years running to never have a mechanical failure. It feels rugged and robust, and owners swear by their reliability.

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In the cab, even the basic Utility trim models have dual front, side and curtain airbags, and height-adjustable seatbelts for maximum occupant protection. Four-wheel-drive models have the benefit of 4x4 selection on the move for added security in slippery conditions, and hill start assist and descent control is standard on all cars as well.

The ‘Aeroklas’ load bay canopy now gets heated glass, but it also features remote locking and a wider-opening tailgate as well. Remote locking extends to the lower tailgate on high-spec Blade models. While a tailgate damper means the rear opens smoothly and without the risk of falling open.

From our experience, adding a truck top for the load bay can restrict rear visibility a bit. If you go for a D-Max variant fitted with tinted rear glass and tinted glass for the truck top, then this all but obscures rearward visibility. Add in the lack of a rear wash/wipe for most load covers, and the view out the back is all but non-existent in the winter.

The Isuzu D-Max only has one engine, a 162bhp 1.9-litre diesel, but even with 40Nm less torque than the previous 2.5 engine, it’s a strong performer. New manual and automatic gearboxes were added at the same time that feature shorter ratios, so performance feels pretty much the same as before.

However that very short first gear means you've barely pulled away before you need to shift up to second, but if you're unladen there's no problem with pulling away in second gear. That's something of a blessing, because the vague gearshift really lets the side down. Changing from reverse into first needs a precise input, because reverse doesn't necessarily disengage, while shifting up or down needs a deliberate action from the driver.

We prefer the auto box, because at least you don't have to worry about shifting gear. However, the auto has its shortcomings because it's hesitant in its responses, so you have to plan ahead if you're pulling away at roundabouts, while the gearbox kicks down readily when you accelerate.

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High revs give away the harshness of the new 1.9 diesel. It's rattly and noisy when cold, and when you let the revs rise, the engine has a very harsh note, with plenty of noise in the cabin. At speed, the engine settles down into the background, but any time you have to change down to build up speed, you’re reminded of how noisy the engine is.

A high driving position gives you a good view of the road, and while the steering is slow the D-Max isn't that far behind rivals for handling. Go for a Utility model, and the suspension is geared more towards load carrying, so it can get extremely bouncy when you're unladen. Go for a top-spec Blade model and things are far more comfortable, as this is seen as the model that will be popular with buyers looking for a working family vehicle.

The Arctic Trucks AT35 offers a unique driving experience. The big wheels and tyres are designed for extreme off-road work, but they also soften the truck's ride on the road, too. The AT35's sheer size means it's tricky to manoeuvre, but that's a price worth paying if you want a truck that stands out from the crowd.

Not surprisingly, the Utility specification models are very basic inside the cab, with easy-clean trim and plenty of hard plastics to stand up to work use. However, even the most basic models have Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, LED daytime running lights and electric windows.

Opt for the Eiger trim, the lowest of the premium double-cab models, and you get a reversing camera, alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers and a CD player. Move up to Yukon spec and you add 18-inch alloys, a seven-inch touchscreen display, a leather steering wheel and cruise control.

The Utah model also comes with keyless go, sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, leather heated seats, roof bars and automatic air-con.

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Top-spec Blade models get an upgraded 9-inch screen which looks pretty good, but is a rather frustrating unit to use, with an unclear menu system. There's a bank of physical menu buttons under the screen, but these look and feel very cheap. They’re too small to press with gloves on, too. You also get upgraded leather seats and the option of a load bay canopy.

Go for XTR trim, and there are sportier looking seats to go with the revised exterior looks, upgraded suspension and off-road tyres.

Sadly the interior of the D-Max isn’t anywhere near as good as a Navara, its main rival. The plastics are clearly built to be hard-wearing, but that’s the same in the rival trucks and those feel much closer to a modern SUV. The D-Max is improved, but interior refinement and quality is still a poor point.

Van dimensions

Load area dimensions