Isuzu D-Max pick-up review

Our opinion on the Isuzu D-Max

A long warranty and generous levels of standard kit make the Isuzu D-Max an appealing proposition, and there’s a range of models on offer to suit different purposes. The Utility variant is a workhorse through and through, while at the top of the range, the V-Cross makes a strong case for itself as a work vehicle that also offers family car versatility. Constant revisions have helped the D-Max keep pace with rivals, and its off-road ability is good. The new 2.2-litre engine brings a welcome torque boost compared to the old 1.9, but it still feels very old-school in terms of acceleration and refinement.

About the Isuzu D-Max 

The Isuzu D-Max’s success in the UK is nothing short of crucial for the brand, because it’s currently the only model that Isuzu sells over here. 

Over time the D-Max has received a subtly revised front end with new air intakes that help airflow around the front wheels, a tweaked bonnet line and new lights. At the back are new tail-lights and a redesigned tailgate, while inside there’s a more user-friendly infotainment system measuring eight inches across (or nine inches in the V-Cross). The twin-camera ADAS system has been upgraded with wider viewing angles to improve the response of the safety systems, while a Rough Terrain switch optimises the truck’s electronics for slippery conditions.

Used - available now

2023 Ford

Puma

24,561 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,850

View Puma

2023 Ford

Kuga

53,003 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £15,341

View Kuga

2023 MG

MG4 EV

38,169 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,129

View MG4 EV

2024 FORD

TRANSIT CUSTOM

16,900 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £27,990

View TRANSIT CUSTOM

There’s plenty of variation to be had with the D-Max, though, with various models ranging from spartan to jam-packed with car-like features. There’s also the fully electric Isuzu D-Max EV, so be sure to check out our dedicated road test of this model, too.

We’ve put the D-Max through its paces since it first arrived on our roads, and this has included a twin test against the previous-generation Ford Ranger. A new model has arrived for the D-Max to contend with since then, but the older Ford still managed to take the win due to its superior refinement and performance. 

The old 1.9-litre engine left us wanting for more power and better efficiency, and while the 2.2 does deliver some improvements in both regards, it’s still a thirsty beast. 

Isuzu claims that the D-Max can now achieve up to 34mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, which is a slight increase from 31.4mpg for the old engine. This figure is partly thanks to the stop-start system, but there’s still no sign of any hybridisation whatsoever. That being said, the D-Max is easier on its diesel supply than the 3.0-litre V6 Ford Ranger, as that only managed 27.5mpg during our own testing. Of course, this rival does also come with the option of plug-in hybrid power.

As before, selectable four-wheel drive features so you can boost your fuel economy in 2WD mode on the road, or select between high and low-range 4WD settings to help in low-grip situations. Making the switch is simple, courtesy of a rotary selector low on the dashboard, while a rear diff lock is available for tougher terrain as well.

For the lightest fuel consumption, you’ll want the more basic models fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox. Opting for the new eight-speed automatic or a higher trim level will take a slight toll on the aforementioned headline figure.

In order for Isuzu to be able to meet tightening emissions regulations, the D-Max comes with an AdBlue tank. It’s 14.5 litres in capacity, and the filler is next to the one for the fuel tank, while the car’s on-board trip computer will count down to when it needs topping up.

The availability of Single Cab and Extended Cab bodies gives the D-Max an advantage over some rivals. However, the slight caveat with the Single Cab model is that it sits 20mm lower to the ground than the Extended and Double Cab variants, so isn’t geared towards extreme off-road use.

The Single Cab has a 2,445mm long load bay and a maximum payload of 1,180kg in 4WD guise. Next is the Extended Cab, which has a 1,940mm load bay and a 1,105kg payload capacity, and then the Double Cab has a bed that measures 1,675mm long and a payload of up to 1,090kg, depending on trim level. All versions can carry more than a tonne in the back, though.

If you want to tow, then the D-Max offers 3.5 tonnes of capacity. There are plenty of accessories to choose from to help with towing and cargo carrying in general, including load covers and hard-top backs in various styles. Plus there are roof bars, frames and cargo rails to hold loads in place in the bed. 

There are simply too many accessories to list here, but it’s safe to say that if you have a specific need for a D-Max, there is likely to be something in the catalogue that can help you. Be careful, though, as choosing too many will drive the price up.

Safety is a strong point for the D-Max as it boasts a five star Euro NCAP safety rating. The standard model was tested in 2020, and the Crew Cab received its own test in 2022, but Isuzu’s has continued to upgrade the safety systems, meaning it’s likely that this truck would still earn a five-star rating if it were retested today. 

The twin forward cameras now have a wider field of view and can detect pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles, while traffic sign recognition can detect speed limits, stop and give way signs and more. Other kit includes lane-departure warning, attention assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind spot monitor (Double Cab only). Although Isuzu should be praised for fitting this truck with a suite of advanced kit, we found the software to be rather overzealous. 

The forward-collision alert was hyper-sensitive and had a loud alarm, while the distracted driving alert (which uses a camera mounted on the steering column to detect where the driver is looking) triggered quickly when taking our eyes off the road. At least the speed limit alert is easy to deactivate via the touchscreen.

Isuzu sells too few models to appear on the annual Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, so it’s tough to get feedback from owners. The D-Max has an enviable reputation for reliability, though, and the brand offers a five-year/125,000-mile warranty on all models.

Isuzu introduced a larger 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel as part of a round of updates for 2026. The newcomer is no more powerful than the 1.9-litre that it replaced, though, with the same 161bhp output. However, torque has increased from 360Nm to 400Nm, courtesy of the larger capacity, with that maximum still being generated from 2,000rpm.

On the road, the new engine does feel more responsive than the old unit. It won’t set the world alight with its pace, but the new eight-speed auto delivers smooth shifts up and down to help keep the engine in its power band. And unlike the latest Mitsubishi L200, the D-Max is happy to shift into higher gears and stay there when you ask for mild acceleration, which improves refinement. Not that refinement is a particularly strong point with the new diesel. 

This new engine and automatic transmission boosts the D-Max’s performance, with 0-62mph taking 12 seconds exactly, which is a whole second faster than was the case with the old auto model. 

The six-speed manual remains unchanged, though. This gearbox has a very short first gear, which is helpful when towing, but a bit of a frustration at other times, because you have to change up as soon as you pull away – it’s entirely possible to treat second gear as first if you’re unladen. 

The older 1.9 was a pretty harsh unit, especially when accelerating, and the 2.2 is much the same. A cold start comes with huge induction roar as the system gulps in air, although this does quickly settle once the engine has some heat in it. But acceleration is accompanied by a harsh note as the revs rise, while turning the engine off at the end of a trip causes plenty of vibration to resonate back through the cabin as the diesel shuts down.

The D-Max also has an “on-the-fly” 4WD switch, so you don’t need to stop before swapping from two to four-wheel drive, although you do have to come to a halt and put the gearbox into neutral to use the same rotary controller to select low-range gears. The rear diff lock is different, as this only engages in low-range mode at speeds below 5mph, while the latest update added a Rough Terrain mode that’s selected via a button on the dashboard. This optimises the electronics to cope with off-road conditions, and can even be used when in 2WD mode. 

As a result of all these mechanical and electronic systems, the D-Max is an impressive performer off-road. We tried the truck on an off-road course consisting of wet, slippery clay, and even with the limitations of cross-climate tyres (Isuzu will offer all-terrain tyres as an accessory) we struggled to get stuck. The electronic systems work smoothly, while the steering, throttle and brakes boosted confidence when traction was at a premium.

Town driving, visibility and parking

The Isuzu D-Max is big and rugged pick-up, so it’s predictably challenging to drive in narrower urban settings. The high driving position means forward visibility isn’t a problem, and the chunky door mirrors will help in keeping an eye out for cheeky overtakers. However, the standard fit reversing camera often proved to be a blessing when we attempted to park.

Motorway driving and long-distance comfort

On the open road, the D-Max is a step behind the class leaders in terms of comfort. The 2.2-litre model has an extra 30kg of weight compared with the 1.9, but there is still plenty of bounce to the ride when driving around unladen, especially when compared to the Ford Ranger or Volkswagen Amarok.

The rear leaf springs are designed to take a heavy payload, and with 1,055kg available on the top-spec V-Cross variant, there is plenty of capacity. Even a half load will help to settle the truck’s rear end.

Standard kit on the Isuzu D-Max ranges from practical to SUV-like, depending on the model you choose. The Utility does what it says on the tin, with a functional cab full of hard plastics and durable fabrics. An eight-inch touchscreen is included, with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity.

The DL20 adds kit such as heated seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel, alloy wheels and carpets, and moving to the DL40 adds LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, leather, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch digital dashboard. The V-Cross has the larger touchscreen, heated door mirrors, an eight-speaker stereo, extra USB-C ports and dark grey exterior trim. 

While the D-Max can be smartened up by opting for a higher trim level, we still feel that the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok are generally more upmarket inside, regardless of specification.

Cabin storage is particularly good on the double-cab D-Max: there are two gloveboxes, plus a storage cubby on top of the dash and pop-out cup-holders. There’s a central cubby under the armrest and more cup-holders in the centre console.

The new diesel also brought with it some subtle visual updates, with a new grille for 2026 models, grey LED headlight accents and updated foglight surrounds, depending on trim. At the same time, there’s a new side step design for DL40 and V-Cross models, while a new Urban Moss metallic paint option was added.

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

The majority of the Isuzu D-Max line-up is adorned with an infotainment screen measuring eight inches, although the V-Cross has a larger nine-inch display. This is better laid out than before – where DAB radio and AM/FM were separate on the old system, they are all in the same place now. It has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and there’s a range of screens that can show you the D-Max’s off-road performance, including pitch, yaw and steering angles. 

If you’re primarily using the D-Max as a work vehicle, we’d recommend opting for the DL20 or DL40, as these strike a blend of affordable price and car-like luxuries. However, if you need to perform more of a balancing act between commercial and family vehicle, forking out for the fancier V-Cross will help to reduce this truck’s utilitarian feel.

Isuzu D-Max alternatives

The big seller in the UK pick-up truck scene is the Ford Ranger, which comes in a wide range of styles from utilitarian to luxury and performance, while V6 and plug-in hybrid power is available. The Volkswagen Amarok is related to the Ranger, and offers an even more plush experience.

Elsewhere, the Toyota Hilux is a perennial favourite that offers dependability, while the KGM Musso has a strong warranty to make up for its limited line-up and smaller cargo bed. An old favourite, the Mitsubishi L200, has also returned to the fold, leaving our road testers fully convinced that it’s the best iteration yet.

Isuzu D-Max pictures

21

Pick-up dimensions

Load area dimensions