BUYER'S GUIDE: 2019 Isuzu D-Max Boondock

When Isuzu launched its ‘I Love Isuzu’ campaign in April, the Japanese carmaker teased big things ahead for the D-Max, and last May, this promise came to fruition with the return of the Isuzu D-Max Boondock. After years of inactivity, the Boondock arrives bigger, faster, and more powerful than ever before. With its combination of sleek and rugged styling, the 2019 Isuzu D-Max Boondock looks ready to lord over the Philippine pickup market. Check out what this off-road beast has to offer in this Buyer's Guide.

Specification

The D-Max Boondock is powered by a Euro 4-compliant 3.0-liter Blue Power diesel engine with intercooler that produces 177 hp and 380 Nm. There are two gearbox choices on offer: a manual with gear shift indicator and automatic with sequential shift, both of which are six-speed. However, while the old Boondock had a 4x4 variant, this version only comes in two-wheel drive. The manual trim costs PHP1,390,000, while the automatic is at PHP1,455,000.

Exterior

Designed especially for the off-road, every inch of the Boondock looks ready to take on any kind of rough terrain, starting with the tall 247-mm ground clearance made possible by a complex suspension system composed of monotube nitrogen charged performance shock absorbers and all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar G015 tires. These are supported by an independent double wishbone with coil spring at the front and semi-elliptical leaf spring at the rear. Black roof rails, steel side steps with a honeycomb design, black alloy wheels, and over fenders complete the Boondock's beastly appeal. To further distinguish it from the rest of the D-Max line, the model comes with cool-looking light blue line at the front and a special Boondock sticker at its tailgate. As for color options, there are only two choices available: Cosmic Black and Galena Grey.

Interior

While the outside is designed to impose, the inside of the Boondock seeks to impress. An eight-inch multi-information touchscreen display serves as the centerpiece, appearing in an integrated design that unites it with the rest of the cabin's features in seamless fashion. Perforated leather covers the front and back seats, further establishing the cabin's stylish allure. For entertainment, the Boondock provides occupants with a CD/DVD player and AM/FM radio, as well as Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity.

Space

The Boondock's occupants will never have to worry about feeling cramped or uncomfortable, as there's more than ample headroom and legroom in both front and back passenger areas. A wide range of cargo can be stored and transported in the massive cargo bed, which measures 1,485-mm long, 1,530-mm wide, and 465-mm high. A cargo bed liner and cargo extender further adds to the Boondock's storage capacity. Still not enough? You can always put extra stuff on the sturdy roof rails atop the vehicle.

Safety

All of the Boondock's capabilities won't matter much if it weren't a safe vehicle. Fortunately, safety is not one area that Isuzu is willing to scrimp on. Among the Boondock's wide array of safety features include dual SRS airbags, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Brake Override System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Reverse Sensors with Camera.

Our Verdict

Considering the price and features, it's easy to see that the 2019 Isuzu D-Max Boondock is one of the pickups in the market that gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Though the lack of a four-wheel drive option is certainly a downer, that's not to say that the pickup is a less-than-capable off-roader. On the contrary, it is well-suited for a wide variety of all-terrain applications.