Isuzu D-Max

Hop inside this Isuzu pickup truck and you get to see that the cabin also got a few upgrades. Most noticeable is the 8-inch full touch infotainment system with a wi-fi display so you could mirror your phone to the screen for added functionality. The 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather just like the front bucket seats and the rear bench with 60/40 split. The center console now has AC vents for the rear passenger sans the control. And just like you’d expect on typical pickup trucks, the backseat doesn’t get much riding comfort. Though there has been an improvement in the length of the truck, the leg space remains the same though the headroom did get an improvement. The seats obviously won’t recline and with no added lumbar support, the long drives can be tough.   

One of the finer qualities of the Isuzu D-Max is its rugged exterior. The bulky design begins at the redesigned aggressive front grille which dominates the front fascia with matching skid plate at the bottom. The new bi-LED headlights now feature daytime running lights. Signal lights that were previously incorporated are now housed on the lower bumper, stacked with the fog lights. At the back are a new taillight design, a high mount stop lamp, as well and a cargo extender that complements the bed liner. To add to its already rugged exterior, the new Isuzu D-Max gets even bigger with the LS-A variant measuring at 5,345 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,860 mm tall with a ground clearance of 235mm and a wheelbase of 3,095 mm. This Isuzu pickup truck rides on a set of 18-inch dual-tone aluminum alloy wheels and wrapped in 255/60 R 18 rubber.

When it comes to riding in the paved roads of the city or taking on the rugged terrains of the less beaten track, the Isuzu D-Max is a flexible vehicle that can deliver. The combination of an independent double-wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer at the front and semi-elliptical leaf spring at the rear suspension system makes up for a cushioned ride when going off-road but can be a bit bouncy when traversing pavements especially when there are no heavy loads at the bed. Plus, the ride quality is much nicer for front passengers than those sitting on the back due to a more upright backrest though Isuzu tries to make up for it with adjustable headrest and center armrest.

The new Isuzu D-Max is equipped with the Isuzu 4jj1-TCX engine. A 3.0L 4-cylinder in-line blue power diesel engine with a turbo intercooler that can deliver 177 PS of maximum power and 380 Nm of peak torque. This Euro 4 compliant engine has a 2,999cc displacement and uses a common rail direct injection fuel system. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission with gear shift indicator or 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The four-wheel-drive option gets additional terrain to command select dial.

When it comes to safety, the D-Max is well-equipped. The newest version of the pickup truck comes with dual airbags, ELR seatbelts, ISOFIX tethers, side door impact beams, anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution (ABS with EBD), brake assist, brake override system, electronic stability control, traction control system, hill start assist, hill descent control, reverse sensing system with reverse camera, and rear defogger. The braking system uses a ventilated disc at the front and leading and trailing drums at the rear.

The new Isuzu D-Max is bigger and tougher. Built to last, this flexible pickup truck is a good buy for its commercial value or utilitarian purpose. Couples and small families may find that a pickup can be a good alternative to say a sedan or a crossover given its added safety functions, off-road capabilities, and cargo capacity. Those who enjoy ‘roughing it’ adventures will find the new D-Max a good vehicle to drive.