Isuzu D-Max EV (2026 - ) review

The switch to electric has not impacted the basic practicality the D-Max is known for. In the Extended Cab models the cargo space is 1.78 metres long, and opting for a Double Cab pulls that down to just over 1.5 metres. The back end is 1.53 metres wide and 0.5 metres deep. That space can hold a payload of just over a tonne, which in the UK’s electric pick-up market is something of an anomaly – the Toyota Hilux BEV and KGM Musso EV can both carry around 700 kg, for example. It feels like Isuzu wants to make a very deliberate point with the D-Max EV: this is a proper pick-up truck that just happens to be electric. A one-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity and full-time four-wheel drive shows this is not a concept vehicle, it’s a glove thrown down on the floor. In other words, Isuzu knows that an electric D-Max needs to convince you with real capability. We weren’t able to test the truck in an off-road setting, so can’t speak to its practicality on harsh terrain. The holding score of four stars will be reconsidered once we get a chance to test the 4x4 system, but feels fair when you consider how much weight this truck can carry and tow compared to the competition.

The D-Max EV’s cabin is very familiar if you’ve ever sat in one of the latest top-trim diesel versions. That means leather, heated seats and a few extra niceties to make longer drives less punishing. At the centre of the dash is the new eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and behind the steering wheel is a seven-inch driver display screen. There’s sockets all over the place for device charging, and it’s comfy in the front or back. Even with the addition of leather seats, it’s still solid, sensible and unlikely to frighten anyone who’s been in a D-Max before, which is exactly the point. The D-Max EV is an evolution, not a redesign.

Well, the 160-mile maximum range isn’t high, but it’s very usable if you operate in a local radius or from a location with charging facilities. A home charger is always preferable to public charging because at home your costs are dictated by your own tariff, whereas in public you’re at the mercy of the company that owns the charger. The D-Max EV’s high purchase price of £60K can be mitigated with finance or by getting one on a lease deal, but it’s still around £20K more expensive than a diesel D-Max. Ultimately, the savings of electric pick-up trucks are similar to electric cars and vans… you will save money in the long-term, just not immediately.

Each D-Max EV comes with a five-year standard warranty and an eight-year battery warranty. The diesel chassis has been converted to carry an electric powertrain meaning the toughness of the vehicle as a whole is present and correct. D-Max pick-up trucks have a reputation for reliability that the long warranty term backs up. Glancing momentarily at the KGM Musso EV, that truck comes with a seven-year warranty but it’s aimed at urban operators so is unlikely to encounter the types of hard terrain the D-Max EV has clearly been built for.

The Isuzu D-Max EV doesn’t mess about when it comes to on and off-road ability. Its dual-motor setup delivers full-time four-wheel drive as standard, giving it near constant traction. The addition of Rough Terrain Mode allows it to handle mud, gravel and uneven ground without breaking a sweat. The load space is a very standard pick-up truck space, but it can carry over 1,000 kg and tow 3,500 kg. In the electric pick-up market it’s very far from ‘the standard’. It’s got the capabilities to perform as a tough working vehicle. A proper test of its 4x4 system is very much needed before finalising a score in this section.

The Isuzu D-Max EV feels sharp and responsive on the road, with the dual-motor setup giving it an extra layer of immediacy and control that suits everyday driving better than you might expect from a pick-up. Steering feels firm although there’s a fair bit of shuddering through the wheel on country roads. That said, it’s still a D-Max at heart, and that matters. Its reputation and hardware suggest it should be a very capable off-roader, but without being able to properly test the 4x4 system, it’s not something that can be confidently scored at the top end yet. On-road, it felt like 300 kg in the back would have settled the suspension on the rear axle and give it a more planted ride over broken surfaces. Like the section stated above, a proper test of its 4x4 system is very much needed before finalising the score here.

When it comes to safety, the Isuzu D-Max EV has a full suite of modern driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aids, autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition. Add in a 360-degree surround camera, front and rear parking sensors and a comprehensive airbag setup, and it feels properly up to date. Crucially, it doesn’t overwhelm you with gimmicks, it just gets on with the job of making a tough pick-up truck safe. And you’ll be pleased to hear it does that without too many annoying bings and bongs.

Equipment levels on the Isuzu D-Max EV strike the brand’s smart balance between work-ready toughness and everyday usability. You get a generous spread of kit as standard, including LED lighting, alloy wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control and an eight-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity. The front end has also been slightly redesigned for the EV model. Inside, leather upholstery, heated seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat lift it above basic commercial fare, while features like the surround-view camera and full suite of driver assistance tech add a layer of modern convenience. There's also a variety of paint colours available, as you'll see in the pictures. Overall, it’s well equipped without feeling overindulgent – which is exactly what D-Max trucks have always been about.

You’ll buy the Isuzu D-Max EV because you want the capabilities and rugged reliability of a D-Max pick-up truck running on electric power. The transition to an electric powertrain has not diminished the truck’s ingrained durability or abilities. While you have to compromise on price and range, these can be mitigated. Judge the vehicle as a whole package in today’s electric pick-up market and it’s definitely the one that seems most ready to tackle hard work straight out of the box. If its 4x4 capabilities match up to the rest of our experience, this will be a tough electric pick-up to beat for a while.