The latest Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck offers drivers the same hard-working capabilities and durability as it always has wrapped in new looks and tech updates.
Now on the second facelift of its third generation, the latest Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck is as hard-wearing and powerful as ever, continuing to prove why it’s the ‘farmer’s choice’. Aside from updated looks, a new infotainment and sound system, and the addition of a new 4x4-models-only ‘Rough Terrain’ mode, the D-Max hasn’t changed that much… but why would it? It’s more affordable than competing pick-up trucks, covered by a five-year warranty and is tough as nails. And while it might not be perfect, the quietest or most refined truck to drive, it’s got guts and will continue to sell like hot cakes.
“It’s already more affordable than most pick-up trucks, and the 1.9-litre diesel engine will return the promised 31-33mpg”
The D-Max beats rivals on starting price, with the entry-level Utility models coming in at under £35,000 while still packed with enough equipment to feel like you’re getting value for money. If you can pick one up on finance or a lease, you could choose a higher trim level and break down your acquisition costs further. On our test loops of country roads in a top-trim V-Cross model, we achieved just a little over the 33mpg that Isuzu claimed the vehicle would provide on the WLTP combined cycle, but a longer test is needed to see how efficient the engine can truly be. One final consideration is the change to tax rules around double cab pick-up trucks capable of carrying one tonne or more - from 6th April 2025 they are classified as passenger cars and no longer subject to the tax breaks that light commercial vehicles usually enjoy, meaning higher benefit-in-kind (BIK) rates and new rules around deductions. However, the new rules only impact double cab pick-ups acquired after the April 2025 deadline, so if you acquire one before the deadline then the old rules apply.
Expert rating: 3/5
Reliability of a Isuzu D-Max
“Reliability is a key selling point of the D-Max, with its five-year/125,000-mile warranty and five years of breakdown cover offering solid peace of mind”
This being the D-Max’s second facelift of its third generation, reliability is something you can bank on given this is an update to an existing tried-and-tested platform. The most likely spots for wear and tear on a hard-working vehicle will be the suspension joints, but this new version includes improved parts designed to mitigate any known issues. The vehicle is covered by a long five-year/125,000-mile warranty and breakdown cover, providing solid peace of mind and demonstrating Isuzu’s own faith in the vehicle’s durability.
Expert rating: 4/5
Safety for a Isuzu D-Max
“A wide range of safety systems and the new 4x4 Rough Terrain mode provide a safe and rugged driving experience in a pick-up truck that’s capable of going anywhere”
The current generation D-Max is five-star rated by independent testing body NCAP, with a huge range of safety equipment included as standard. All models benefit from Attention Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Lane Keeping, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Turn Assist and a full complement of air bags. The D-Max’s off-road capabilities have been further upgraded on 4x4 models with the new ‘Rough Terrain’ mode that cleverly distributes torque to where it’s needed while driving in bad conditions. We were particularly impressed with how this system addressed under- and oversteering on slippery mud tracks by adding or pulling back power accordingly. From a rugged go-anywhere pick-up truck, it’s exactly the level of safety we’d expect and demand.
Expert rating: 4/5
How comfortable is the Isuzu D-Max
“While not as physically comfortable as some competing pick-up trucks, the D-Max cabin is roomy and hard-wearing”
Comfort levels will be dictated by the model chosen. For example, on Utility models the upholstery is standard cloth, on DL20 models its high-grade cloth, while DL40 and V-Cross models receive leather upholstery and heated electric front seats. The V-Cross model we tested is at the top-end of the standard range, and felt roomy and inviting for the driver and passengers alike. Space and internal storage is comparable to any other double cab pick-up truck on the market, with the D-Max offering ample leg room, a double glove box, generous door storage and a handy roof-mounted sunglasses holder. Other top-trim pick-up trucks might feel more comfortable and snug, but it’s not really what the D-Max is aiming for - it is positioned as a working vehicle first and doesn’t feel the need to compromise.
Expert rating: 3/5
Features of the Isuzu D-Max
“The latest D-Max features new aesthetics and tech, a new 4x4 Rough Terrain mode, and hasn’t compromised on its established capabilities – just make sure to pick the right one”
There’s a lot to cover here. The new D-Max line-up is split across entry-level Utility, DL20, DL40 and the range-topping V-Cross models. Utility trim is offered in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 models and three different body styles - single, extended and double cab. Equipment levels are high from entry-level up with all of them featuring automatic headlights with high beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, a wireless 8.0-inch multifunction colour touch-screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a neat reversing camera, the excellent Rough Terrain mode (4x4 models only), DAB radio and a stop/start system. All safety systems discussed in this review are available on all models. DL20 models come in two body styles – extended cab and double cab – with this trim level adding carpet flooring, a rear centre armrest, body-coloured front and rear bumpers, and 18-inch silver alloy wheels. DL40 models are only available in double cab configuration, with the addition of Bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights, daytime running lights, new L-shaped rear lights, side steps, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, and a push-button start system. The interior is also upgraded with leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. DL40 models go a step further with the inclusion of a new 7.0-inch multi-information display and dual-zone climate control.
Finally, V-Cross models like the one we tested are easily picked out by the addition of dark grey exterior styling on the radiator grille, side steps, door mirrors, handles and 18-inch alloy wheels. The top-end models also feature a larger 9.0-inch multifunction colour touch-screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an upgraded sound system, auto-dimming rear view mirror and automatic headlight levelling. As you can see, there’s a D-Max for any use case – from farmers and tradespeople needing a workhorse, to ferrying about your families and friends. The one you choose will come down to what you need from it and how much you want to pay as prices reach the £50,000 mark at the top end.
Expert rating: 3/5
Power for a Isuzu D-Max
“The D-Max’s 1.9-litre diesel engine can handle off-road driving, tow up to 3,500kg and carry a payload of up to 1,205kg with power to spare”
The D-Max is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with 164PS – this is mated as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the six-speed automatic gearbox is the one we tested. This set-up provides towing capacities of up to 3,500kg and the vehicle’s maximum payload of 1,205kg. Driving our 4x4 V-Cross model on some country roads at lower gears we felt the engine was a little rough, but as we headed up the ratios it settled and the drive quality evened out. Rough terrain is definitely its home as it handled an incredibly wet and deeply muddy off-road course with confidence. The Rough Terrain mode proved itself adept at anticipating our next moves in a way that felt reassuring. The steering is light – sometimes a little floaty in harder corners – but never once did the D-Max feel unstable while driving. The upgrades to the suspension systems also appear to have prevented some of the corner rolling we experienced in previous models.