Isuzu D-Max

Overview

The Isuzu D-Max has turned out to be a runabout success story for the company all over the world.  For the fact that this mega-successful pickup truck is available in all the countries where Isuzu has its presence. Originally born in 2002, the Isuzu D-Max is available under different names by other manufacturers as well. For example, it is sold as Chevrolet D-Max, Holden Rodeo, and GMC Canyon. It is the D-Max which has served as a base for SUVs like MU-7 and MU-X in Isuzu’s lineup in the past. In the Philippines, the D-Max is available in several versions, however, the passenger-centric versions consist of four variants – two in 4x2 and two in 4x4 forms, both of which come with a manual as well as automatic transmission. The D-Max is being offered in five different colors – Garnet Red, Splash White, Cosmic Black, Titanium Silver, and Obsidian Grey.

Interior & Features

On the inside, the Isuzu D-Max feels premium and has that plush and built-to-last feel which is a must from a pickup of this cadre. The overall cabin layout has been shared with Isuzu’s premium SUV, the MU-X. Thus ensuring the D-Max with an air of sophistication.

The three-spoke steering wheel looks simple but distinct and comes with integrated buttons for audio and Bluetooth. The centre console comes with an 8-inch touchscreen music system which has inbuilt supports for navigation and reverses camera – a common norm for all the pickups of this segment. The round shaped automatic climate control buttons might not be to everyone’s taste and look slightly dated and less-premium. However, one does get pampered by the leather upholstery, which along with piano black inserts for the centre console and door panels, lift up the overall ambience of the cabin.

Apart from these, the D-Max is fairly equipped with features such as an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start with keyless entry, electrically adjustable, and foldable rear view mirrors, etc. However, to make it a bit more distinct, the D-Max could have been equipped with a couple of more first-in-class features.

Exterior

Complying fully with the family lineage, the Isuzu D-Max looks butch and has a bulk appeal. It thus maintains the traditional stance which a large pickup truck should possess.

At the front, the Isuzu D-Max gets the large three-slat chrome grille with the slats thick enough to add some mass appeal to the frontal view. The grille gets flanked by two large five-edged headlamp units, which thanks to the integration of projector headlamps with daytime running LEDs make the front look premium enough to put similarly priced SUVs to shame. Adding more premium feel to the front view are the vertical housings for fog lamps, which get chrome garnish to their sides.

From the sides, the Isuzu D-Max looks like any other traditional MUV, thanks to the absence of any character lines as well as lifted stance and high ground clearance. The 18-inch alloy wheels look large and complement with the bulky appeal of the pickup. The only premium and noticeable finish to the side profile are the chrome finished door handles and rear view mirrors.

At the rear, the Isuzu D-Max maintains its simplistic appeal thanks to a noticeable kink above the handle for the rear deck. The boot is capacious enough to take out your luggage for weekend getaways with ease. The vertical tail lamp design completes the decent rear design.

Ride & Handling

Complementing the built-to-last and go-anywhere abilities of the Isuzu D-Max is its ride quality. All thanks to the stiff setup of front independent double wishbone with coil spring with stabilizer and rear semi-elliptical soft ride leaf springs, make the ride quality over broken patches and rough sections a piece of cake. However, the ride quality is not plush for city rides and may feel bouncy at times. The braking setup is decent as well to bring this mammoth of the vehicle to halt, however, Isuzu could have equipped the D-Max with rear disc brakes, given the size of the vehicle.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the mighty Isuzu D-Max is the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder oil burner which powers the MU-X as well. The engine is capable enough of producing a maximum power output of 177 bhp and a peak torque output of 380 Nm. One does get the options of both 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic, with a 4x2 as well as 4x4 drive mode.

As expected from a Japanese engine, the D-Max feels smooth and lag-free across the rev range, with a punchy grunt for low revs and mid range, the range where the D-Max is meant to be driven the most.

Braking & Safety

Given its premium positioning, the Isuzu D-Max comes equipped with all the bells and whistles when it comes to safety. The pickup gets dual front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, ISOFIX mounts, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, hill descent control, hill start assist, traction control, reverse sensors, and rear defogger. All these functions ensure safe off-road antics, as well as on-road driving.

Verdict

The Isuzu D-Max is that typical Japanese vehicle which scores full when it comes to reliability, built-to-last feel, and performance when and where required. However, the D-Max has its fair share of shortcomings, such as lack of comfort and convenience features when compared to the competition. Also, the centre console and front grille design might not be to everyone’s taste. But apart from these small nitpicked shortcomings, the Isuzu D-Max performs brilliantly where it is needed the most, i.e, off the tarmac. The overall ride quality on broken sections makes one feel that the D-Max is indestructible. Clearly, the Isuzu D-Max is not a vehicle for your daily commutes, but then, when it comes to making your weekends entertaining, the pickup is worth the money.