The Isuzu D-Max looks good and has a presence that is stylish rather than flashy, while inside the cabin is well made and simply laid out.
Towing and payload capacities are both good, with a 3.5 tonne braked capacity.
Isuzu provides a generous level of standard equipment on all models that encompasses air conditioning, ESP, ABS brakes, electric front windows and driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags.
Isuzu offers an extended cab model that has side-hinged rear doors for easy access to the additional storage behind the front seats.
Punchy 163PS 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine is a powerful and swift performer through slick six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearboxes.
D-Max was awarded a four star Euro NCAP rating. With 83 per cent adult occupant safety rating, 67 per cent child occupant rating, 51 cent pedestrian rating and 71 per cent for safety assistance systems.
Not restricted to 50mph on two lane roads and 60mph on dual carriageways (can do 60mph on two lane roads and 70mph on dual carriageways).
The diesel engine can be a little too noisy for comfort when accelerating or working it hard when the D-Max is fully loaded.
Fiddly stereo buttons.
The steering wheel only adjusts a small amount for height movement and not at all for reach, which can limit the driving position for some drivers.
2-4-2019: Report of "momentary power band variation (which can occur at around/either side of 2000rpm) on post September 2018 68 reg WLTP compliant Isuzu D-Max 1.9 litre. Isuzu explained, "Your D-Max is fitted with what is called a NOx trap which is controlled by 2 oxygen sensors. The purpose of this NOx trap is essentially to reduce the Oxides of Nitrogen emissions. The ‘current’ duty cycle is controlled by the oxygen sensors signals which are sent to the ECU, which then increases the injector duration allowing more fuel to be injected into each engine cylinder in order to facilitate the burning off the Oxides of Nitrogen which is required in order to meet Euro 6 emissions, as per current legislation. Therefore, when the NOx gases are burnt when called for by the emission programming control system, the driver may experience a momentary variation in power as and when this process occurs."
March 2012
Isuzu reveals the all-new D-Max
The replacement for the Rodeo range, a new addition is an Extended Cab model. It costs from £14,499 and there are two and four-wheel drive versions.
May 2012
The D-Max makes its debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show. It comes with a five-year, 120,000-mile warranty. The engine is 2.5 litre chain cam 163PS four cylinder with 400Nm torque.
August 2012
D-Max awarded a four star Euro NCAP rating
With 83 per cent adult occupant safety rating , 67 per cent child occupant rating, 51 cent pedestrian rating and 71 per cent for safety assistance systems.
October 2012
Isuzu introduces Vision pack for the D-Max that comes with sat-nav, rear parking camera and upgraded stereo for Yukon and Utah models. It adds £900 plus VAT to the price.
The new unit also features significantly increased audio capabilities, including CD/DVD playback, MP3 compatibility, micro SD, USB, iPod and Parrot Bluetooth hands-free connectivity plus Bluetooth media streaming. Full functionality of steering-wheel controls is maintained.
February 2013
Work and Work Plus accessory packs launched for the D-Max Eiger. The Work pack, which includes a tow bar, a payload liner, front and rear rubber mats and waterproof front seat covers, costs £499 +VAT. The Work Plus pack adds BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres and is available from £999 + VAT.
April 2013
Isuzu launched a range of accessories available through the dealer network. A stainless-steel rear style-bar is available which runs along the front edge of the load bay. There is al new alloy wheels design, available in 16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch sizes. The 10-spoke design features an enlarged centre cap and all variants can be shod in heavy-duty off-road tyres.
To improve the security and all-weather practicality there are two new load-bay tonneau covers. A flexible, easy-to-use black vinyl cover features a quick-clamp system. Plus there's an Armadillo roller cover, constructed from ultra-strong aluminium which completely secures the load area with a high-quality dual-action locking mechanism.
A reversing camera and screen kit can be added as an option. The camera is hidden in the rear bumper, and the LCD touch screen integrated into the centre console automatically displays the camera image on the screen when reverse gear is selected.
June 2013
D-Max towing capacity increased by 500kg
All 4x4 models of the D-Max will be able to tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes, with the new certification applying to all Isuzu D-Max pick-ups registered in the UK from July 1 2013.
March 2014
D-Max Blade launched
The new special edition features more than £5,000 worth of additional equipment and is available from just £24,995 (CVOTR). Styling includes 18-inch, six-spoke ‘Shadow’ alloy wheels with 255/60 R18 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres, a ‘Shadow’ grey front grille, privacy glass windows, black door and tailgate handles, black roof bars and rear bumper, plus heavy-duty side steps. Two colours are available - Splash White or mica Cosmic Black.
The Isuzu D-Max Blade also comes as standard with an under-rail bed liner while customers can choose between an Aeroklas hard top complete with internal light or a Mountain Top Black Roller Top Cover which is unique to the Blade and cannot be purchased as a separate accessory.
Inside it comes with automatic climate control and premium black leather seats which have been factory upgraded for 2014 and are heated in the front. It also gets DAB digital radio via a Pioneer 6.1-inch touchscreen navigation system, complete with integrated rear safety camera.
April 2014
New D-Max conversions available
One is a fire response vehicle and the other is fitted with a cherry picker which has been developed for the utility industry, or for tree surgeons. Both of the conversions are built by specialists but will be offered directly through Isuzu Fleet Services.
The D-Max Brigade Response Vehicle (BRV) has a four occupant cabin and is fitted with high-pressure water tanks with a capacity of 310 litres. The tanks are linked to a 55-metre hosepipe with an electric reel. The BRV also features side and rear lockers with roller shutters for storing equipment, plus a high-intensity LED spotlight and emergency response lighting on the front and rear bumpers, front wings and roof.
The D-Max with a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP), more commonly called a cherry picker, is based on the single cab D-Max and features a telescopic boom with a platform. The platform is designed to support 225kg, the approximate weight of two workers and their equipment.
The boom can be rotated 360 degrees and has a maximum height of 13.2 metres, with an outreach of 6.5 metres. The boom can be controlled from the work platform or from the bed of the D-Max itself. All the wiring and hydraulics systems are enclosed within the boom to keep them out of harm’s way, plus there are hydraulic A-frame stabilisers.
July 2014
D-Max Yukon extended cab launched
The extended cab configuration features standard front seats, behind which is a large load area incorporating a fold-down rear bench for occasional use.
The new Yukon specification extended cab – priced from £19,249 (CVOTR) – is ideal for trade and leisure users who prefer the added exterior capacity of a longer rear load bed, require only occasional rear seating, and who still want the interior refinement and equipment available with the Yukon’s specification.
Yukon specification models feature a host of standard equipment, including cruise control, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and rear bumper, heavy-duty side steps, six-speaker surround-sound audio system with roof-mounted ‘Exciter’ speaker, as well as high-visibility projector headlamps and LED rear light clusters.
January 2015
Heavy Duty Seat Covers for D-Max launched
Work perfectly with the factory-fitted side-airbag deployment, with a large gap in the front, handed covers to allow the bag to deflate without impairment.
Available as either as individual front covers, rear seat only or full set, these covers will keep any Isuzu D-Max interior looking brand new.
August 2015
D-Max Fury launched
Based on the Eiger double-cab model, the special edition costs £19,999 (CVOTR), representing a saving of around £2,000 compared to buying the accessories separately. The Fury is available with either manual or auto transmission.
It gets Magma Red metallic paint finish and 17-inch five-spoke grey alloy wheels with with 255/65 R17 Pirelli Scorpion tyres. Other changes include a dark grey metallic finish to the front grille, Cosmic black door and tailgate handles, a black rear bumper, as well as gun metal grey heavy-duty side steps.
April 2016
Isuzu launched D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
Available as double-cab or extended-cab, the AT35 is priced from £30,995. In addition to the high levels of standard equipment, a comprehensive accessories list allows customers to spec their AT35 according to their unique requirements.
Arctic Trucks is a vehicle engineering specialist, developing and building 4x4 vehicles able to conquer the most challenging conditions for over 25 years. The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is the first Arctic Trucks pick-up in the UK that can be ordered directly from a vehicle manufacturer’s dealer network.
The AT35 retains the one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing (braked) capacities of the D-Max. Suspension is re-engineered with Fox Performance Series shocks, which help deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and boulders. Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in challenging, slippery conditions. These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road surfaces, with the rubber fitted to 17”x10” wheels, considerably larger than the standard D-Max. The vehicle accommodates larger diameter tyres and boasts wider extended flares, giving the AT35 a securely planted and powerful look.
The combined effect of Arctic Trucks specialised suspension and larger tyres is a ride height 125mm higher than the equivalent standard 4x4 Isuzu D-Max. With the increased ground clearance comes greater approach, departure and break-over angles, capable of tackling the harsh Icelandic terrain or the steep slate slopes of Wales. In addition, drivers and passengers will benefit from improved all-round visibility, a great advantage for identifying the safest route to an ultimate destination, whether that’s across ice fields in Norway or icy moors of north Yorkshire.
Under the bonnet of the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is the highly-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers 163PS and 400Nm torque for all models in the D-Max line-up.
February 2017
Updated 2017 D-Max unveiled
There are big changes under the metal, with the D-Max’s old 2.5-litre engine replaced with a new 1.9 turbodiesel. As before, the four-cylinder unit will produce 164PS, but overall torque levels are down, with the 1.9 unit producing 360Nm. However, while the new engine offers 40Nm less torque, the 2017 D-Max retains its 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 1.0 tonne payload.
The model line-up mirrors the old D-Max, with four trim levels and a range of single, extended and double cab bodystyles. The entry-level Utility trim, will be priced from £15,749 and come equipped with LED daytime running lights, hill start assist, hill descent control and Bluetooth.
Yukon (from £20,499 CVOTR) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, silver side steps, new 7-inch multi-function touchscreen, LED rear lights, Cruise Control, rear load liner and a leather steering wheel.
Utah (from £24,149 CVOTR) takes comfort up a notch with keyless entry with push button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, roof bars, leather upholstery with heated front seats, rear parking sensors, automatic air conditioning.
Range-topping Blade models (from £26,999) get tinted windows, nine-inch multi-function touchscreen, remote locking lower tailgate and a colour-coded Aeroklas canopy or sports bar with roller cover. As with the previous generation of Isuzu pick-ups, the D-Max will be covered by a manufacturer-backed five-year/125,000-mile warranty.
November 2017
D-Max Huntsman Accessory Pack launched
The Huntsman features lockable, out of sight storage for firearms as well as ample bed space for dog boxes and equipment.
The new Isuzu Huntsman Pack costs £5995 (excluding VAT) and available on D-Max Utah Double Cab Manual and Automatic variants in Tundra Green, Cosmic Black and Obsidian Grey.
October 2018
D-Max Fury introduced
Finished in Magma Red paint with 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels and radiator grille, the Fury is available with manual or automatic transmission. Inside it has cloth upholstery with a dark grey interior, red stitching on soft pad armrests and steering wheel, manual air conditioning, a reversing camera, 7-inch multifunction touchscreen, CD player and USB ports.