Isuzu D-Max Review 2024

Although renowned for its hard-working utility pick-ups, Isuzu has shifted the D-Max pick-up further upmarket for the 2024 model year, looking to fill the gap left by the Mitsubishi L200 as a utility-led but lifestyle-oriented model as much as it continues to serve the heavy-duty utility market, where it has thrived since the original Land Rover Defender was discontinued in 2016. Read our full Isuzu D-Max review to find out if it's the right choice for you.

The new-look Isuzu D-Max range, introduced in 2023, maintains the award-winning 4x4 expertise that earned the model praise from the farming and towing communities.

In 2023, the model was given a raft of cosmetic enhancements, the focus being to make the Isuzu D-Max appeal to a more leisure-oriented audience – particularly company vehicle users looking to take advantage of the tax breaks offered to double cab pick-up users and small business owners who want a vehicle that reflects a premium image and also doubles up as a family SUV.

Mechanically, the 2024 Model Year Isuzu D-Max is identical to its predecessor, with just the one engine choice – a 1.9-litre common rail diesel unit that punches well above its weight.

Styling-wise, a new grille and headlights deliver a more aggressive appearance and in range-topping V-Cross trim it’s both a very well-equipped and good value package – difficult to ignore when compared with rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, which are more expensive when compared spec-for-spec.

Each pick-up in the range has a refreshed grille, with all but the steel-wheeled utility models receiving new wheel designs.

There’s a choice of a variety of different cab types depending on whether you need to prioritise load or passenger space, and even a bare chassis model ideal for dropside or tipper conversions.

Inside, changes include new interior fabric for the mid-range DL20 and a new layered leather finish for the DL40 and V-Cross, which feels far more upmarket than in previous variants.

A rear-differential lock option is also now available on all manual 4x4 Utility models in the range.

Only the entry-level truck is available without four-wheel drive. The rest come with 4x4 as standard, giving the Isuzu D-Max genuinely impressive off-road ability, helped by features like the low-range gearbox and Hill Descent Control.

There’s also an impressive list of standard safety equipment. Driver-assist features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning contribute to the Isuzu D-Max's five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Depending on how you want to use it, the Isuzu D-Max comes in three core layouts.

These are single cab, extended cab and double cab. The single cab is the one to go for if a big load bay is more important than carrying passengers – it provides a load length of up to 2315mm, while there are just two seats in the cabin. It’s a very popular vehicle with farmers as a result, not least because of its 3500kg towing capacity.

The extended cab reduces the load length to 1805mm, while there are folding rear seats which are ideal for occasional use.

The majority of D-Max buyers go for the double cab model, which is surprisingly spacious and luxurious.

Upfront, it has a high seating position and plenty of shoulder and elbow room, with a high seating position. In flagship V-Cross trim, which is exceptionally good value compared against its core rivals, the Isuzu D-Max is extremely well-appointed with heated leather seats and a smart nine-inch touchscreen display that integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There are plenty of storage areas, too – including a cubby in the central armrest, two gloveboxes and a total of 10 cup holders. Indeed, it's surprising how different a high-spec D-Max feels compared with the utility models.

All D-Max models have a payload of more than 1000kg, while the 4x4 variants have a braked trailer weight of up to 3500kg.

Compared with rivals, the Isuzu D-Max is a big truck. It measures 5265mm in length, 1835mm in width and 1790mm in height.

There's one engine available in two different power outputs – 164PS and 198PS, with torque figures of 360Nm or 400Nm respectively. The model is also offered with a five-year or 125,000-mile warranty.

While the four-cylinder engine might not sound especially beefy for a truck of this size, it punches well above its weight. In the higher power output, it pulls well and doesn’t feel at all out of its depth, though the engine noise can sometimes be a bit intrusive at higher revs.

The six-speed manual gearbox is pleasant enough to use but first gear is a low ratio, which helps with towing and off-road use but you’ll need to change up to second quickly in regular use. The six-speed automatic gearbox is superb and well-spaced, while in top gear it provides a refined and relaxed cruising experience.

On the road, it’s comfortable and easy-to-drive despite its bulk, but the rear leaf springs do little to compensate for undulating road surfaces, especially on broken or rough surfaces. That’s the price you pay for a utility vehicle, though, and it’s always predictable and has decent handling for a vehicle of its nature.

All models come with features like autonomous emergency braking (which can apply the brakes if it detects an impending collision) and an intelligent speed limiter (which can detect the speed limit and encourage you to stick to it). Isuzu uses a twin-camera setup to power these systems, claiming it to be quicker and more reliable than radar systems.

Double cab models are fitted with radar that can detect obstacles to the rear of the truck, too, with a blind spot monitor, emergency lane keeping and rear cross traffic alert. Buy one with the automatic gearbox and it'll get adaptive cruise control and a clever 'pedal misapplication mitigation' feature – this will prevent you being involved in a low-speed clash by accidentally hitting the accelerator rather than the brake.

Overall, the Isuzu D-Max is a great pick-up that has a utilitarian nature but is far from crude. Indeed, pound-for-pound, it’s very difficult to ignore if you’re looking for a lifestyle-oriented business vehicle that offers as much as its core rivals, but with a great warranty and superb value for money.