John Kendall reviews the Isuzu D-Max for utility fleet users.

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It’s not often that we come by a basic spec model for test these days. Do manufacturers think that journalists could be swayed by high-spec models? Perish the thought.

Actually, part of the reason is that basic isn’t basic any more and our test vehicle here is a good case in point. Isuzu divides its D-Max range into Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross models – in order of improving specification. Our test vehicle is a 4×4 double cab model from the Utility range – there are both single and extended cab models too.

Specification includes automatic headlights, high beam assist, automatic rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, a tailgate damper, six-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment, eight-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear USB C ports, remote central locking, electric windows, adaptive cruise control, speed limiter and reversing camera. You get the picture, it’s not exactly basic.

Cast back a few years and many of these would have been on the equipment list for top-spec cars. Add the list of advanced driver assistance and safety systems and here is a working vehicle that is not going to worry the HR team either.

If you need off-road capability, the D-Max has it in spades. Shift on the fly four-wheel-drive selection means you can switch into four-wheel drive without stopping (unless you need low-ratio 4WD). Then there is a rear differential lock, rough terrain mode and traction control. If it’s towing capacity that you need, then not only will the Utility double cab carry 1,110kg in payload but it can also handle a 3,500kg trailer, up to a maximum train weight of 6,000kg. Trailer Sway Control is on the standard equipment list to stop the tail wagging the dog too.

We found that on a steep road, in a 20mph limit, with four adults aboard, the Isuzu gets a bit caught between gears to keep going. It perhaps shows that despite being a fairly smooth turbodiesel engine, its comparatively small capacity, compared with most rivals, leaves it a bit short of pulling power. You can opt for automatic transmission instead, which is the most popular choice for the D-Max range generally. We can certainly see the appeal if you use your D-Max for heavy duty towing.

On road, the D-Max is a happy A-road and motorway cruiser with acceptable noise levels. Using the speed-limiter or adaptive cruise control will help to keep fuel consumption to acceptable levels and the D-Max benefits from a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg. At the same time, the kerb weight of 2,000kg means that car speed limits apply. If used, it would limit fuel economy.

Onroad, the D-Max Utility felt as we would have expected with its long travel suspension. It bounced over poor road surfaces even with four people aboard. A load would certainly help to pin it down better. We didn’t take the D-Max offroad this time but past experience leaves us confident that its abilities are good enough for the vast majority of utility fleet users.

Verdict

The D-Max Utility could not be described as basic where equipment is concerned. It provides a well-chosen spec for fleets needing off-road or towing capability such as utility companies, agricultural and forestry organisations.

In Brief

What is it? Pickup truck

How much? From £31,855 CVOTR

Gross payload? 1,110kg

Economy? 33.6mpg (WLTP combined)

Drive? 1,898cc turbo diesel. 164hp at 3,600rpm/360Nm at 2,000 – 2,500rpm, six-speed manual gearbox, 2/4-wheel drive with low ratio and locking rear differential.

Key fleet model Isuzu D-Max Utility Double Cab

Pros: Well specified, established dealer network, competitive price.

Cons: Some new rivals are better specified.

7-word summary Rugged pickup designed for all-terrain users.