The third-generation Isuzu D-Max, launched in 2021, has been facelifted for the second time with new features focusing on safety, off-road performance and interior technology upgrades. By Trinity Francis.
Prior to this update, the Isuzu D-Max was most recently tweaked in 2023. This refresh is set to be the last change to the D-Max range before Isuzu launches an electric pickup in 2026. In the meantime, we tested the new D-Max V-Cross on- and off-road to explore its new features.
At a glance, exterior styling hasn’t changed drastically. There’s a new headlight design, a slightly beefier grille and new alloy wheels to choose from on all models apart from the Utility spec vehicles, which still get steels. The rear-end also has a different light design with a three-tiered light stack.
The most notable upgrades are inside the cabin. Entry-level Utility and DL20 models keep the same 4.2-inch digital driver’s display, but DL40 and V-Cross now get a 7-inch screen. The new instrument cluster features a digital speedometer dial and additional information below with a choice of different menus such as trip details and tyre pressure. When lane keeping assistance kicks in, a vehicle graphic appears at the bottom of the screen to show which side the vehicle is drifting towards. The display is much more attractive and easier to read than the previous iteration.
Further improvements come in the form of an updated infotainment system. An 8-inch touchscreen is now standard across the range and the V-Cross gets a slightly larger 9-inch unit as before. All specifications come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the native system has been overhauled with a new layout and shortcuts that are more intuitive. It still lags a bit before responding but the user experience is vastly improved.
The latest D-Max keeps the same 1.9-litre diesel engine but it comes with a new driving feature available on both manual and automatic versions. Rough terrain mode is described as an extension of the vehicle’s traction control system. It uses rapid braking on spinning wheels and controls throttle response to help the vehicle gain grip in challenging terrain.
In real-world use, rough terrain mode will most likely come in handy in a particularly muddy field or towing over wet grass. It can be used in two- and four-wheel drive and works with the differential lock in extreme scenarios.
Our test route included a steep incline in wet, muddy conditions. When the vehicle lost traction before reaching the top of the hill and stopped, it felt like the best thing to do would be to reverse and approach the hill again. With rough terrain mode engaged, it took just a few seconds of consistent pressure on the accelerator before the vehicle started to climb again. Isuzu has also introduced a new angles menu which displays pitch, roll and the direction the wheels are pointing.
Looking at the D-Max’s on-road dynamics, the driving experience is much the same as before with some updated safety equipment. An improved stereo camera system facilitates new and more accurate driver assistance systems. The D-Max range now features intelligent adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and an intelligent speed limiter. All double cab versions also have rear cross traffic alert with braking, so in scenarios such as reversing out of a parking space with limited view behind, the system can automatically brake if it detects another vehicle crossing behind.
While these safety features can make day-to-day driving easier, the highlight for most users will be the new driver’s display and updated infotainment system. It doesn’t quite rival the Ford Ranger’s touchscreen system, but it eliminates the frustration of the previous one. DL40 and V-Cross models will likely offer the best balance for work and personal use while the business-focused Utility version is modernised with the larger new infotainment system.
Verdict
Isuzu has addressed some of the key gripes about the previous iteration and once again improved the D-Max’s desirability. It’s now easier to live with and more capable in difficult off-road scenarios.
In Brief
What is it? Pickup truck
How much? From £26,405 (ex-VAT) Basic Retail not CVOTR ex-VAT
Gross payload? 1085-1205kg
Economy? 31.4-33.6mpg (WLTP)
Drive? 1.9-litre diesel