ISUZU has become a pick-up artist and its latest D-Max proves it. Just as well when the D-Max is the only vehicle in the firm’s line-up.
The all-new D-Max arrives as competitors from Nissan, Mercedes, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have all either left already or are bowing out by the end of 2021. It’s a great opportunity for Isuzu to become a much bigger player to rival Ford and Toyota.
It seems like a masterstroke from the Japanese firm when sales remain strong, especially when the D-Max is the first pick-up to score a full five-star rating in tough Euro NCAP crash tests.
This is an important point for the D-Max as it looks to expand its sales beyond traditional work-focussed buyers. It’s now looking to attract SUV drivers who want the rugged all-wheel drive and versatility only a pick-up provides.
The only bits carried over from the previous D-Max are the reliable 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine and beefy steel chassis base, which has been further strengthened for better on and off-road abilities.
There’s completely new suspension all-round and more distance between the front and rear wheels to provide improved passenger space inside the D-Max while still offering a full-length cargo bed.
Access to the load bay is simple thanks to the drop-down tailgate and the rear lights are set into the sides, keeping them up and away from potential damage while driving off-road.
Inside the D-Max, it’s a huge step up in quality, comfort and style from the old model. It feels very saloon-like with the large central infotainment screen that’s standard on the two higher trim levels.
The main dash display has simple, clear dials, while the steering wheel adjusts for angle and depth to give an ideal driving position, which is not always the case in pick-ups.
Every D-Max comes with air conditioning, even the Utility model designed for hard graft. Isuzu has also kitted out the D-Max with all of the latest safety kit, which helps it to that maximum Euro NCAP score.
You get autonomous emergency braking to stop the car – even if the driver doesn’t spot an approaching hazard – forward collision warning, lane departure warning, cruise control, and traffic sign recognition on every D-Max.
Some versions also come with adaptive cruise control and rear cross traffic alert to spot vehicles approaching as you reverse out of a space. On top of this, the D-Max comes with seven airbags, or eight in the double cab models thanks to an extra centre bag.
All of this makes the D-Max the safest pick-up you can choose right now, but how does it drive?
The 1.9-litre diesel might not sound so strong but it has 164hp and plenty of low-down shove, so it copes very well off-road or when towing up to its 3500kg maximum.
There’s a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Neither is quite as quick in action as its rivals but both are easy to use and Isuzu provides both high and low four-wheel drive options that you can select without having to stop the car.
Off-road, the D-Max is hugely capable and being lighter than a Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux lets it trickle over soft ground with more confidence.
Back on normal roads, it’s refined, stable and happy to cruise at motorway speeds, though anyone used to an SUV will need to adjust to a pick-up’s lower cornering speeds.
However, even back seat passengers in the D-Max double cab models will find it comfortable. Anyone swapping an SUV for a D-Max will probably choose the top of the range V-Cross model that costs from £37,444.
It’s cheaper, safer and better to drive than its main rivals, which makes the Isuzu an artful choice for pick-up buyers.
