Mention pick-up trucks and the Isuzu D-Max will undoubtedly pop up, being one of the popular models in the segment due to its robustness and fuel efficiency. Now, Isuzu Malaysia has refreshed the range with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that brings further improvements, alongside launching an automatic variant of the working-class
The latest 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine registers improvement in every aspect over the outgoing 1.9-litre version, in terms of power, torque, drivability and refinement as well as fuel efficiency.
Its numbers are impressive, producing 8.7% more power over the 1.9-litre engine at 163 PS and 14.3% more torque with a flat 400 Nm between a very usable 1,600-2,400rpm. When compared against the marginal annual road tax variance of RM 172 compared to the 1.9-litre, the improvements are significant.
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“Significantly, more than half of the maximum torque is generated from 1,000rpm, giving the new model plenty of low-end grunt making it supremely pleasurable to drive. Coupled to this, the new engine comes paired with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift, bringing a new level of driving dynamics be it for business or leisure,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer Kenichi Kudo.
The flagship of the range will continue to be the heavy-hitting 3.0-litre X-Terrain while the new 2.2-litre mill will drop into the highly popular Premium 4×4, 4×2 Auto Plus and the bestseller Standard 4×4.
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Alongside the new engine is a Malaysian first in the form of an automatic single-cab variant. The D-Max 2.2L Single Cab Auto will run the same 8-speed automatic as the rest of the range but with a revised final drive to better match its greater payload capabilities. It is also equipped with the Rough Terrain Mode, Isuzu’s off-road traction control system for improved dirt road driving.
If all that was not impressive enough, the entire 2.2-litre D-Max range is also Euro 5 emission compliant.
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Aside from the new engine, the facelifted D-Max also sports new light clusters, grille, rims and side steps for a cosmetic refresh. For the colour swatch, Isuzu have added two new shades, Inishmore Green Metallic and Obsidian Gray Mica, though they are limited to selected variants.
On top of that, the 2.2L Single Cab Auto is also available with the option of Mercury Silver Metallic, a refreshing change compared to the Splash White that almost all single-cab pick-ups come with. Setting the automatic single-cabs apart from the manual version are body-coloured bumpers.
There are also minor equipment updates across the range. This includes a new 10-inch infotainment system for the X-Terrain, Premium and 4×2 Auto Plus models while the Standard variant receives a new 7-inch head unit and Tailgate Assist. Rough Terrain Mode is now standard across the board in all 4×4 models including the Single Cab 4×4 Manual.
Pricing for the updated D-Max range in Malaysia is as follows:
- D-Max 3.0L 4×4 X-Terrain – RM 162,938.40
- D-Max 3.0L 4×4 Premium (AT) – RM 145,138.40
- D-Max 2.2L 4×4 Premium (AT) – RM 141,821.20
- D-Max 2.2L 4×4 Standard (AT) – RM 122,171.20
- D-Max 2.2L 4×2 Plus (AT) – RM 114,671.20
- D-Max 2.2L 4×4 Standard (MT) – RM 114,271.20
- D-Max 2.2L 4×4 Single Cab (AT) – RM 109,321.20
- D-Max 3.0L 4×4 Single Cab (MT) – RM 108,888.40
- D-Max 2.2L 4×4 Single Cab (MT) – RM 103,121.20
All 2026 D-Max variants come with a 20,000km/2-year free periodic maintenance service package and enjoy a 150,000km or 5-year warranty, except for the flagship X-Terrain that enjoys a class-leading 7-year unlimited mileage warranty.