Isuzu D-Max is one of the toughest and most off-road-capable old-school pickups for any amount of money. It is definitely not the most luxurious feeling pickup, though, but that’s not what the D-Max is about.

More recent models have gained some premium features that older model years lacked, like leather seats, a reversing camera and smartphone pairing tech, but the main reason why you’d want to buy one is to really use it either doing serious off-roading or for towing as it does a great job at both.

Its noisy and not very refined 2.5-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel was replaced along with the truck’s recent refresh by a slightly less noisy 1.9-liter which makes the same power as the old unit, but slightly less torque.

There’s also plenty of flexibility in terms of body and drive alternatives - Isuzu offers the D-Max with either 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, as well as several cab variants too. And there is quite a bit of visual differentiation between utilitarian examples just meant to work, and more luxurious trimmed ones used more as family cars - the basic, single-cab model comes with a non-painted front bumper, steel wheels with no hubcaps and a spartan interior completely devoid of toys.

Blade top trim level adds nice alloys, leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, a decent six-speed automatic transmission, and climate control. The most capable D-Max on sale now is the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, a specialist-modified model with upgraded suspension, wheels complete with flared wheel arch extensions.

2018 Isuzu D-Max

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Isuzu D-Max
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The basic D-Max still looks good, whichever one you choose, although you can only get all the options on the double-cab.

Around the sides, it could literally be any other similarly sized pickup, and the same story goes for the rear end where a large D-Max badge and smaller Isuzu badge on top remind you what you’re looking at. Open up the bed, and you will be greeted by a much larger Isuzu script, molded into the plastic on the back of the cab.

Higher trim level vehicles may come with different larger rims, sticker packs and there are even special versions of the vehicle - mostly in Asia where the D-Max is most popular. Isuzu even sold a V-Cross special edition named after the late 1990s VehiCROSS two-door SUV it tried to sell in Japan and America.

Interior

The D-Max is not a luxurious pickup truck by any means - there is not a single soft surface on any of the trim materials inside - it’s all hard plastic and there aren’t any color touches anywhere. But it certainly looks durable and is actually surprisingly practical with plenty of storage spaces, large door bins with cup holders - it also feels quite spacious an airy inside.

Overall comfort levels are about average, and since it has leaf springs at the back, the rear will sometimes skip over bumps if there isn’t anything in the bed to weigh it down. But the driving position and the seats themselves are quite good, and many miles can be covered with minimal backache in the D-Max.

Drivetrain

The new 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the older 2.5-liter diesel in the D-Max isn’t much more refined. It may make the same 163 metric horsepower as the old one, but it also loses 40 Nm (29 pound-feet) of torque, yet even, so performance doesn’t appear to have taken a significant hit.

For Ecuador only, there was also a 2.4-liter gasoline on offer.

Launched in 2012, this generation D-Max first came with five-speed manual or automatic transmissions but is now offered with six speeds for both. There’s also a low and high ratio function for four-wheel drive models, and it is rated as being able to tow a 3.5-ton (7,716-pound) trailer.

Out on the road, the D-Max drives pretty well for something its size and with clear purely utilitarian roots. But it holds the road well enough, and while there is lean through the corners, it can be driven swiftly fairly safely.

Prices

In Europe, the D-Max can be had from as little as €22,500 ($25,836), but for that, you get a basic single-cab example. A fully-loaded double-cab one, with automatic gearbox, is over €33,000 ($37,900) and there are still options that can be added - that D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 mentioned in the intro is €44,000 ($50,560).

Competition

Nissan Navara

Arguably the D-Max’s archenemy, the Nissan Navara brings to battle an interior that is far better than most vehicles in the class, unmatched refinement and ride quality, as well as plenty of tech too. It also looks quite handsome in its latest generation too, and it fights for the title of most car-like to drive pickup in the segment.

The extra refinement also comes courtesy of a quieter drivetrain and for automatic-equipped models a smoother shift as well. However, it doesn’t feel as punchy as the D-Max on the move, the manual gearbox really isn’t precise by modern standards, and the whole package just lacks a bit of finesse. Pricing for the Navara kicks off at just over €30,000 ($34,400).

Read our full review on the 2018 Nissan Navara

Volkswagen Amarok

Before the Mercedes X-Class brought a premium badge into the market sector, the VW Amarok was the luxury pickup of choice. It feels as well built and has the same level of perceived quality as any VW product, and with the later 3.0-liter diesel engine it also has performance to match the premium feel.

The most powerful version of the engine has 268 metric horsepower, and it really helps it move, however, its maximum rated weight for a braked trailer is just 3.1 tons, versus the 3.5-ton capability of the Navara and D-Max. Amaroq prices start from €34,200 ($39,280).

Read our full review on the Volkswagen Amarok

Mitsubishi L200

Mitsubishi has been making the current L200 (also known as the Triton) since 2014, and in Europe, it is powered exclusively by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Like the D-Max, it too suffers from having a less-than-luxurious feeling interior made up only of hard plastics, but like with the Isuzu, it too feels well built and durable.

It’s also somewhat more stylish than the D-Max inside, but the aftermarket touchscreen infotainment really dates the cabin. But at least performance is brisk from the 178 metric horsepower diesel which capable of pushing the L200 to 62 mph or 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds. Pricing matches the affordable D-Max too, as you can get a base L200 for €24,000 ($27,500).

Read our full review on the Mitsubishi L200

Conclusion

The Isuzu D-Max is reasonably priced, it drives decently for what it is and with the new 1.9-liter engine improves overall refinement. Its interior is not the best in class, but with the latest touchscreen infotainment, it definitely looks modern by current standards.

It also has quite a wide array of body choices that cannot be matched by rivals - no fewer than five different versions. And they cater for a wide spectrum of buyers, from those looking for an affordable but capable hauler to those looking to use it more as a daily driver for areas where roads are often unpaved.

Then there’s the undeniable cool factor of the Arctic Trucks AT35 model, which is an official model sold by Isuzu, with warranty and everything. It grants extra credibility to the rest of the range since any D-Max can be turned into that car with some additions and modifications.

Further reading

Read our full review on the previous generation 2012 Isuzu D-Max.