The 2021 Isuzu D-MAX is now officially on sale in the Philippines

Initially making its debut in Thailand back in 2020, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX has finally made its way into the Philippines. The popular Japanese pickup truck has already made waves in the countries it has been launched in, as it comes with substantial improvements in technology, safety features, and power under its hood. While its predecessor took on a more utilitarian look and feel, the newest iteration adds more creature comforts into the mix, along with a new and more premium-looking interior. 

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX enters the Philippine market with a total of 5 variants including the more utilitarian-focused single-cab model. On top of this, Isuzu has also added a new top-of-the-line variant in the form of the 3.0 4x4 AT LS-E, which replaces the LS-A.

On the outside, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX retains the same eagle-eyed look of its predecessor, however, it now comes with a much taller face and a much larger grille. It still carries over the fanged-themed grille of the older model but with a more aggressive look. Its new grille now extends from the hood all the way down to the lower bumper giving the vehicle a more prominent presence on the road.

While the Bi-beam LED headlights are only available for its higher trim-level models, the rest of the lineup comes with multi-reflector halogen headlights instead. It is important to note that for the higher variants the signal lights have been moved to the bumper of the vehicle, while the halogen headlight models still retain the signal light within the headlight housing. The lower variants also come with a different bumper to help differentiate them from the higher-tier LS-E trim. Despite this, all variants still maintain the sporty and aggressive look of the new pickup truck.

Moving onto the side of the D-MAX, the pickup truck now comes with a slightly raised beltline along with a new more angular crease down the side, which helps give the vehicle a more muscular look. 

At the rear, the theme continues as the tailgate now comes with a more angular design which is paired with a new set of taillights. It is important to note that the LED taillights are only for higher variants, and that the lower variants come with multi-reflector bulbs, or a horizontal type taillight depending on the model. 

On the inside, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX comes with a more premium cabin as its layout has been redesigned compared to its predecessor. It now comes with a much taller and angular dashboard with soft-touch materials along with silver and black accents. The steering wheel design has also been redesigned to come with a sharper, more modern look instead of the T-shaped design of the older model. 

At the center of the dashboard is a new massive 10.1-inch infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is coupled with Bluetooth connectivity along with auxiliary input and USB. A navigation system is also incorporated with the new head unit along with a clinometer. For the higher variants, the pickup truck comes with a 6-speaker sound system, while the higher LS-E trim comes with 8-speakers.

It is important to note, however, that this new large head unit is only available for select variants of the D-MAX. The lower variants, on the other hand, come with a 1-DIN radio but still features Bluetooth, USB, and Aux-in capabilities. 

When it comes to seating, the D-MAX is well equipped. Its higher-grade models come with brown leather as the material of choice. Other variants, on the other hand, come with a black fabric material or cloth depending on the model. Bucket seats with anti-vibration elastic foam are also available with the all-new pickup truck from its LS-E trim all the way to the LS variant. The rest of the variants only come with standard bucket seats. 

The all-new Isuzu D-MAX is packed with safety features.  While most of the lineup still retain a dual airbag setup, the LS-E now comes with 7-airbags. Other features such as 3-point seatbelts, ABS with EBD, and brake assist are standard for the entire model range. However, features such as electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control are only present in the LS-E to LS models of the pickup truck.

Off-road protection has also been added to the vehicle for all models. The D-MAX can be had with front and rear skid plates. A transfer case protector has also been added, however, it is only available with the LS-E model. 

Where the D-MAX really shines is with its new Advanced Driver Assist System that is present in the LS-E model. This gives the vehicle and driver access to features such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control, manual speed limiter, multi-collision brake system, and automatic high beams, to name a few. The vehicle also comes with a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert system as standard for the LS-E to LS variants. A 4-eye parking aid for the front is available for the LS-E model, while the rest of the lineup, until the LS model gets 4-eye with a rearview camera. 

Under the hood, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX still comes with the same engine displacement options as before. It carries over its 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine along with an uprated 3.0-liter turbo diesel motor. The 1.9-liter produces 148hp and 350 nm of torque, while the 3.0-liter makes 187hp and 450 Nm of torque. Transmission options have also been carried over, as a 6-speed automatic with sequential shift is still available along with a 6-speed manual. 

A quick look at the all-new Isuzu D-MAX’s pricelist reveals that it now ranges from P857,000 for the single cab model and goes all the way up to P1,825,000 for its range-topping 3.0-liter 4x4 AT LS-E variant. Isuzu Philippines has also stated that the launch introductory prices will remain until May, however, the Japanese brand has stated that it will adjust the pricing of the pickup truck later on. While the pricing may seem a bit more expensive compared with the older model, the increase is justified thanks to the new features that the vehicle carries with it. Still coming with an attractive price point, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX is ready to take on the competition and prove why it is still a crowd favorite.