The Isuzu D-MAX is Isuzu Philippines’ entry to the midsize pickup truck segment. It’s the Japanese brand's workhorse that's designed to take on any road and any job. The D-MAX inherited the reliability of the Fuego and its other predecessors, but with more safety and convenience features to fit the modern Filipino lifestyle and needs.
Fast-forward to 2021 and the Philippine market finally receives the third-generation model. Aside from its new looks, the latest D-MAX also stepped up in terms of safety, plus, it underpins Isuzu's latest Dynamic Drive Platform. Buyers can choose from a wide range of variants, from the entry-level LT which can also be opted with a single cab setup, to the range-topping LS-E that has all the bells and whistles you could possibly get on a D-MAX.
For 2024, Isuzu brought out the revamped D-MAX. This new generation carries new updates to its exterior design with notable exterior and interior upgrades. These updates include a striking, aggressive front grille, elegant 18-inch matte dark gray alloy wheels, and tech upgrades like a Digital Video Recorder and more advanced driver aids for the LS-E variants.
Launch
The third-generation Isuzu D-MAX made its Philippine debut on March 4, 2021. Initially, the latest midsize pickup truck is available in nine variants: LS-E 4x4 AT Blue Power, LS 4x4 MT Blue Power, LS-A 4x2 AT Blue Power, LS 4x2 MT Blue Power, LS 4x2 AT RZ4E, LS 4x2 MT RZ4E, LT 4x4 MT Blue Power, LT 4x2 MT RZ4E, and LT 4x2 MT RZ4E Single Cab. The following trims could either come with a 1.9-liter or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that churns out a good amount of power. Both of the said mills could be paired with a six-speed automatic with Sequential Shift or a six-speed manual gearbox.
On April 20, 2023, Isuzu launched a refreshed version of the D-MAX. The newest iteration of the Isuzu D-MAX carries the same powertrains but now boasts several updates to its exterior design, including a striking two-tone front grille, sleek 18-inch matte dark gray alloy wheels, and a fresh body color option called Islay Gray.
In 2024, Isuzu refreshed the D-MAX once more, giving it a more striking front fascia and tech upgrades like a Digital Video Recorder, a 360-degree around view monitor, and a wireless charging pad. The D-MAX also gains another color option called Biarritz Blue.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The third-generation Isuzu D-MAX sits on the new Dynamic Drive Platform. For enhanced ride and comfort, the midsize pickup now features a double-wishbone suspension up front with coil springs. Powertrain options still consist of the brand's Blue Power range of engines: a 1.9-liter or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The base 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC diesel engine produces a healthy 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX engine churns out a much more potent 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Both engines could be paired with a six-speed automatic with Sequential Shift or a six-speed manual gearbox. Furthermore, Isuzu provides customers with added flexibility in their options with the addition of single cab variants. The single-cab D-MAX can also be had with both the 1.9-liter and 3.0-liter engine choices though these can only be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Chassis
Class
Midsize Pickup Truck
Body Style
Four-Door Double Cab, Body-On-Frame Pickup Truck
Platform
Layout
Front Engine, Rear-wheel drive
Front Engine, Four-wheel drive
Platform
Isuzu Dynamic Drive/Symmetric Mobility Platform
Powertrain
Engine
1.9 liters four cylinder diesel engine
Power Output
187hp, 450 Nm of torque (LS-E, LS. LSA, LT)
148hp, 350 Nm of torque (LT, Single Cab, LS)
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Automatic
Technology Features
LS-A Plus and LS-E variants get a 10.1-inch infotainment system that comes ready with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless phone integration. Only the range-topping LS-E trim gets an eight-speaker audio system, while the rest of the variant range gets either a six-speaker or two-speaker sound system. LS-A variants get a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment unit while the LT and Single Cab models are equipped with a Single-Din unit but with Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity.
Select variants also get dual-zone climate control and a seven-inch Multi-Information Display (MID). The driver can toggle through the screen via the steering-wheel-mounted controls. Aside from a push-start button, the D-MAX LS-E can also be started via the keyfob with its remote engine start function. Lastly, the third-generation model is now available with a suite of driver-assist features which include forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency brake, turn-to assist, misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and many more.
In addition, thanks to the upgrades it received in 2024, the LS-E also gets a Digital Video Recorder, a 360-degree around-view monitor, and a wireless charging pad.
Exterior
The Isuzu D-MAX sports a more aggressive styling complemented by its new large grille, which comes in a striking gunmetal and black chrome finish. The headlights also feature a new layout that either houses LEDs or halogens, plus, the midsize pickup truck also gets a new bumper where the fog lights and turn signal lights are well-integrated.
Going over the side, the body is well-emphasized by its well-planted character lines. Depending on the variant, its doors, and side mirrors can be accentuated with gun metallic accents, chrome, and even with a medium gray metallic color. LT and Single Cab variants get a dark gray and black color scheme for their grille. As for the wheels, LS-E to LS-A variants get a set of 18-inch alloys coupled with 265/60 all-terrain tires. On the other hand, LS variants of the all-new D-MAX also get 18-inch rims wrapped in 265/60 tires. The LT 4x4 MT however gets steel wheel 17-inch wheels instead of alloys. Lastly, the LT 4x2 MT and Single Cab variants get the smallest 15-inch steel wheels.
Changes can also be spotted in the rear part of the vehicle. Like the front, it also gets a new lighting system and bumper that blends pleasantly with the overall ruggedness of the Isuzu D-MAX.
Interior
Inside, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX features a well-laid-out cabin that’s appointed with a generous amount of standard convenience features. In fact, the design takes quite a departure from its predecessor. The dashboard and the trim of the new D-MAX are way more upscale compared to the prior iteration. In its top-of-the-line variant, you get soft-touch plastics and leather-wrapping in key touchpoints. The steering wheel is also restyled and adopts a more elegant design. The infotainment screen is also integrated well into the dashboard's center console, and premium-feeling buttons and switches deceive the workhorse persona that the D-MAX is known for.
Isuzu has done well to give the D-MAX a very premium look and feel. The interior color scheme will vary depending on the variant you purchase with lower trim levels, sporting more durable materials. The D-MAX also boasts in terms of practicality, apart from the spacious cabin, it’s also got a lot of storage bins for your valuables.
Only the top-of-the-line LS-E 4x4 AT gets black leather seats while the rest of the range gets fabric. Select variants get a 12V accessory socket while USB ports are standard across the range. Notably, the midsize pickup also gets two extra air vents for rear occupants for the LS variants all the way up to the LS-E.
Safety
The all-new Isuzu D-MAX comes with a slew of safety features. The LS-E 4x4 AT benefits from seven airbags while the rest of the lineup gets driver and front passenger units only. Standard equipment on other variants except for the single cab model include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, Brake Override System, and many more. Only the range-topping trim has an auto-dimming rearview mirror as well as front and rear parking sensors with a 360 camera. The LS-A gets rear parking sensors and a 360 camera while the LS-A get rear parking sensors coupled with a backup camera.
The third-generation Isuzu D-MAX now features an Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a manual speed limiter, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a multi-collision brake system. Upgraded in 2024, the LS-E model also comes with a digital video recorder and 360-degree around-view monitor.
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