Say hello to…
…the new Isuzu D-Max which is now one of only four pick-ups available new in the UK (the others being the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and the KGM Musso). Powered by the same 164hp 1.9-litre diesel as in the previous generation D-Max but revised to offer slightly better fuel consumption and slightly better CO2 output.
Four versions are available with the Utility specification available as a single cab, extended can or double-cab. The DL20 version drops the single cab, while the DL40, tested here, is only available as a double cab. The same applies the range-topping V-Cross trim level.
- Utility
- DL20
- DL40
- V-Cross
Standard equipment on the Utility includes auto lights, auto wipers, 18-inch steel wheels, 60:40 fold-flat rear seat, Bluetooth, 8-inch infotainment screen, USB port powered front windows, digital driver’s display, manual aircon, cruise control and trailer sway control.
DL20 adds 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, front centre arm rest, leather trimmed steering wheel, rear USB port, uprated stereo, clever cruise control and rear parking sensors.
DL40 adds front parking sensors, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch digital driver’s display, leather upholstery, powered driver’s seat adjust, LED front and rear lights and chrome door handles.
V-Cross adds a body kit, CD player, uprated stereo and rough terrain mode.
Is The Isuzu D-Max Suitable For My Fleet
Isuzu has a proven record for offering high value pick-ups that are tough and reliable and the all-new D-Max is no exception. The new D-Max will also tow a 3,500kg braked trailer and has a selectable high and low-range gearbox, four-wheel drive and a locking rear differential for go-anywhere ability. And it comes with Isuzu’s five-year, 125,000 mile warranty.
Leasing An Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu is offering the D-Max in DL40 trim on business contract hire for £369 a month on a 12+35 contract with 8,000 miles a year.
Driving An Isuzu D-Max
Refinement isn’t as high on the list of priorities for pick up drivers as carrying capacity, towing capability or reliability, but nevertheless the 1.9-litre diesel, that’s carried over from the previous D-Max, and its noise is the first thing you think about when you start the engine.
Rival pick ups such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux are better in this respect.
Unfortunately, the start-up issues don’t finish with the ignition of the engine.
As with all cars and vans, the legally mandated lane-keeping and speed alert warning are set to ‘on’ when you start the D-Max, and to turn them off it takes between 15 and 18 individual button presses depending on your start point in the menu system. What’s more, the pick up’s software is slow (you’ll often see an egg-time icon appear) so the 18 presses can’t be rushed.
While the D-Max claims to have wireless Apple CarPlay, we could only get the wired version to work. And even then the connection would drop on a regular basis.
However, get past the slightly aftermarket feeling infotainment system and drive the D-Max and things improve.
Like all almost all pick-ups, the D-Max is, when unladen, a little jittery on bump roads, but seat comfort is good and it behaves wonderfully predictably in corners with a decent level of feedback about what’s going on.
Isuzu doesn’t offer any drive modes (such as sport or eco) for the gearbox, only a manual override. This set up makes things wonderfully simple and fuss-free.
At motorway speed the D-Max settles down and tracks well. We didn’t experience any of the previous version’s tendency to hunt for gears when going up motorway inclines either.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Isuzu D-Max
Wins the value game for pick-ups but needs more refinement.
Isuzu D-Max
- Model: D-Max DL40 auto double cab
- Power: 164hp
- Torque: 360Nm
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 12.7 seconds
- Official fuel figure: 30.7mpg
- Test fuel figure: 32.5mpg
- CO2 emissions: 227g/km
- BIK tax band 2025/26: 37%
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Why not join the conversation on SME fleets – visit our LinkedIn SME Fleet Discussion page