Say hello to…
…the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, the ranger topper to one of the few pick-ups left in the UK new vehicle market. The D-Max was updated last year and the V-Cross version, tested here, is only available as a double-cab but with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox. Power comes from a 164hp 1.9-litre diesel engine.
Standard equipment on the V-Cross is impressive and includes 18-inch alloys, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, uprated stereo, power-fold door mirrors, CD player, dual zone climate control, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, front fog lights, USB port, heated front seats and Bluetooth.
Is The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Suitable For My Fleet
Isuzu has a proven record for offering high value pick-ups that are tough and reliable and the V-Cross takes this to the highest level. For a pre-VAT price of £38,495 you can have a commercial vehicle with more kit on it that many premium cars. Choosing an automatic box (as half of buyers do) means the double-cab is incredibly easy to use on a daily basis – despite its size. It will, of course, carry more than 1,000kg in the bed and 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 V-Cross
Intelligent Van Leasing is offering the Isuzu D-Max double cab automatic in V-Cross trim for £689 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year.
Driving An Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Ahead of the all-new D-Max’s launch next year, Isuzu is sticking with its tried and tested formula of offering great value in a rugged package with the V-Cross range-topper.
Last year’s facelift gave the V-Cross a more aggressive look, while the level of equipment in the V-Cross is at near-luxury car levels. As well as heated leather seats and climate control, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control and 9-inch infotainment screen.
The leather seats are also very comfortable. The overall impression of the interior is that it’s tough thanks to harder wearing materials, rather than feeling premium. In our car, the sun visor knocked the rearview mirror out of alignment every time it was rotated to block the sun – which meant re-adjusting the mirror each time.
The V-Cross range topper also includes high and low-ratio all-wheel drive plus a locking rear differential to help out in really slippery conditions. It will also tow a braked trailer of up to 3,500kg.
We drove the automatic version, which makes the D-Max super easy to use, particularly in more urban settings, but we’d probably pick the manual version because on the motorway the auto has a tendency to hunt for gears. The result is that the diesel engine, which isn’t big on refinement, can be noisier than it needs to be.
Where the D-Max wins back points is on value, although this assumes an our-right purchase. While lease rates compared to the equivalent Ford Ranger are very similar, the Isuzu is nearly £5,000 less expensive in terms of RRP. The Isuzu also has a longer warranty at five years and 125,000 miles, plus five-years roadside assistance.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
One of the toughest and most well-equipped pick-ups you can buy.
Isuzu D-Max
- Model: D-Max V-Cross auto double cab
- Power: 164hp
- Torque: 630Nm
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 13.0 seconds
- Official fuel figure: 30.7mpg
- Test fuel figure: 31.1mpg
- CO2 emissions: 241g/km
- BIK tax band 2024/25: £792/£1548
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