Unleashed in 2019 for the 2022 model year, this generation of the D-Max pickup truck prepares for 2024 with a well-deserved facelift. Available in three cab styles (single, extended, and crew), this fellow also boasts no fewer than two engine choices.
Work-oriented versions rely on a 1.9-liter turbo diesel I4 with 150 metric ponies and 350 Nm to its name, meaning 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Higher up the spectrum, prospective customers are presented with a 3.0-liter turbo diesel I4 packing 190 ps and 450 Nm (that would be 187 horsepower and 332 pound-feet on full song).
Available in rear- and four-wheel drive, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max sports either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The powerplants may have carried over, but Isuzu promises improved 4x4 performance. Rather than hardware changes, the company resorted to better software.
For example, a brand-new rough terrain mode optimizes braking and engine control over the roughest of terrains. Isuzu further programmed the traction control system to intervene when the rear differential lock is active and a wheel loses contact with the ground.
In this particular scenario, the traction control system brakes the raised wheel, and torque is distributed to the remaining tires on the ground. Pictured in Thai specification, the D-Max is manufactured in Thailand, China, as well as South Africa.
Photo: Isuzu
Twinned with the Mazda BT-50, the mid-size truck builds on the pre-facelift’s design language with a power bulge in the hood, a wider front grille, air curtains in the corners of the lower fascia, and slightly different LED running lights. Isuzu also worked its magic out back, where you’ll find a larger tailgate spoiler and taillights of the LED variety with triple-L signature lighting.
A direct competitor to the Toyota Hilux, this value-oriented truck sports a stereo camera system with AEB software that can detect pedestrians. The cameras in question sweeten the deal with a heating element around the lens. Adaptive cruise control with stop & go is exclusive to automatic-equipped pickups, whereas the six-speed manual transmission makes do without said functionality.
As far as the cabin is concerned, Isuzu combines touch-sensitive buttons and physical controls for the infotainment system. The 9.0-inch touchscreen is joined by a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. USB-C ports for both the front and rear occupants also need to be mentioned, along with remote start.
The best-equipped specification of the bunch is the V-Cross 4x4 AT Crew Cab, which measures 5,305 millimeters (209 inches) in length. Gifted with 265/60 by 18-inch rubber of the all-terrain variety, this configuration stickers at 1.257 baht in Thailand. At current exchange rates, that means approximately 34,000 freedom eagles. For the most basic of specifications available this model year, Isuzu wants 650,000 baht or 17,600 dollars.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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