The What Van? Road Test: Isuzu D-Max

Date: Monday, April 24, 2023

Rear 3:4 Copy

Operating

There is no arguing with the generosity of D-Max’s five-year/125,000-mile warranty. Roadside assistance in the UK and in European Union member states is included throughout its duration, and D-Max is additionally protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Service intervals are set at one year/12,000 miles. While that sounds somewhat short, it is an approach we condone given the strains and stresses going off-road can impose on components.

The onboard computer generates plenty of useful servicing information, including whether the oil needs changing and whether the air filter could stand swapping. The use of
LEDs for the headlights, daytime running lights, rear lights and front fog lights should help keep maintenance costs down given that they will seldom need replacing.

On the downside DL40 cannot be described as fuel-frugal, although 4x4 double-cab pick-ups with automatic boxes seldom are. We returned around 33mpg, which is at least better than the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) 30.7mpg quoted by Isuzu.

A full-size spare wheel is a no-cost option with the tools and jack stowed behind the back seat, which folds down.

Our truck was finished in Sapphire Blue mica paint for an extra £500. Every paint finish bar plain white attracts the same premium.

Isuzu D-Max DL40 Double-Cab 4x4 automatic pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £32,604

Price range (ex VAT) £22,254–£47,104

Gross payload 1070kg

Load length 1495mm

Load width (min/max) 1080mm/1530mm

Load bay height 490mm

Loading height 838mm

Gross vehicle weight 3100kg

Braked trailer towing weight 3500kg

Residual value TBA

Cost per mile TBA

Engine size/power 1898cc, 164hp @ 3600rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2000-2500rpm

Gearbox 6spd automatic

Fuel economy (combined WLTP) 30.7 mpg

Fuel tank 76L

CO2 241g/km

Warranty 5yrs/125,000mls

Service intervals 2yr/12,000mls

Insurance group 41

Price as tested £33,104

* after 48 months @ 20,000 miles a year - source - KWIKcarcost

Options

Blue mica paint £500

Rivals

Ford Ranger

Price range (ex VAT) £28,275–£48,000

Gross payload 652–1200kg

Braked towing weight 2500-3500kg

Engines 170hp, 205hp 2.0 diesel, 240hp 3.0 diesel, 292hp 3.0 petrol

Verdict: If you’re searching for an eye-popping pick-up and not too fussed about how much it can carry then take a look at the all-new Ranger Raptor. It’s on offer with a V6 petrol engine that bashes out almost 300hp and is guaranteed to leave all rivals standing. It’s the flagship of a recentlyrevitalised Ranger pick-up line-up that gives every sign of being just as successful as its predecessors.

SsangYong Musso

Price range (ex VAT) £24,515-£32,915

Gross payload 1050-1140kg

Braked towing weight 3200-3500kg

Engines 181hp 2.2 diesel

Verdict: While SsangYong doesn’t have the brand recognition of Isuzu, Ford or Toyota, that should not deter you from exploring what it has to offer. Covered by a decent warranty, its Musso 4x4 pick-up is a well-priced, well-built, competent off-roader specified to a decent level. Opt for the long-wheelbase Rhino variant if you need more carrying space. Dealer coverage has been boosted by the recruitment of former Mitsubishi sales outlets.

Toyota Hilux

Price range (ex VAT) £27,378-£57,627

Gross payload 1000-1030kg

Braked towing weight 3500kg

Engines 150hp 2.4 diesel, 204hp 2.8 diesel

Verdict: Hugely popular worldwide, the Hilux has a well-deserved reputation for being well-nigh unbreakable. Good to see that the latest model features a 200hp-plus diesel offering a long-awaited power boost. A star off-road, in its latest iteration Hilux comes with a restyled exterior, an upgraded interior and a variety of useful mechanical changes. Toyota is fast becoming a much more serious player in the UK LCV sector than it has been for years,

The Final Verdict

Design 10/10 – Isuzu deserves praise for installing so many possibly lifesaving safety devices.

Cabin 8/10 – Pleasant working environment, rear passengers may encounter space restrictions.

Ride 7/10 – Not outstanding, but better than you might expect. Copes pretty well.

Refinement 7/10 – Engine noise can be an issue, but build quality is top-notch.

Load area 8/10 – Does exactly what it says on the tin.

Handling/performance 7/10 – Former is surprisingly good for a 4x4 pick-up, but needs a more competitive engine.

Engine/transmission 8/10 – Automatic box felt sluggish but four-wheel-drive is easy to engage though.

Standard equipment 9/10 – Lots of kit is provided, with the heated front seats especially worthy of applause.

Operating costs 7/10 – A good warranty and LEDs keep costs down, but a 4x4 double-cab isn’t fuel-frugal.

What Van? subjective rating 8/10 – Incredible safety standards set by a solid workhorse that is no slouch off-road.

Overall Rating = 79/100

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