The What Van? Road Test: Isuzu D-Max (2023)

Date: Monday, January 22, 2024

Rear 4 Copy

Operating

We’re pleased to see that a full-size spare wheel is provided, and the jack and tools can be found behind the rear seatback, which folds forward.

Service intervals are set at two years/12,000 miles, whichever comes first. While the mileage interval may seem a little short, that is no bad thing if the truck is being used extensively off-road, as damage which might otherwise remain undetected should be picked up and rectified.

Long-lasting LEDs are used in the headlights, daytime running lights, front foglamps, and rear lights.

An exemplary five-year/125,000-mile warranty protects D-Max, with a five-year UK and European roadside assistance package included for the duration. A 12-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty is present too.

You don’t buy a 4x4 double-cab pick-up if fuel economy is your top priority, although the presence of Stop & Start helps ensure that the damage to your wallet in this case isn’t as bad as it might otherwise be. We achieved an average of 28mpg, a bit below the claimed WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined figure of 30.7mpg.

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross automatic double-cab 4x4 pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £35,924

Price range (ex VAT) £23,924-£35,924

Gross payload 1090kg

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 37.95%*

Cost per mile 80.3p

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

Torque 360Nm @ 2000-2500rpm

Gearbox 6spd automatic

Fuel economy (combined WLTP) 30.7mpg

Fuel tank 76 litres

CO2 241g/km

Warranty 5yrs/125,000 miles

Service intervals 2yrs/12,000 miles

Insurance group 44D

Price as tested £38,709

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

Options

Load bed roll cover £1,350

Black steel side bars and steps £375

Tow bar £275

13-pin electrics £185

Mica paint finish £600

Rivals

Ford Ranger/Ranger Raptor

Price range (ex VAT) £27,550-£49,300

Gross payload 652-1207kg

Braked towing weight 2500-3500kg

Engines 170hp, 205hp, 210hp 2.0 diesel, 240hp 3.0 diesel, 292hp 3.0 petrol

Verdict: While Ranger and Volkswagen’s Amarok are based on the same platform, Ranger covers a far wider sector of the market, with greater stress on entry-level specifications. Like all manufacturers, Ford harps on endlessly about battery-electric technology and zero-emissions, yet paradoxically seems perfectly relaxed about including a model with a V6 petrol engine with almost 300hp on tap in its pick-up line-up.

Toyota Hilux

Price range (ex VAT) £27,777-£60,187

Gross payload 1000-1030kg

Engines 150hp 2.4 diesel, 204hp 2.8 diesel

Verdict: The most important development Hilux has witnessed in recent times is the arrival of a 200hp-plus diesel which has given it a welcome power boost. The engine’s advent was accompanied by the arrival of a restyled exterior, an upgraded interior, and some useful mechanical changes. With a reputation for being well-nigh unbreakable, Hilux is not short of creature comforts. Second-hand values should be buoyant, and we like Toyota’s intelligent approach to warranty.

Volkswagen Amarok

Price range (ex VAT) £33,990-£48,410

Gross payload 842-1103kg

Braked towing weight 3420-3500kg

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

Verdict: Uses the same platform as Ford’s Ranger, but the styling is different, and Amarok is marketed solely as a 4x4 double cab. It is a well-thought-out package which builds on what the previous Amarok had to offer, and delivers plenty of improvements. As is usual with VW onboard safety is pitched at a high level, so is build quality, and the 10-speed automatic transmission delivers a commendably smooth change. Warranty and servicing package is impressive.

The Final Verdict

Design 9/10 – Well-put-together working tool which puts safety first.

Cabin 8/10 – Pleasant if slightly gloomy, well-equipped and with no shortage of storage.

Ride 8/10 – Surprisingly good no matter whether D-Max is laden or unladen.

Refinement 7/10 – Well-put-together with no squeaks or rattles, but noise sometimes an issue.

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

Handling/performance 6/10 – Former is exemplary, latter is lacklustre because the truck needs more power.

Engine/transmission 8/10 – Horsepower lacking, but four-wheel-drive easy to engage.

Standard equipment 10/10 – Isuzu deserves high praise for building in so many safety devices.

Operating costs 7/10 – Decent warranty, but short service intervals and high fuel usage.

What Van? subjective rating 8/10 – Handy workhorse with lots of kit and a more than competent off-road performer.

Overall Rating = 79/100

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