What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

It may seem like the market for pick-up trucks has diminished somewhat recently, and in a way, you’d be right in thinking it has. The number of manufacturers currently offering pick-ups for sale in the UK is currently only four – Ford, Isuzu, SsangYong and Toyota. Compared with two years ago when Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz were both in the market, not to mention Nissan and Mitsubishi, it is quite a decline. Yet, the market for pick-ups is as buoyant as ever and back to pre-pandemic levels with 34,266 registrations, according to the latest year-to-date figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Top of the pile is the Ford Ranger (the reigning International Pick-Up Award champion) with a commanding 43.4% market share in the UK but other models have seen their numbers increase too, and with good reason. Toyota, SsangYong and Isuzu 

all have new models, which brings me to the business of the International Pick-Up Award. Along with Jeep, which has also launched its new Gladiator pick-up in left-hand-drive markets, the Toyota Hilux 2.8l and Isuzu D-Max range are all eligible for the biennial accolade. Unfortunately, the new SsangYong Musso has to miss out for the 2022 award by virtue of it not yet being on sale in enough countries at the time of judging, which is a shame because despite the number of contenders being low, the competition is fierce.

Isuzu D-Max

It has felt like we’ve waited an eternity for a new Isuzu D-Max, but when it finally arrived earlier this year it certainly delivered the goods. A new 1.9l diesel engine with 164hp and 360Nm of torque might not seem like earth shattering performance figures but the D-Max does well with what it’s been given. Available as a six-speed manual or automatic, it’s the depth and breadth of the range that impresses the most. There’s something in it for everyone with basic Business models catering for fleets right up to the more lifestyle orientated V-Cross, which attempts to lure customers away from purchasing the staggeringly successful Ford Ranger Wildtrak. The D-Max’s main upgrades are a stronger, more durable chassis and body, but one that has also been made lighter thanks to more high-strength steels. There’s improved safety systems like automatic braking, and an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP rating as well. 

Luxuries like touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity help to give it some SUV-like frills (for a price) and then there are its fundamental off-roading abilities to consider. An 800mm wading depth is a headline grabbing figure thanks to repositioned air-intakes, but so too is the 30.5º approach angle and 24.2º departure angle.

D-Max is now an accomplished on-road vehicle but there’s still a noticeable amount of body shimmer and the 1.9l engine is a little underpowered, which means its working that slight bit harder and is therefore noisier than you might like. The cabin on the top of the range V-Cross hits many of the right notes you’d expect of a luxury pick-up, but doesn’t quite match the material quality of the Ranger either. 

Off-road, the new D-Max shines brighter. Having always been an immensely capable off-roader, the new version is now considerably more comfortable with greatly improved suspension front and rear, new cabin mounts to reduce bounce and a slightly longer wheelbase. The end result is close to spectacular when you consider the comfort levels of the previous model, enhancing its ability over gravel, in mud or across rocky surfaces. 

Toyota Hilux

The 2.4l version of the Toyota Hilux was in contention for the 2020 IPUA Award, and it came very close to taking the title back then. Were it not for the unflappable strengths of the Ranger, the Hilux would be here defending its crown with this latest, more powerful 2.8l engine.

As well as a new 204hp output with 500Nm of torque, the Hilux has been updated with a new front bumper and revised headlamps and fog lights. Like the D-Max, the Hilux is now also available with smartphone connectivity and there have also been some significant changes to the truck’s suspension as well.

New shock absorbers and improved leaf springs are joined by new bushes to help flatten out the bumps in the road. There’s also electronically assisted steering for improved manoeuvrability at slow speeds, and a firmer feeling at high speeds, all of which adds to the sophistication of the new Hilux. The largest improvement, however, has to be in the presentation of the interior. While it still doesn’t feel completely in harmony with the dash, the new infotainment console is much more integrated and were it not for the addition of the new JBL speakers mounted on top of the dash and an old-school LCD clock display front and centre, it would look rather neat inside. As it is, the prominence of the speakers still makes the Hilux feel a little bit cobbled together on the inside, but doesn’t detract from an otherwise comfortable, and (in the case of the range topping Invincible X) pretty luxurious cabin.

On the road, the Hilux feels relaxed with ample amounts of torque lingering in the background, should you need it. A lower idling speed, down from 850rpm to 680rpm, has made the Hilux more refined, and despite the larger engine there’s almost no fuel consumption penalty. Off-road, the Hilux continues to impress, so much so that it is hard to pick fault in its performance. There’s a slight amount of body shimmer at speed on an uneven surface, but the new suspension performs wonders in isolating you from the road surface. An automatic limited slip differential also means it’s incredibly hard to get the Hilux stuck, as it always manages to find grip at one of its four corners.