The name sounds tough, ominous, even dangerous. Leave out the manufacturer’s name Isuzu and the D-Max could stand out all by itself. But a name alone does not quite cut in in an array of stiff competition ala the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, or the Nissan Navara.
So just how exactly does the 2021 Isuzu D-Max stand up? Here’s one point of view out of many Isuzu D-Max reviews.
The Engine
When it comes to trucks the first thing that truck drivers want to know is what is the engine in the thing. And in trucks, it’s generally torque rather than horsepower that counts.
Having strong torque in a truck engine at low rpm really comes into play when you are towing, hauling, or moving off-road. The horsepower is just an added bonus.
Unfortunately, the previous generation of D-Max trucks fell short in this category, The previous generations of the D-Max between 2012 and 2017 produced 400-newton meters of torque. Then in 2017, a new 1.9-liter engine was introduced that actually produced less torque, 360 to be exact.
Meanwhile, Isuzu’s competitors went the other way, with the Toyota Hilux previously offering 450-newton meters of torque and now boasting 500.
So at least Isuzu has reversed course and now produces a mid-level engine that puts out substantially higher torque, with its 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine.
In terms of fuel economy, the Isuzu D-Max boasts quite a decent fuel economy of 40.4 miles per gallon for a standard six-speed manual transmission and 36.2 miles per gallon for an automatic transmission. This puts the D-Max in line with its competitors.
Price
The cheapest Isuzu D-Max trim model in Australia begins at $32,200. This puts the basic D-max quite a lot more expensive than the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger.
And certainly, price is definitely a consideration.
Interior
Here the D-Max definitely outclasses the competition. The interior has an all-new upgrade and it’s definitely something to shout about when you compare it with the competition. Both the Toyota Hilux, the Ford Ranger, and the Nissan Navvaro look a little dated when compared to the D-Max’s interior. And why not. When you get full leather seating the choice is obvious.
Infotainment
Gone are the days when a truck was just a vehicle to haul lumber with. Nowadays, many people, preferring the stability of a truck, may never haul a single thing in their life.
Instead, they are trouncing up and down the freeway to work like the rest of us, and while the commute is unavoidable, a great infotainment system can make a huge difference.
With 8 speakers and a 10.1-inch infotainment system, the D-Max makes it’s truck sleek and modern. The extra speakers really make your Apple Carplay or Android Auto pop, and naturally, there is a backup camera with sensors.
But if a bigger infotainment screen with more speakers is better, the D-Max beats the pants off the competition with either 7 or 8-inch screens and only 6 speakers.
Reliability
Carbuyer in Great Britain said they found relatively few complaints about the reliability of the D-May truck.
In fact, they said that the superior, 5 year, 125,000 mile warranty says about all you need to know.
Auto Express, also in the UK, pointed out that for two years in a row, the D-Max was the only vehicle to go through the British Cross Country Rally Competition without a Breakdown.
And although it is a few years old, Fleetpoint, in 2018, gave the DMax its Most Reliable Pickup Award.
So the Isuzu has certainly proven itself down through the years as a reliable vehicle.
Safety
The Isuzu received a 5 Star rating by NCAP, the highest in the class.
Safety features for the 2021 D-Max include:
- 7 airbags
- Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution
- Brake override
- Brake assist
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Hill-start assist and hill-descent control
- Five three-point seatbelts
In particular we like the Advanced Driver Assist System which adds forward collision warning.
In short, the D-Max is a very safe vehicle.
Conclusion
Those who have not looked at the Isuzu D-Max in the past certainly should consider taking a test drive and comparing the D-Max with its competitors such as the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger.
At the lower trim level a D-Max will cost you more, but you get one heck of a truck in the deal.
