The Isuzu D-Max is the Isuzu Philippines’ entry into the midsize pickup truck segment. It’s the Japanese brand's tough workhorse that's designed to take on any road. The D-Max inherited the reliability of the Fuego and its other predecessors, but with more modern features to fit the Filipino lifestyle. The Isuzu pickup truck also has a notable rear bed size at 1,485 mm x 1,530 mm x 465 mm, which can carry a multitude of large and heavy items. It can be optioned with an array of accessories like bed covers, camper shells, and more.
The D-Max can also come in a commercial vehicle layout. It comes in more than one configuration as the cab and chassis variant. The cab and chassis can be had with a bed, passenger layout, or with an enclosed van type rear end, and other job-specific configurations.
The second-generation D-Max comes with two choices of engine and transmission. It can be had with a 1.9-liter turbo diesel producing 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque. If you want more power, you can opt for the 3.0-liter power plant producing 174 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Both engines feature Isuzu’s BluePower technology for enhanced fuel efficiency and Euro 4 compliance. It’s available in either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Launch
The Isuzu D-Max was launched in September 2013. It initially came with a pair of turbo diesel engines, a 2.5-liter, and a 3.0-liter. The 2.5-liter would later be replaced by the newer 1.9-liter RZ4E turbo diesel engine with BluePower technology. The 3.0-liter would also get the same BluePower upgrade – all in compliance with the Euro 4 emission standards. Isuzu would later add two special edition variants to the lineup the X-series with a more urban oriented accessories and the Boondock. The X-series comes with the option of a 4x4 drivetrain while the Boondock with its off-road gear centric gear comes only in a 4x2 configuration.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The current generation D-Max comes with two engines to choose from, a 1.9-liter RZ4E or a 3.0-liter both being diesel and both featuring Isuzu’s BluePower technology. The 1.9L produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque while the 3.0L makes 175 hp and 380 Nm torque. Both engines can be attached to either a 6-speed manual transmission with a gear shift indicator or a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.
The D-Max rides on independent double-wishbone with coil spring suspension at the front and on semi-elliptical leaf springs at the back. For wheels, the LS-A variants get 255/60 R18 two-tone aluminum alloy wheels. A full-size spare tire is available in the LS-A lineup. The LS variants only get 245/70 R16 Silver finish aluminum-alloy wheels and a steel reserve tire.
Chassis
Class
Midsize Pickup Truck
Body Style
Four-Door Double Cab, Body-On-Frame Pickup Truck
Platform
Layout
Front Engine, Rear-wheel drive
Front Engine, Four-wheel drive
Platform
GMT355
Powertrain
Engine
3.0 L 4JJ1-TCX I4
1.9 L RZ4E-TC I4
Power Output
175hp, 380 Nm of torque (3.0L)
149hp, 350 Nm of torque (1.9L)
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Automatic
Driving Performance
The Isuzu D-Max has punchy power delivery at low speeds depending on how aggressive you step on the throttle. At higher speeds, however, the engine can feel lacking, hitting a plateau. The automatic transmission is smooth but it has its tendencies to drag the clutch on launch or at slow speeds. It initially handles the corners decently but understeer becomes prominent when the vehicle becomes imbalanced. The light rear will also induce a bit of oversteer when coming into corners at speed. But these are common handling traits, especially for pickups.
In our reviews, the BluePower engine was able to clock in impressive fuel economy in the city coming in at 9.7 km/L for the 3.0L engine and 13 km/L for the 1.9L power plant. On the highway, fuel economy the vehicle was able to bring in 20 km/L for the 1.9L mill and 16.2 km/L for the 3.0L variant.
Technology Features
The D-Max can either be had with a 7 or 8-inch full touchscreen monitor. Both sizes get Aux-in, USB, Bluetooth, and iPod connectivity with AV-in. The 8-inch touchscreen gets the added bonus of a tire pressure monitoring system, USB-link, and Wifi display. Sound is sent through four speakers located in the front doors and rear doors. These are paired with 2 tweeters.
The air-conditioning system comes with two control options. The first is a manual system with three dials and the second is an auto-climate control. For convenience, the D-Max comes standard with a keyless entry system even for the entry-level LS variants. The top-spec variants get passive entry and a push to start-stop system.
Exterior
The D-Max is equipped with Bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps as standard for the whole LS lineup. Headlamp leveling is present but only in a manual control configuration for all variants. Fog lamps are standard for all units. Moving on to the front of the pickup, LS variants get chrome radiator grilles while the LS-A variants come in Dark Gray with engine hood garnish. Front bumpers are color-keyed to the vehicle but top trims come equipped with front bumper guards. Power function and fold side mirrors are standard. It also comes with LED integrated turn signals. LS-A variants get a dark gray finish instead of chrome. Door handles are chrome for all units.
The D-Max LS variants get a bed liner, cargo extender, roof rail, over-fender, and side molding as dealer options. The LS-A gets under rail bed liners but the rest of the previously mentioned come as standard for the vehicle variant.
Interior
The Isuzu D-Max is capable of seating five people comfortably. For seating, LS variants get fabric seats while the LS-A variants get perforated leather. The first row comes with semi-bucket seats and adjustable headrests. The second row, on the other hand, comes in a 60:40 split configuration.
The interior comes in a black theme with a gray headliner and silver accents located across the door sidings and on the dash. Accent stitching can also be found on the dash. The steering wheel also comes with silver accents along with steering wheel audio controls.
Pros & Cons
What you will like about the Isuzu D-Max is the fuel-efficiency of the BluePower engine. The cabin looks and feels upscale, too, especially for the top-level trims. The power delivery of the engine is linear at high speeds yet punchy at low gears.
What you might not like about the D-Max is that the display of the rear camera can be a bit vague. Considering this pickup truck’s size, its power steering is heavy at low speeds making maneuvers difficult.
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2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by BDO.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
1. All amounts quoted are in Philippine Peso.
2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by Security Bank.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
6. Security Bank Corporation is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (+632 708-7087 | consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph).
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Isuzu D-Max Specifications
Key specifications & features of the Isuzu D-Max. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Pickup Truck
No. of seats
3 - 5
Fuel Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Max Output (HP)
148 HP @ 3,600 rpm - 175 HP @ 3,550 rpm
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
15 in - 18 in
Airbags
0 - 2
*Depending on variant
ISOFIX
Available *Depending on variant
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Available *Depending on variant
Connectivity
Aux, Bluetooth, iPod and USB
*Depending on variant
Warranty
3 Years (100,000 km) - 3 years (100,000 km)
Price
₱857,000
₱987,000
Engine Size
2.5 L
1.9 L
Displacement
2 cc
1,898 cc
Transmission Category
5-Speed Manual
5-speed Manual
Max Torque (Nm)
350 nm @ 2,200 rpm
350 nm @ 1,800 rpm
Length
5,040 mm
5,295 mm
Height
1,690 mm
1,695 mm
Deck Length
--
1,485 mm
Deck Width
--
1,530 mm
Deck Height
--
465 mm
Number of Doors
2
4
Number of Seats
3
5
Driver Airbag
Yes
No
Front Passenger Airbag
Yes
No
Airconditioning System
Dial Type; Full Mode Control
Manual Air-Conditioning
Entertainment System
Single DIN with Front USB and Aux-in with 2 speakers
Passive safety features for the Isuzu D-Max include dual SRS airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Brake Override System, as standard for the whole lineup. Extra features included in the LS-A variants are electronic stability control, traction control system, hill start, and hill descent control.
Drive train protection comes from either an Aero Resin skid plate, Steel skid plate, or a steel skid plate with transfer case protection for the 4x4 variants. The Pickup also sports a 4-star rating from the ASEAN NCAP.
Overall Score
Pass
Tested Variant: Isuzu D-Max 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT Blue Power
Child Occupant Safety
34.89
Front Impact Score
Pass
Side Impact Score
Pass
ISOFIX
No
Adult Occupant Safety
11.87
Front Impact Score
Pass
Side Impact Score
Pass
Head Protection Score
Pass
Driver Airbag
Yes
Front Passenger Airbag
Yes
Curtain Airbag
Yes
Side Airbag
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
Seat Belt Retractor Driver
Yes
Seat Belt Retractor Front Passenger
Yes
Safety Assist Technology
NA
Effective Breaking & Avoidance
ESC
No
ABS
No
Seat Belt Reminders
SBR for Driver
No
SBR for Front Passenger
No
SBR for Rear Passenger
No
Blind Spot Technology
BST Nearside
No
BST Offside
No
Advanced Safety Assist Technologies
Intelligent Rear View Mirror
No
AEB Inter-urban
No
AEB VRU
No
Lane Departure Warning System
No
Forward Collision Warning System
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
Isuzu D-Max Comparisons
View the most compared cars versus the Isuzu D-Max
We go Behind the Wheel of the 2019 Isuzu D-max in the Philippines, to test the midsize pickup that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. As far as diesel-power trucks go, this nameplate and brand has the backbone to boot, but how does it fare? Let's find out.
The D-Max may not have all the latest technology in its segment, but that’s the way it charms you. It has the essentials, they all work well, and is reasonably priced.
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Who makes the Isuzu D-Max?
Isuzu Motors Ltd. and General Motors work together in making the current-generation of D-Max in the Philippines.
Does Isuzu D-Max have a DPF?
The Isuzu D-Max has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which is mounted high-up just behind the turbocharger.
Does a D-Max have a smart alternator?
The Isuzu D-Max does not have a smart alternator. Having a DC/DC unit though, will add additional load onto the electrical system and so it may reduce fuel economy.
Does the D-Max have diff lock?
The current local generation of the vehicle doesn't have a rear locking differential it does come with intelligent traction control to supplement the lack of a locking rear differential.
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Your Car Insurance Quotation
Total Premium P37,415.40
for one year for 2019 ISUZU D-Max 3.0L LS 4X4 M/T Blue Power for NEW customer
for one year for 2019 ISUZU D-Max 3.0L LS 4X4 M/T Blue Power for NEW customer
COVERAGES
DESCRIPTION
Coverage
LOSS OR DAMAGE
Own Damage (OD)
Protects policyholder against damage incurred by the insured vehicle due to accidental collision, fire, explosion, overturning and malicious damage.
FMV +/- 10%
Theft (TH)
Protects policyholder against loss in or theft of the insured vehicle.
ADDITIONAL 3RD PARTY LIABILITY
Voluntary Third Party Liability - Bodily Injury (VTPL-BI)
Cover intended to protect policyholder against 3rd party liability in excess of the CTPL cover.
Options from Php500K to Php1 million
Voluntary Third Party Liability - Property Damage (VTPL-PD)
Cover intended to protect policyholder against damage to property of 3rd party(ies).
Options from Php500K to Php1 million
OPTIONAL
Acts of Nature (AON)
Cover against flood, typhoon, hurricane, vulcanic eruption and earthquake.
FMV +/- 10%
Roadside Assistance
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Additional premium of Php300.00
OTHERS
Unnamed Passenger PA (UPPA)
Protection extended to the passengers riding in, boarding or alighting from the insured vehicle.
Php50k per seat (for 5 seats)
*A standard deductible for private cars will be used (0.5% of the total loss or a minimum of Php2,000). Product features may vary depending on the Motor Insurance Coverage availed.
