The all-new third-generation 2021 Isuzu D-Max already was unleashed for the Philippine market back in 2021. As such, many people might already set their sights on it as their next vehicle purchase. Many might be leaning towards using it as a family car, some might be thinking of getting one for logistics, while some just want a cool, fun-to-drive pickup truck.
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Like most popular pickup truck nameplates in the local market, however, the 2021 D-Max has plenty of variants available locally. For its main trims, there’s the top-spec LS-E, the midspec LS-A, the LT, and the utilitarian single cab. So, for a newbie car buyer, that might be an intimidating number of options to choose from. As such, we’re here to help you pick the right Isuzu D-Max with this short variant guide.
2022 Isuzu D-Max Variants: Exterior
For would-be D-Max buyers who want the most kick-ass-looking truck, then the top-spec D-Max LS-E and LS-A are the right variants for you. Both come with several pieces, which enhances the already macho-shape of the new Isuzu truck.
In addition, many of these parts aren’t available in the lower variants. Several examples of these are the gun-metallic radiator grille, LED fog lamps, the very sturdy bed-liner, cargo extender, lower bumper guard, and the beefy over-fenders.
This is the D-Max LS-A. Note the simpler looking headlamps
In addition, many of these parts aren’t available in the lower variants. Several examples of these are the gun-metallic radiator grille, LED fog lamps, the very sturdy bed-liner, cargo extender, lower bumper guard, and the beefy over-fenders.
Only the top-spec LS-E and the LS-A 4x4 MT comes standard with bi-LED projector headlamps. Furthermore, only the LS-E gets LED daytime running lamps, though a follow-me home function is available for the top-spec variant, the LS-A, and the LT trims. Only the LS-E's headlamps come with automatic on and off, as well as auto-leveling.
For the rest, these D-Max trims come with a pair of multi-reflector headlamps, and halogen headlamps.
The humble, but still capable D-Max LT variant
When it comes to size, the LS-E and LS-A both measure 5,277mm long, 1,880mm wide, and 1,810mm in height. The majority of the LS variants are a bit smaller at 5,265mm in length, 1,870mm in width, and a height of 1,810mm.
The LT 4x2 then counts as the longest variant with its overall length of 5,285mm. Then again, it shares the same 1,810mm width as the single cab trims, and it is also the shortest with its 1,695mm height. Of note, the D-Max Single Cab 4x2 MT is a cab and chassis model, and it lacks a cargo bed.
Other trims like the LT 4x4 MT, and Single cab 4x4 MT sit in-between the LT 4x2 and the Single cab 4x2 MT’s dimensions. The latter, though, is the smallest trim, with its length of 5,020mm.
The D-Max LS-E from the side
If you’re concerned about off-roading, then note that the LS-E, LS 4x4 MT, and the LS-A all have 240mm of ground clearance. The lower LS trims have 235 mm ground clearance, while the LT and single-cab variants have the least ground clearance at 195 mm.
Lastly, only the LS-E and LS-A come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. The LT 4x4 MT in-turn uses a 17-inch steel wheel set, while the LT 4x2 MT and the Single-Cab 4x2 MT both get a 15-inch steel set. The Single-cab 4x4 MT meanwhile uses a 16-inch steel wheel set.
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2022 Isuzu D-Max Variants: Interior
Inside, only the LS-E have leather-clad seats. The LS-A and LS trims instead have black fabric seats, while the LT 4x2 MT and single cab variant have cloth seats. Only the LS-E, LS-A, and LS variants come standard with first-row bucket seats with anti-vibration elastic foam. The LT 4x4 MT has regular old bucket seats, while the single cab has a bucket driver’s seat and a bench-type front passenger seat.
For second rows, all dual-cab variants come with 60:40 split-folding seats. Of course, the entry-level single cab variant lacks rear seats.
The rear seats of the D-Max LS-E variant
To keep its occupants cool, the top-spec LS-E comes standard with an automatic climate control system. The rest meanwhile come with a 3-dial switch type air-conditioning system. And yes, both the LS-E and LS-A variants come standard with rear vents.
Lastly, only the LS-E gets rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming rear view mirrors.
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2022 Isuzu D-Max variant guide: Tech and Safety
If you’re in the market for the safest possible D-Max, then the LS-E can definitely meet your needs. It features Isuzu’s Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS). This system includes forward collision warning, turn assist, autonomous emergency braking, a manual speed limiter, multi-collision brake system, adaptive cruise control, among others. The LS-E also gets a total of seven airbags. The rest meanwhile has dual-front airbags.
Standard on all variants except the single cab is anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution, as well as brake assist. The LS-E and LS-A trims also come equipped with traction and stability control, hill start assist, and hill descent control.
A peek inside the D-Max LS-E's cockpit
Parking is also the easiest for the top-spec LS-E since it gets four sensors for its front and rear, as well as a rear-view camera. The mid-range variants do get four rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, though it lacks front parking sensors. The LT and single cab lack these features altogether.
For entertainment, the LS-E and LS-A variants are all kitted out with a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the LS-E this screen is linked to an eight-piece speaker system, while the LS-A gets a total of six speakers.
On the LT and Single-cab trims meanwhile, is a single-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, Aux-in, and USB connectivity.
The D-Max's 10.1-inch touchscreen headunit
The driver of the LS-E and LS-A also gets a 4.2-inch multi-information display. The rest meanwhile come with a smaller 3.5-inch monochrome display.
2022 Isuzu D-Max variant guide: Engine and performance
For engines, both top-spec LS-E, LS-A, LT 4x4 MT, and the Single Cab 4x4 MT all use the new 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine. At most, this four-banger can make up to 188 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the LT 4x2 MT, and the Single Cab 4x2 MT both use the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC engine. It’s also a turbodiesel, and it can produce up to 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque.
The D-Max's 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine
Available gearboxes for the D-Max include a six-speed automatic gearbox and a six-speed manual transmission. All trims except the LS-E are also available with a 4x4 or 4x2 drivetrain. Interestingly, only the Single Cab 4x4 MT gets a limited slip differential.
In turn, only the LS-E, LS-A 4x4, and LT 4x4 get a transfer control switch, as well as an aluminum rear drive shaft.
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2022 Isuzu D-Max variant guide: Price
| Isuzu D-Max Variants | Price |
| D-Max 4x2 Single Cab MT | Php 857,000 |
| D-Max 4x4 Single Cab MT | Php 987,000 |
| D-Max LT 4x2 MT | Php 1,113,000 |
| D-Max LT 4x4 MT | Php 1,288,000 |
| D-Max LS-A 4x2 MT | Php 1,320,000 |
| D-Max LS-A 4x2 AT | Php 1,390,000 |
| D-Max LS-A 4x4 MT | Php 1,630,000 |
| D-Max LS-E 4x4 AT | Php 1,825,000 |
2022 Isuzu D-Max variant guide: Conclusion
To conclude, the top-spec LS-E provides the most comfort and safety out of all the 2021 D-Max variants. Along with the LS-A, it also sports the best-looking exterior.
Also, both the LS-E and LS-A may also be handy on off-road situations due to having the most ground clearance, and the fact that they both have an easy-to-use transfer control switch.
The LS-E's bed comes with a bedliner
If you’re looking for a cheaper but still very capable alternative, then there’s the LT 4x4 MT. It can’t match the plush interior of the LS-E and LS-A, but it still uses the same 3.0-liter engine and 4x4 drivetrain.
But if what you’re really after is a tough but utilitarian, no-nonsense truck for the farm, as a logistics solution for your business, or for going to job-sites, then the Single cab might be up to your speed.
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