2017 Isuzu D-Max: Challenging to secure its pre-eminent position

Updated Jun 03, 2021

User's: 4.5/5
Look through our Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines review to uncover its latest price, spec, interior and exterior updates.

In this review...

  1. Overview
  2. Exterior
  3. Interior
  4. Accessories
  5. Engine & Performance
  6. Conclusion

1. Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines: Outstanding among its long-standing rivals

Isuzu D-Max on the road

Isuzu D-Max is put in a challenging situation in order to secure its pre-eminent position

Only the twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine is one offer. It puts out 160bhp and is paired with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Isuzu D-Max stands out among its long-standing rivals by having all the grunt and delivering great performance. However, the car weights almost two tons, the poor suspension gives a rather bumpy ride and fuel economy is quite high. Therefore, its on-road performance is somewhat clumsy.

Isuzu D-Max really is the old hand in the pick-up truck segment. However, now its rivals such as the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Ford Ranger are ramping up the race by making more tasteful and refined models. In addition, some rookies such as the Fiat Fullback and Renault Alaskan entered the market.

For these reasons, Isuzu D-Max is put in a challenging situation in order to secure its pre-eminent position.

2. Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines: Exterior

Isuzu D-Max's exterior

Isuzu D-Max offers every possible combination of payload from single cab, extended cab and double cab models

Isuzu D-Max's exterior

The double cab gets a load bay of 1485mm long

If there's any change that you can spot immediately when looking at a car, it's always on the exterior design, which is the case for the D-Max 2017 compared with Isuzu D-Max 2010 for sale.

Isuzu D-Max’s 2nd generation launched in the last few years is available in single, extended, and double cab body styles.

The double cab has the normal four-door layout. Both driver and front passenger seats are large enough to hold people comfortably in place and in all directions. Those in the back also get convenient seats.

The floor is set higher and the seats are upright while ensuring physical comfort for most adults. The great width of the D-Max really hold 3 people comfortably. However, the slightly over-weighted guys will be at a disadvantage in seeking elbow room.

Isuzu D-Max offers every possible combination of payload from the single cab, extended cab, and double cab models.

Most models can lug 1058kg. The single cab model puts out 1100kg and all D-Maxs can tow a braked trailer weighing in at 3500kg.

The double cab gets a loading bay of 1485mm long. The load bay in the single cap model measures 2305mm. Head up to an extended cab, it give its dimension of 1795mm.

The loading space cannot be extended to any empty space compared to seat folding that maximizes cargo area in SUVs.

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3. Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines: Interior

Isuzu D-Max's cabin

The car is made in tough and hard plastics

Isuzu D-Max 2017 offers spacious space for maximum occupant protection.

Isuzu D-Max’s interior is designed for use rather than beauty. It proves popular for being dependable and tough and providing large load space.

The car is made in tough and hard plastics which are not appealing to touch and feel rather out place in most SUVs.

The old-fashioned cabin is functional but way behind the more modern Hilux, Ranger and Navara, all of which feel more like a sophisticated SUV with a multi-functional infotainment system than a traditional pick-up.

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4. Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines: Accessories

Isuzu D-Max's interior

The mid-spec Utah is adorned with climate control, rear parking sensors

The top-spec Utah and Blade trims of the D-Max come with a 7.0in Pioneer touchscreen system that is sold for a high price and quite not simple to use.

Inside the Utility, Eiger and Yukon without the aforementioned 7.0in screen, drivers will find simple audio systems including USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The mid-spec Utah is adorned with climate control, rear parking sensors, a leather steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever plus the Pioneer touchscreen infotainment system.

5. Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines: Engine & Performance

Isuzu D-Max's tires

Isuzu D-Max is fitted as standard and good enough for daily use

Isuzu D-Max shows its proven ability to haul cargo just over a ton in normal topographies and 3.5 tons over rugged terrain. Isuzu D-Max seems to move clumsily and heavily due to its sheer size and weight.

It does not have a smooth ride. There’s plenty of body roll, even in gentle corners.

Isuzu D-Max is fitted as standard and good enough for daily use, but it starts to feel old next to newer competitors that give a better polish.

The car resonates uncomfortable vibration through the steering wheel, gear lever, the cabin, an agricultural clatter from under the bonnet.

Drivers will be working the long-throw manual gearbox, which is not made easier by a general reluctance to shift smoothly.

The Utility range and the Premium models come with the same 160bhp twin-turbo diesel. The diesel delivers limited peak twist between 1400 and 2000rpm, which endows Isuzu D-Max with plenty of job-done energy. Drivers will have to change ratio a lot to keep the car on song.

>>> Related: New & used Isuzu D-Max for sale on Philkotse

6. Isuzu D-Max 2017 Philippines: Conclusion

Isuzu D-Max's seats

The tax payments for Isuzu D-Max are stable

The Isuzu D-Max Utility range is sold at a lower price than its nearest rivals. Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200 has less outlay, while the more effective 3.2 litre Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a mere £200 more expensive.

The tax payments for Isuzu D-Max are stable and not related to carbon taxes, which makes it much cheaper than some conventional SUVs.

ALTERNATIVE REVIEWS TO THE 2024 Isuzu D-Max