Isuzu is following the direction that Toyota has taken when it comes to introducing a hybrid powertrain to pickup trucks. Toyota confirmed last year that the Hilux will be getting a mild-hybrid engine, and now Isuzu could be taking a similar route.
2024 Isuzu D-Max
In a report by Thai publication Headlight Magazine, Isuzu will be launching a D-Max that’s equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine that comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The report added that Isuzu could introduce the said diesel hybrid powertrain as early as next year.
The hybrid powertrain that Isuzu plans to introduce is said to be similar to what Toyota did for the Hilux. The Toyota pickup truck will come with a 48V battery along with an electric motor generator as well as a belt drive to transfer the energy to the engine. The said layout will reportedly be similar to what the Isuzu D-Max hybrid will have.
Toyota previously said that the Hilux hybrid, which is due for launch this 2024, offers improved driveability while lessening engine noise and decreasing vibration and harshness.
The D-Max gets an updated exterior
Going back to the D-Max, Isuzu debuted an updated version of the said pickup truck in Thailand last year. It gets significant improvements to its exterior styling, an improved advanced driver assist safety kit, and more in the way of off-road capability.
The engine options for the Thai-spec Isuzu D-Max remain the same. It’s still offered with either a 1.9-liter turbodiesel version that makes 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel that puts out 190 horsepower and 450 Nm.
The new D-Max making its debut in Thailand
That said, it’s not yet clear whether the upcoming 2.2-liter diesel hybrid will replace one of the engine options mentioned above. It could also be possible that Isuzu will be offering the new 2.2-liter diesel hybrid alongside the current engine lineup.
On the other hand, Isuzu previously hinted that a full electric D-Max could be a reality. Reports are pointing toward Isuzu introducing a new electric pickup truck.
Stay tuned for further updates about the Isuzu D-Max hybrid here in Philkotse.
Know more about Isuzu D-Max 2024
The Isuzu D-Max 2023 is a 5-seater pickup truck that is available in several variants with various options for a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is offering this truck at a price that ranges from Php 917,000 to Php 1,9055,000. There are two engine options powering the D-Max. One is a 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC inline-4 turbodiesel engine that makes 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while the other is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission can be paired to the said engines.
In terms of dimensions, the D-Max spans 5,277 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,810 mm in height. It boasts a ground clearance rated at 240 mm, as well as a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. Some of the competitors of the Isuzu pickup truck in the Philippines are the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, and Mazda BT-50.
₱ 917,000 - ₱ 1,905,000
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