The current generations of the Isuzu D-Max and mu-X had another go at the Australasian New Car Assessment Program’s (ANCAP) crash safety tests. Like the previous assessments, the two Isuzu vehicles scored an outstanding 5-star safety rating.
The Isuzu D-Max once again scored a 5-star ANCAP safety rating
It was in 2020 when ANCAP first put the third-gen D-Max to the test, while the second-gen mu-X did it the following year. The reason for the reevaluation is the installation of a new driver knee airbag and an instrument panel for units built from July 2022, which are aimed to improve safety performance.
In comparison to the first crash test, the Isuzu D-Max has improved its Adult Occupant Protection score from 31.86 to 33 points (83 to 86 percent). The scores for the rest of the categories remain the same, with the truck earning 44 out of 49 points (89 percent) in Child Occupant Protection, 37.63 out of 54 points (69 percent) in Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 13.49 out of 16 points (84 percent) in Safety Assist.
The Isuzu mu-X returned with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating
Meanwhile, the Isuzu mu-X scored one percent less in Adult Occupant Protection at 86 percent (from 33.25 to 33 points). Looking at the report, the midsize SUV lost a few points in frontal offset and full-width frontal scores. As for the other categories, the scores remain intact; 41.99 points (85 percent) in Child Occupant Protection, 37.63 points (69 percent) in Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 13.49 points (84 percent) in Safety Assist.
Locally, the top-ranging variants of the PH-spec D-Max and mu-X are available with 7-position SRS airbags. Moreover, the brand’s Advanced Driver Assist System is offered in select models, providing features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Turn Assist.
See how the D-Max performed at ANCAP's latest crash test
In related news, the Mazda BT-50 has been reevaluated by the ANCAP as well for the same reason. For the uninitiated, the current iteration of the BT-50 is now based on the Isuzu truck instead of the Ford Ranger.
Get more car safety reports at Philkotse.com.