Should Isuzu Philippines bring the D-Max X-Terrain here?      

The all-new Isuzu D-Max finally made its Philippine debut last March. As the carmaker’s contender in the midsize pickup segment, the truck doesn’t disappoint, with an array of tech, performance, and safety improvements housed in a more aggressive-looking visage.        

But what’s the best way to defeat the D-Max at its own game? Another D-Max, of course. The plot twist is that it’s a trim level that’s not available in our shores - yet. This is the D-Max X-Terrain, Isuzu’s range-topping variant for the Australian market.

At first glance, it’s easy to mistake the X-Terrain for the Philippine-spec D-Max LS-E trim as it sports identical dark gray elements on the grille, body cladding, and side stepboards, as well as the same 18-inch alloy wheels. A major visual feature on the X-Terrain is the large aero sports bar that comes right after the cabin, framing the rear glass. On the cargo bed, a lockable roller tonneau hard cover comes standard. 

Notice the aero sports bar mounted right after the cabin 

Inside, the D-Max X-Terrain is practically no different from the version we have here, save for a smaller 9-inch touchscreen head unit that still offers Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary input, apart from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In terms of safety, the variant also offers the full range of Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) features derived from Subaru EyeSight tech such as Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning. It even has a world-first center airbag between the front seats, although it loses the auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Under the hood, the X-Terrain is still powered by the same 3.0-liter turbodiesel rated at 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed ‘Rev-Tronic’ automatic gearbox. The Australia-spec model also gets an electronic locking rear differential, something that’s only on the LS 4x4 manual variant here.

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The Isuzu D-Max range boasts more than 50 optional accessories in the Australian market 

Isuzu Australia even offers a range of optional accessories to make the X-Terrain look even more imposing, numbering over 50 in fact. These include a roof rack, roof box, snorkel, floor mats, protectors for both the headlamps and hood, as well as optional bull bars and nudge bars designed to work with the rig’s safety tech.

The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain retails for AU$59,990 Down Under, adding up to Php 2.23 million exclusive of taxes and duties. That’s a price difference of more than Php 400,000 from our flagship LS-E 4x4 A/T. But if you’re in the market for a top-spec D-Max with a rear locking differential, it might be time to call Isuzu Philippines’ attention.     

Find out what your favorite models offer in other markets at Philkotse.com.