For many Filipinos, Isuzu has been synonymous with pickups for decades. It currently retails the D-Max line in the local market, ranging from the standard utility versions to more lifestyle-oriented models such as the LS-A and the Boondock.
Isuzu D-Max: Tough Enough for Anything
In the U.K., however, the automaker offers a trio of Isuzu D-Max variants that can more than hold their own when going off the beaten path. We’ll come out and say it: they look every bit as good under our tropical sun as they do under gloomy British weather.
The D-Max XTR is a brawny off-road machine
First is the XTR, designed as an off-road model. It sports generous amounts of black body cladding in what Isuzu calls Raptor coating.
The fascia has been redesigned for a more aggressive look, with a bumper guard, hood protector and headlight frames. This Isuzu D-Max features prominent XTR badging, right down to the satin black 17-inch alloys.
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Side steps with integrated drainage protect the bodywork from stones and rocks
The XTR wears Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires and rides on bespoke Pedders suspension, which includes Kevlar ceramic front brake pads biting down on slotted discs. Angular side steps and a generous 250-mm ground clearance complete the XTR’s stance.
Inside, up to five occupants can settle down on seats finished in leather, suede, and carbon fiber. Drivers take command of a flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel. In-car entertainment is handled by a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation.
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A sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel welcomes you in the driver's seat
There’s also the AT35, a collaboration between Isuzu and Arctic Trucks, a 4WD engineering company specializing in cold-weather vehicles. The rig sports large wheel arches and extended side steps, with a tubular bull bar attached to the cargo bed and prominent AT35 badging.
The variant comes with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Nokian Rotiiva All-Terrain rubbers, and a Bilstein suspension set up gives it an even more extreme 290-mm ground clearance.
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The AT35 was engineered to set colder environments on fire
Seats for five are draped in bespoke leather, matched with Arctic Trucks stitching on the headrests. A 9-inch multifunction touchscreen dominates the dashboard, featuring Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation. Automatic climate control and wireless charging round up the convenience features.
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Interior amenities include leather seats and a large 9-inch touchscreen head unit
But perhaps the most extreme one so far comes in the form of the D-Max GO2 (go-to), so named because Isuzu is marketing it as a truck that can go to places where other pickups fear to tread.
The GO2 uses a registered D-Max Utah double cab variant as the base, to which aftermarket parts have been added such as an ARB front bumper and a Britpart Pulling Power winch.
A full underguard kit for the engine, transmission, and rear differential has also been installed, as well as a Safari snorkel replacing the stock air intake for increased wading depth.
The GO2 is a D-Max Utah variant fitted with aftermarket parts
The rig rides on Pedders TrakRyder eXtreme adjustable front coilovers and rear shock absorbers, incorporating a lockable rear differential. Stock 18-inch wheels have been replaced by 16-inch alloys wearing 33-inch General Grabber X3 Mud Terrain tires for serious forays into wet, muddy, or rocky wastelands.
Heavy-duty upholstery figures prominently in the GO2’s cabin, with rubber floor trays that catch dirt, mud, and snow to keep the interior clean. It also has automatic airconditioning and a 7-inch touchscreen featuring smartphone integration connected to an 8-speaker setup, and USB ports for the front and rear.
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Venturing forth to places where other trucks dare not go
The common power unit is Isuzu’s 1.9L RZ4E turbodiesel four-banger that generates 164 hp and 360 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Shift-on-the-fly 4WD is standard across all variants, as well as antilock brakes, electronic stability control, hill descent control, and 6 airbags.
The AT35 starts at £33,184 (Php 2,090,901.40) for the double cab manual, reaching £35,180 (Php 2,216,668) for the automatic with navigation.
The XTR has a basic retail price of £39,180 (Php 2,468,705.31) for the double cab stick version and £40,180 (Php 2,531,665.96) for its slushbox equivalent.
Meanwhile, the GO2 is an aftermarket demonstration of the D-Max’s customization options, which aims to inspire D-Max owners on how they can come up with their own purpose-built trucks.
Is there any chance we can get our hands on them, Isuzu Philippines?
Know more about Isuzu D-Max 2024
The Isuzu D-Max 2024 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 938,000 to Php 1,945,000. 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.
>>> New and used Isuzu D-Max 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Isuzu D-Max Launch
Isuzu Philippines launched the new D-Max in March 2021. The brand offers the third-generation D-Max with a couple of engine and transmission options.
In April 2023, Isuzu PH then brought in the facelifted model that carries a whole host of exterior changes.
As of now, the Isuzu D-Max 2024 Philippines is available in up to 12 variants.
Isuzu D-max Exterior
The facelifted 2024 Isuzu D-max features an all-new exterior design that now comes with a more aggressive and bolder appeal. The D-Max also retains its angular look which adds to the pickup truck’s overall muscular demeanor.
The top-spec 2024 D-Max LS-E variant gets a pair of sharp-looking LED headlights that are integrated with U-shaped daytime running lights. The D-Max’s grille was restyled, and it now comes in a two-tone black-colored finish, which allows the truck to have a more beefed-up appearance as compared to the older version. Lastly, the D-Max’s Philippines angular bumper comes with LED fog lamps.
Other new bits added to the 2024 model include grey-colored over-fenders, cargo extenders, and front bumper guards. It likewise gets a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels sporting a new design.
Isuzu D-max Interior
Inside, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max retains a refined more premium-looking than the old model. This is specifically seen in the top LS-E variant of the D-Max that comes with a two-tone interior theme of black and brown.
It also gets leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display. You can also see brown accents on the door panels, which gives the cabin a premium-looking appeal. Right at the center of the dashboard, you’ll see a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Placed below it are tactile buttons for air climate control.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2024 Isuzu D-Max is equipped with a boatload of tech and safety features. First up, the 10.1-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility. It also has a built-in navigation system. The said features are standard in almost all of the variants of the 2021 D-Max except for the Single Cab and LT variants.
In terms of safety, the top-spec 2024 D-Max trim is equipped with a total of seven airbags while the rest of the variants gets two. The D-Max LT, LS, LS-A, and LS-E get an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist. On the other hand, it is only the LS, LS-A, and LS-E variants that feature electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control.
The top-spec D-Max Philippines is the only variant equipped with the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), a tech that’s similar to Subaru’s EyeSight.
Platform & Chassis
The Isuzu D-Max comes with a double-wishbone suspension for the front and a leaf spring on the rear. In terms of braking power, the D-Max gets a ventilated disc for the front while a drum brake is on the rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
The brand offers the third-generation D-Max with a couple of engine and transmission options. The first option is a 1.9L turbo diesel that produces 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. For car buyers who are looking for more power, they can opt for the bigger mill, which is the 3.0L engine that pumps out 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. These two engines are equipped with the brand’s BluePower technology for Euro 4 compliance and better fuel efficiency. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
Available colors for the Isuzu D-Max Philippines are Valencia Orange, Splash White, Sapphire Blue, Onyx Black, Red Spinel, Galena Gray, and Mercury Silver.
The competition in the pickup truck segment in the Philippines is tight. But in terms of power, the Isuzu D-Max hasn't reached the 500 Club just yet unlike the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Regardless, the D-Max offers top-notch reliability and durability.
Isuzu D-Max 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Isuzu D-Max 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E Single Cab 4x2 MT | ₱938,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E 4x2 LT MT | ₱1,048,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 Single Cab 4x4 MT | ₱1,178,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LT MT | ₱1,299,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT | ₱1,400,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT Plus | ₱1,440,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT | ₱1,470,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT Plus | ₱1,510,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT | ₱1,695,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT | ₱1,710,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT Plus | ₱1,750,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT | ₱1,945,000 |
Isuzu D-Max Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliability and durability are expected
- Impressive 1.9-liter engine
- Rugged exterior design
- New wheels are better-looking compared to the old model's.
Cons
- Use of leaf spring can be an issue for some
Isuzu D-Max FAQs
1. How much is the Isuzu D-Max 2024 in the Philippines?
The price of Isuzu D-Max ranges from 938,000 Php for entry-level to 1,945,000 Php for top-of-the-line.
2. What is the ground clearance of the new Isuzu D-Max?
The ground clearance of the new Isuzu D-Max is 240mm.
3. Is Isuzu D-Max a Pickup truck?
Yes, D-Max is a Pickup truck.
4. Does Isuzu D-Max have a reverse camera?
Yes, it does. With the reverse camera, you can see what is behind the car on the screen.
5. What is the Wheelbase of Isuzu D-Max Philippines?
Wheelbase of D-Max is 3,125 mm.
₱ 917,000 - ₱ 1,905,000
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