2024 Isuzu D-Max debuts with updated styling, improved tech

Updated Oct 09, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The Thai equivalent of the LS-E now has a locking differential.

Isuzu Motors Limited has unveiled the updated 2024 D-Max for the Thai market. It gets significant improvements to its exterior styling, an improved advanced driver assist safety kit, and more in the way of off-road capability. 

2024 Isuzu D-Max D-Cross [Isuzu Thailand]

2024 Isuzu D-Max D-Cross [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

This updated version of the truck previews what’s most likely coming to the Philippine market. Isuzu Philippines, however, is launching the D-Max Limited this week, but that may be focused on exterior enhancements only. In turn, the brand is yet to share when the updated 2024 model will reach our shores.

So for now, let’s talk about the improvements on the 2024 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross (LS-E in the Philippines) which will be initially sold in Thailand this week.

Exterior

The new and improved version of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max appears to have gained a heftier, more macho look. This comes courtesy of an angular “power bulge” added to its hood, as well as a slimmer two-bar grille. 

A closer look at the 2024 D-Max's grille

A closer look at the 2024 D-Max's grille [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

The new front fascia also received a pair of hook-shaped LED daytime running lamps positioned just above the new main headlamps which are now bi-LED. The front bumper meanwhile, was enhanced with new air curtains. These are found before the front tires, and they are said to improve the truck’s aerodynamics. 

Not much has changed for the side portion of the truck, but its rear portion has received a more prominent tailgate spoiler. Its taillights also received a redesign consisting of three levels of L-shaped LED tubes. The brand says these are presented as if the truck’s rear sprouted a bird’s wings. 

2024 D-Max from the rear

2024 D-Max from the rear [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

Interior 

Step inside the 2024 D-Max and one will see that it has a new interior theme. The general shape of the dashboard was carried over from the older D-Max, but the seats, interior door panels, and the steering wheel now get a two-tone look.

The seats were updated with a new design with perforations on their black-colored sections. This design is dubbed “Coolmax” which is said to be able to reduce heat accumulation by way of a new leather material. The driver’s seat is still an eight-way power-adjustable seat. 

Inside the updated Isuzu pickup truck

Inside the updated Isuzu pickup truck [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

The interior door cards also received a revamped look thanks to a new textured surface adjacent to the door armrests. Just above the door handles are new glossy brown trim pieces which were gloss black on the pre-updated D-Max. In addition, the D-Max’s dual-zone automatic climate control system was also improved with a 2.5 air filter. 

Other than those, the 2024 D-Max carries over many convenience features found in the pre-updated model. This includes a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2024 D-Max's seats

The 2024 D-Max's seats [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

Tech & Safety

For onboard entertainment, the higher trims of the Thai-spec D-Max get a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen which now comes with physical knobs on its bottom corners. Further improving this touchscreen display is the brand’s in-house designed graphical user interface (GUI) for better visibility and user-friendliness.

The said infotainment touchscreen is also integrated with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This means it has better smartphone integration than the larger 10.1-inch head unit currently offered on the Philippine-spec D-Max. On top of that, many of the older type A USB ports from the old model were replaced with type C ports. Sound meanwhile, is still outputted by an eight-piece speaker system. 

The touchscreen gets an updated GUI

The touchscreen gets an updated GUI [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

For the driver meanwhile, the 2024 D-Max gets a new seven-inch digital instrument display. It is seven inches in size, and a user can toggle between display formats. Analog gauges can still be found on either side of the digital display, but these also come with a sleeker, more compact design. 

Another key improvement on the 2024 D-Max is the addition of a new camera. This allows the truck’s advanced driver assist safety suite (ADAS) to detect oncoming traffic and pedestrians at an intersection and apply automatic emergency braking (AEB) to stop the vehicle if a collision is imminent. And to make sure the camera works even in low temperatures, Isuzu added a heating element around its lens. This will warm up automatically in order to prevent clouding in the glass surrounding the lens. 

The truck can also warn the driver via flashing lights on the side mirrors if there are obstacles or other cars from behind. This can be useful for backing up from a parking sport. The AEB can also stop the truck from rear collisions in the event the driver misses the warning. 

The D-Max's new seven-inch digital instrument display

The D-Max's new seven-inch digital instrument display [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

Isuzu also added adaptive cruise control for the D-Max’s manual variants. But other than those mentioned, we can expect that the updated version will also carry over the existing safety bits from the older model. This includes anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, among others. 

Engine

The 2024 Isuzu D-Max is getting the same engine options. The 1.9-liter turbodiesel version still makes 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while the 3.0-liter turbodiesel on higher-spec trims can still churn out 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. 

The 4x4 version of the Thai-spec V-Cross (LS-E) does get a rear-locking differential for better traction. Note that this feature is crucial for off-roading, but for the currently available Philippine-spec version, it is only available on the lower grade LS 4x4 MT. 

The updated truck is poised for better off-road capability

The updated truck is poised for better off-road capability [Photo: Isuzu Thailand]

Added to the 2024 D-Max is the rough terrain mode. With a press of a button, the said driving mode improves the performance of the D-Max’s traction control, giving the most optimized torque and traction to the wheels, which prevents wheel spin when driving in tough or rough terrain.    

With all that said, it is hoped that these new features on the Thai-spec D-Max will make it to the Philippines as well. Then again, we still don’t know when the updated Isuzu truck will make it to our shores, but if we had to guess, that might happen in 2024. Fingers crossed. 

For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse

Know more about Isuzu D-Max 2024

Isuzu D-Max

The Isuzu D-Max 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Price List

Let's check out the Isuzu D-Max 2025 price 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 2025 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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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