It’s uncommon to think of the Isuzu D-Max as a prominent pick-up truck, given that it hasn’t achieved the same notoriety as its competitors like the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux. Consequently, the D-Max is less frequently seen on the roads of the UAE. To change this perception, engineers at the Japanese company are introducing the rugged D-Max AT35.

Main Specifications

Engine:	3.0 liters / 4 cylinders
Transmission:	5-speed automatic
Power:	160 horsepower / 400 Nm torque
Top Speed:	180 km/h
Price:	135,000 AED

Exterior Design

Isuzu has built a strong reputation for modifying pick-up trucks and SUVs to handle the toughest terrains. Their Middle Eastern branch has adapted the Isuzu D-Max to tackle the deeper sands of the desert, a goal reflected in the truck's bold design.

The truck features a massive front bumper with a bold shape, a distinctive hood scoop, a winch-ready front bar, and a cage on the truck bed. It also comes with a distinctive set of 17-inch wheels and oversized 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires that fill the wheel arches nicely. Overall, the design is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Interior Design

The interior design is quite basic, lacking many comfort features one would expect. It is made from dull plastic materials, with fabric upholstery in red and black, accented by glossy black and silver trims, alongside red stitching on the steering wheel that reflects its high performance.

The Japanese pick-up has a width of 1.86 meters and a wheelbase of 3.1 meters, providing ample space for five passengers to sit comfortably. This is more room than the Toyota Hilux offers, though less than the Ford Ranger. The cabin features large windows and wide side mirrors for excellent visibility.

Technology and Safety

The Isuzu D-Max achieved a 4-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test program, outperforming its Japanese competitor, the Hilux, which received only 3 stars. This is attributed to the high-strength steel used in its construction, along with safety features such as electronic stability control, dual front and side airbags, all of which are standard in the vehicle. Moreover, it offers advanced reminders for seatbelt use, contributing to its high safety rating.

However, the vehicle is equipped with a rather outdated infotainment system that resembles older screens in clarity. The Isuzu D-Max lacks many modern technological features, only offering Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, and USB and AUX ports.

Driving Experience

The Isuzu D-Max AT35 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine with a dual fuel injector that generates 160 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This provides the D-Max with excellent power to overcome obstacles and inclines effortlessly through its 5-speed automatic transmission.

To enhance off-road capability, the truck features a larger suspension system that increases the body lift by 30mm and the suspension lift by 20mm, supported by robust Fox suspension settings. While the ride on regular roads feels a bit rough, the D-Max excels on rugged terrain and can navigate tough obstacles and sand dunes with ease.

Weighing over 3,000 kg, the pick-up's weight is noticeable when steering. Unlike modern assistance systems in cars today, the older system provides good feedback about the precise position of the wheels, which helps significantly when driving on slopes and sand dunes.

Final Verdict

The Isuzu D-Max may not be the most desirable pick-up, especially for long drives. It is far from being the perfect vehicle for daily use, as it is designed for those who prefer off-road driving. While it may not be as versatile as its American competitors, it excels in rough terrains where none of its rivals can match its performance. Ultimately, Isuzu has successfully crafted the D-Max into an off-road vehicle with a distinct character in the market.

Pros:

Exceptional air conditioning system
Highly fuel-efficient (11 liters / 100 km)
Maintains power when shifting manually

Cons:

Lacks a rear differential lock
Poor quality infotainment screen
The temperature gauge consistently shows an incorrect value, indicating a constant 25 degrees Celsius