Isuzu D Max
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a workhorse pickup that can handle both the building site and the school run? The Isuzu D Max might be exactly what you need. This robust pickup truck has built a solid reputation for reliability and practicality, offering businesses and lifestyle users a dependable vehicle that won’t let them down. It’s the pickup for people who need genuine capability without the frills of more expensive alternatives.

From first glance, the D Max looks purposeful and ready for work. Its chunky design and high ground clearance give it a commanding road presence that rivals like the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi L200 struggle to match. But the real appeal becomes clear when you consider the complete package. The interior is more comfortable than you might expect, with decent materials and a layout that makes sense for daily use. You get the impression this is a truck designed by people who actually use pickups for work.

Driving the D Max reveals its practical nature. The diesel engine provides plenty of low down torque for towing and carrying loads, making light work of heavy duties. It handles predictably and safely, giving you confidence whether you’re navigating tight car parks or muddy building sites. It’s a pickup that aims to be a reliable tool first and foremost. While it may not have the most sophisticated ride or the flashiest interior, it delivers where it matters most: dependability and capability.

What's the Isuzu D Max Like to Drive?

The Isuzu D Max is built around a 1.9 litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces around 164 horsepower and 360Nm of torque. This isn’t about outright speed but rather usable power where you need it most. The engine feels strong from low revs, making it ideal for towing trailers or carrying heavy loads in the rear bed. Acceleration to 60mph takes around 11 seconds, which is respectable for a pickup truck of this size and weight.

Where the D Max really impresses is in its composure and capability. The steering is direct and predictable, making it easy to place accurately whether you’re reversing up to a loading bay or navigating narrow country lanes. The suspension copes well with varying loads, maintaining reasonable comfort when empty while staying controlled when fully loaded. Four wheel drive versions offer genuine off road ability, with decent ground clearance and robust underpinnings. This makes it an easy and confidence inspiring vehicle to drive in all conditions, whether on tarmac or rough terrain.

Inside the Isuzu D Max: Comfort & Features

Step inside the D Max cabin and you’ll find a surprisingly comfortable environment. The dashboard layout is straightforward and functional, with clearly marked controls and a decent sized infotainment screen in higher spec models. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, but everything has a solid, well built quality that suggests it will stand up to years of hard use. The front seats offer good support and plenty of adjustment to find a comfortable driving position.

Refinement is better than you might expect from a working pickup. Isuzu has made real efforts to reduce noise levels, making the D Max bearable for longer journeys and daily commuting. Standard equipment varies by trim level, but even basic models include essentials like air conditioning and electric windows. Higher spec versions add features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus improved seat materials and trim details. The overall impression is of a well thought out workspace that prioritises practicality and durability over luxury touches.

The Isuzu D Max succeeds by focusing on what pickup buyers actually need rather than unnecessary luxury features. It offers genuine capability, robust build quality, and excellent value for money in a package that makes commercial and practical sense. The long warranty and reputation for reliability add real world appeal that busy professionals will appreciate.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Isuzu D Max?

As a commercial vehicle first, the D Max delivers impressive running costs that make business sense. The efficient diesel engine typically returns real world fuel economy in the mid 30s MPG, which is excellent for such a large and capable vehicle. This helps keep fuel bills manageable even if you cover high mileages. Commercial vehicle tax rates also work in favour of business users, making the D Max an attractive proposition for car finance deals.

The purchase price represents excellent value compared to more premium pickup alternatives. Isuzu’s five year warranty is one of the longest in the class, providing peace of mind and potentially lower maintenance costs over the ownership period. Insurance groups are reasonable for the sector, though they will be higher than for a conventional car. The key advantage is the D Max’s reputation for reliability and robust build quality, which should help avoid unexpected repair bills. Overall running costs are competitive and well suited to commercial users who need dependable transport without premium pricing.

Isuzu D Max Practicality & Boot Space

For a pickup truck, practicality is everything, and the D Max delivers exactly what you’d expect. The load bed offers plenty of space for building materials, tools, or lifestyle equipment, with a one tonne payload capacity that handles most commercial and leisure requirements. The tailgate is well designed and easy to operate, while optional load bed accessories can help secure and organise your cargo. Tie down points are well positioned and feel robust enough for regular use.

Inside the cab, storage solutions are practical rather than extensive. You’ll find door bins, cup holders, and a decent sized glove box, plus some additional storage depending on the trim level. The rear seats in double cab models provide adequate space for passengers on shorter trips, though they’re clearly secondary to the load carrying function. For businesses, contractors, and active lifestyle users, the D Max offers an excellent balance between work capability and everyday usability, comparing well to other used commercial vehicles in its class.

The Isuzu D Max stands out in the competitive pickup market by offering genuine capability and reliability at an attractive price point. It combines robust construction, efficient running costs, and practical design in a package that makes sense for business and lifestyle users alike. While it may not be the most refined or powerful pickup available, it excels in the areas that matter most to real world users: dependability, capability, and value.

You choose the D Max because you need a pickup that simply works, day after day. Its straightforward approach, long warranty, and reputation for durability make every journey feel secure and purposeful. It’s perfectly suited for commercial use but comfortable enough for family duties when needed. If you’re looking for a pickup that prioritises substance over style, the D Max should be at the top of your list, especially with flexible finance options making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.