THE Isuzu D-Max has been around for 12 years and has established itself as a reliable workhorse that won’t break the bank but still offers some great tech and refinement. It’s currently available in three ranges: Business, All-Purpose and the more exciting-sounding Adventure Range.
The subject of this review is the more family-friendly D-Max V-Cross which falls into the Adventure Range, along with its “Monster Truck” sibling, the beefy D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35.
Equipped with a punchy, 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, the Isuzu D-Max delivers 164PS and 360Nm of torque. Each model comes with an impressive 125,000 mile / 5 Year warranty and 5 years UK and European roadside assistance – which I expect you won’t need as this is a well-built 4×4 pickup that will probably be towing other vehicles out of trouble rather than being in trouble itself.
Speaking of towing, the D-Max can tow up to 3.5 tonnes, has 360Nm of torque and a maximum payload of 1,120kg. Ideal, if you want to lug more than just the family around.
But although Isuzu only make commercial vehicles, the D-Max provides plenty of refinement and practicality for non-commercial use too – i.e. the driver who wants all the comfort a family SUV may offer but in a statement vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
There’s also those in the farming and building communities who want a multi-purpose vehicle that can work hard and still provide a pleasant environment for family.
Having said that, would I ever recommend a pickup as the family runaround? Nah. Too difficult to park at the supermarket and not great on fuel. But a pickup is something you either want because you need its capabilities – or you just want. I imagine many drivers see it as an itch they just want to scratch.
Anyway, enough about pickups in general – what’s the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross like to live with, specifically? Well, it’s a good-looking truck from every angle, with a particularly appealing front end that sports a wide 2-tiered grill in “very dark grey”, as Isuzu call it.
The very dark grey is carried onto the side steps, door mirrors, door handles and the exclusive 18in alloy wheels. It’s all very smart with a slightly threatening look from the front which features Bi-LED headlight with integrated LED daytime running lights and fogs.
I like the fact that the new rear bumper now incorporates a step to make accessing the rear load area easier. The V-Cross also has rear and front parking sensors along with a rear-view camera. You’ll need it.
The interior is also impressive. Apart from feeling very spacious (both front and back) it has decent quality materials that should be easy to wipe clean but also don’t look or feel utilitarian.
There are soft-touch panels across the top of the dash and on the doors, with the harder plastics being where you would expect – lower down on the doors and low on the centre console.
The 9in infotainment screen is integrated into the dash rather than sat on top of it so looks much neater than some rivals. The system has both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with a DAB Radio and 8 speakers. It sounded pretty good too.
Sensibly, Isuzu have opted for physical buttons for the dual-zone climate controls, which sit just below the infotainment screen and are both intuitive and easy to reach. A massive bonus for me as I really dislike having to poke at a screen just to bring up the climate controls – it’s distracting and therefore dangerous which makes me wonder why some manufacturers insist that this is the way forward (Yes, VW, I’m looking at you).
The chunky, multifunction steering wheel is height and reach adjustable, while the driver’s seat is 8-way adjustable (electric) making it easy to find a good driving position. Both front seats are also heated.
Through the steering wheel you have a 4.2in multi-info display, between the 2 main dials, which is somewhat configurable if a little dull to look at. However, the main dials are clear and simple, just as they should be.
There’s plenty of storage space with up to 10 cup holders, a standard glovebox and top glovebox as well as decent sized door bins front and rear.
Rear passengers get good headroom and great legroom although anyone sat in the middle seat must cope with a slightly raised seat as well as a transmission tunnel that requires straddling. The seating position is also a little more upright than you may find in an SUV or hatchback, but it’s certainly not a deal-breaker.
How does it drive? Well, like a pickup truck – which is to say it’s a bit bouncy unless the road is very smooth. The Automatic gearbox on my model dealt with changes intelligently and swiftly, although you’re still not encouraged to pull out quickly at junctions and roundabouts. However, once up to speed it’s fine.
Having driven both manual and auto pickup trucks over the years, I find I lean toward the manual versions because it just suits the way a truck handles better and there is less drama when planting your right foot which can cause the auto boxes to get overly loud before working through the gears.
Cruising on dual carriageways and motorways is a relaxing affair with just some wind noise from the large wing mirrors being audible. If you don’t expect Audi levels of refinement, then you won’t be disappointed.
Even with an empty load bay, I found the D-Max didn’t wander or feel “a little light in the rear”. It held its line well, although switching from rear-wheel-drive only to all-wheel-drive when the roads were wet made a difference on roundabouts and sharper turns. It felt much better planted. The steering is a little on the light side, which was surprising considering the chunkiness of the tyres, but it makes for easier manoeuvring when trying to park.
I can’t comment on its off-road abilities as I didn’t venture off the tarmac. However, the briefest of research shows that the D-Max V-Cross has all the tools to get some serious green-laning done, including a locking rear diff which only activates at speeds less than 5mph.
The Isuzu D-Max achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests thanks to its Advanced Driver Assist Systems, including Forward Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Lane Keeping and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Which all adds up to a very safe environment for both driver and passengers and is perhaps another reason why the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross may appeal to non-commercial buyers also.
Prices for an Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Automatic start from £46,116 including VAT. You’ll save around £1,600 if you go for the manual. Remember, the D-Max is classed as a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) so, depending on your use, it may qualify for some VAT reclaim if you own a business that is VAT registered. If you’re curious about what savings could be had if you choose an Isuzu, check out this Pick-Up Truck Tax Advantages Guide.
- AT A GLANCE:
- Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Auto
- From: £46,116 including VAT
- Engine: 1.90 turbo diesel
- Power: 164 PS
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
- 0-62mph: 12.7 secs
- Top Speed: 112 mph
- Combined Economy: 33.6 mpg
- C02: 220 g/km
