Pros and Cons: 2021 Isuzu D-Max - Very premium, but still not perfect
Sanjay · Apr 26, 2021 09:36 AM
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The pick-up truck market has changed a lot in recent years, and unlike back then these vehicles aren't just limited to muddy ruts anymore. More Malaysians are choosing pick-up trucks (okay, Hailaks) for daily duties too, and one of them that we think you should consider is the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max.
This X-Terrain is the range-topper of the 7-variant-wide, newly-launched D-Max range - with a raison d'etre of turning heads away from the Toyota Hilux Rogue, Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, and Ford Ranger Wildtrak - long-standing 'default' choices in the lifestyle pick-up truck arena.
To help you mull over, we'll take you through the pros and cons of the D-Max.
Pros
Low road tax, reliable drivetrain
Premium interior
Best-in-class warranty
Cons
Rear diff lock and more only on top variant
3.0-litre variants have expensive road tax
Rear seats not as good as Triton's
Pro - Low road tax, reliable drivetrain
While the new and enhanced 3.0-litre turbodiesel grabs headlines, it would be wrong for us to discount the 1.9-litre engine's benefits too.
The RZ4E-TC mill is carried over from before, but now enhanced with sharper throttle response. Power output is 150 PS, while torque is rated at 350 Nm.
It scores points for the D-Max because it's the mill that makes it the most fuel efficient truck on sale today, with the lowest road tax among all its competitors - costing just RM 399 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM 110 in Sarawak, and RM 66 in Sabah.
Pro - Premium interior
Remember the hard-plastic-laden interior in D-Maxes of yore? Well that's gone now, and in place is a decidely well-built interior that feels more like a premium SUV.
The aforementioned leather seats (power-adjustable for the driver!) help a lot, and so do the generous use of soft-touch materials on frequent touchpoints which is commendable.
There's one more thing we'd like to highlight: Isuzu's 'Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort Foam' on the seats. It sounds gimmicky, but it snuffs out harsh vibrations very well - the common culprit that results in a tiring drive.
Isuzu has also done well with the suspension. The new D-Max is easy to drive, and when combined with the refined chassis, you get a solid yet comfortable ride.
Making the interior an even nicer place to be in are the crispy e-LUMAX analogue instrument cluster and the 7- or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
Unique to the X-Terrain variant is the best-in-class warranty. Isuzu bundles their range-topper with a 7-year / unlimited mileage warranty package. The rest of the range are backed by get a 5-year / 150,000 km coverage.
The X-Terrain's warranty package is a class winner, edging out all its competitors: Mitsubishi offers 5 years / 200,000 km for the Triton, and Toyota gives 5 years / 150,000 km for their Hilux.
Con - Rear diff lock and goodies only on top variant
For all that's nice about the goodies, they're unfortunately confined to just the range-topping X-Terrain variant.
Arguably the most important feature this variant gets is the rear differential lock, something all the other variants miss out on - yes, even the 3.0-litre Premium variant that sits one rung lower.
But that's not all. Other choice features that are specific to the X-Terrain include a full ADAS suite, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go (ACC) as well as a bigger, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, among other things.
Con - Range-topper has expensive road tax
Speaking of range-topper, the D-Max X-Terrain tops another chart - having the most expensive road tax among similarly-specced competitors.
3.0-litre variants of the D-Max (which also includes the X-Terrain) command a RM 1,638 road tax in Peninsular Malaysia, RM 451 in Sarawak, and RM 270 in Sabah.
For comparison, the 2.4-litre Triton Athlete that is almost level-pegging with the D-Max X-Terrain attracts a road tax of just RM 793 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM 218 in Sarawak, and RM 131 in Sabah.
Con - Lacks storage space and angled seat like Triton
The D-Max loses some points in the interior because some parts of it just cannot match up to the Triton. Look at how straight the rear seats are.
The D-Max's straight rear seats cannot match the Triton's angled, 'J-line' enhanced rear seats that allows for almost sedan-like seating and comfort.
But that's not all, the D-Max doesn't come with any storage spaces round the back to hide your small doodads when you're out and about, and yes, the Triton has those.
Conclusion - Worth considering
To sum it up, the D-Max offers great value for money and certainly shakes up our rather stagnant pick-up truck segment. At least the answer isn't too straightforward now.
Further points are elaborated in our review, which you can read below. It's certainly a model you should consider.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.