The 2023 Isuzu D-Max line-up bumps up its equipment and price, electronic rear locker for all 4x4 variants

It was a stellar year for the Isuzu D-Max in 2022 as they nearly doubled their 2021 sales figures, having delivered a record-breaking 9,211 units and climbed to third in the Malaysian pick-up segment. For 2023, they’ve clearly got their sights set on climbing higher with a slew of improvements across the entire range.

The entire line-up has received some upgrades in terms of equipment with all 4x4 variants getting an electronically actuated rear differential lock as standard.

Previously dubbed the RG01, the refresh has seen the new 2023 Isuzu D-Max christened as the RG12.

Also Read: New record sales for Isuzu D-Max in Malaysia in 2022, 79% are 1.9-litre variants

A standard change across all variants is a new radiator grille with some faux carbon accents.

However, the flagship X-Terrain and the second highest variant get the bulk of the changes that include new matte black 18-inch rims in a split 6-spoke design to replace the previous unmistakable dinner plate pieces.

The reason behind the switch to a more mundane design is due to feedback from customers that disliked the previous design. This is why we can’t have cool things.

Also Read: Isuzu D-Max is catching up to Triton and Hilux; 7k units sold thus far in 2022, up nearly 2x since last year

Keeping to the exterior, the X-Terrain and Premium also get a couple of new colours, Islay Grey Mica and a new shade of white, Dolomite White Pearl. Completing the 4 colours for the X-Terrain are the Onyx Black and signature Valencia Orange. Nonetheless, we can see the grey becoming the new favourite choice among owners.

Inside, all variants get a redesigned black interior, but the X-Terrain has an additional Café Brown finish on soft touch surfaces.

Exclusive to the X-Terrain is a front and rear digital video recorder (DVR). The front camera is neatly integrated into ADAS module (ADAS exclusive to X-Terrain). This feature is a best-in-class flex as competitors only have a front DVR.

Also Read: The Isuzu D-Max leaves its rivals for dead in Thailand 51.1% market share for June 2022

The front camera captures video at 1440p while the rear does so at 1080p, making them both HD. You’ll get a 64 GB memory card and all videos can be transferred to your smartphone wirelessly via a specific app.

Rounding up the exclusive X-Terrain toys are ambient lighting.

An improved, wireless charger has been fitted in the X-Terrain, Premium and Plus AT variants, capable of fast charging at 15W while the X-Terrain and Premium alone get an additional USB-C fast charging port next to the wireless charger.

Also Read: More than enough pulling power, 81 percent of Isuzu D-Max sold in Thailand are the 1.9L variants

Further down the line, the Plus and Standard variants also get new 17-inch wheels.

A new shade blue, dubbed Biarritz Blue Metallic, replaces the Sapphire Blue on the Premium AT, Plus AT and Standard AT, meaning the Standard MT is left feeling blue as it misses out on the shade.

Even the single cab workhorses didn’t miss out on some new features, each picking up remote keyless access and a 12V power socket.

Interestingly, and probably due to demand from East Malaysian customers, the 3.0 Premium AT variant alone received revisions to the rear suspension that sees an increase in payload capacity, from 580 kg to 775 kg.

Also Read: Thais prefer the Isuzu D-Max more than a Toyota Hilux, but can Isuzu win over Malaysians?

Lugging the payload and everything else are either the 1.9-litre (RZ4E-TC) or 3.0-litre (4JJ3-TCX) turbodiesel inline-four mills. They make 150 PS / 350 Nm and 190 PS / 450 Nm respectively. Transmission options are unchaged too with either an automatic or manual with 6 cogs each.

Lastly, every single variant with a 4x4 drivetrain now comes with and electronically-actuated rear differential lock as standard. Previously, only the flagship X-Terrain had this. Now, even the single-cabs will pack this useful feature.

On the infotainment front, there aren't any changes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay reserved for the 1.9 Premium variants and above on the 7- or 9-inch touchscreen systems.

As you’ve probably heard, good things aren’t cheap and with that comes a slight price increase for all variants of the D-Max as well. Depending on the variant, pricing has grown by between RM 2,000 to RM 4,000.

Pricing is as follows for the refreshed D-Max range:

As for warranties, the X-Terrain retains its 7-year / unlimited mileage warranty while the rest keep the 5-year / 150,000 km deal.