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
The Isuzu D-Max's 1.9-litre engine
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.
Notice lack of rear differential lock button. More on that later
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
Black-and-brown interior is exclusive to the X-Terrain
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.
Note rear differential lock button
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.
Triton's rear storage space is a boon
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.
