Isuzu D-Max updated for 2023; here's what on offer

KUALA LUMPUR: Exciting news coming from Isuzu Malaysia, the automaker has revised the D-Max pickup for the 2023 model year. The revisions are well spread over the exterior and interior, both in terms of equipment and aesthetics.

Shunsuke Okazoe, Isuzu Malaysia’s chief executive officer said while the D-Max range had made tremendous inroads by being highly sophisticated, innovative, capable, and safe, the truck features a handsome and modern styling.

As for the model year 2023 he said, "For 2023, we have taken it up a notch with a number of enhancements that will increase its appeal."

Isuzu’s chief operating officer, Kenkichi Sogo further revealed that most of the updates on the new D-Max range are a combined effort of the company and its dealers.

He said, "Through an intimate understanding of our customer's requirements, we are able to effect timely enhancements that meet the needs and desires of D-Max users."

Also Read: All-new 2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia

So, without further ado let’s get to know the 2023 Isuzu D-Max in detail -

Variants & Price

The number of variants offered remains the same as before. The table below mentions the names of both the double-cab automatic, double-cab manual, and single-cab models along with their respective prices.

Single Cab 1.9 MT 4X2	RM94,949
Single Cab 3.0 MT 4X4	RM101,888
Standard 1.9 MT 4X4	RM104,099
Standard 1.9 AT 4X4	RM111,499
Auto Plus 1.9 AT 4X2	RM105,499
Premium 1.9 AT 4X4	RM129,149
Premium 3.0 AT 4X4	RM135,638
X-Terrain 3.0 AT 4X4	RM150,938

*All Prices are for individual private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.

All 2023 Isuzu D-Max models come with a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty coverage, however, the X-terrain gets a 7-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Powertrain configuration

The engine options like the variants remain the same as before - a 2,999 cc inline-four cylinder VGS turbo diesel unit and a 1,898 cc inline-four cylinder VGS turbo diesel mill.

The 3.0L unit generates a maximum power of 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm. The 1.9L mill, on the other hand, generates 150 PS at 3,600 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm from 1,800 to 2,600 rpm.

Depending on the variant, the engines are paired to either a 6-speed automatic with sequential shift or a 6-speed manual transmission.

New here is an electronically actuated differential lock which is now standard across the new D-Max lineup.

Design revision

• A new grille that says goodbye to the old vertical elements
• New 18-inch six-Y-spoke wheel design in dark finish for the X-Terrain and Premium variants
• 17-inch six-spoke wheels in silver for the Auto Plus and Standard trims
• New combination tail lamp housings for X-Terrain and Premium variants
• Dark gray finish roof rails, tailgate handles, door mirror, front bumper, over-fenders, and side steps for X-Terrain model
• Lower bumper garnish in silver for X-Terrain model

Exterior colors

The new range gets some new tones for the model year 2023; however, the choices depend on the variant picked.

• X-Terrain and Premium variants get the new Islay Grey Mica finish
• The Silky Pearl finish is now replaced by Dolomite White Pearl tone in the X-Terrain And Premium versions
• Sapphire Blue gets replaced by Biarritz Blue Metallic tone in Premium, Auto Plus, and Standard AT trims

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Cabin changes

The cabin benefits from several aesthetic changes along with the inclusion of several new equipments. The list includes

• New leather upholstery finished in black with black soft-touch surfaces for the X-Terrain and Premium variants
• Interior trim sections in a Café Brown metallic finish exclusively for the X-Terrain model
• Nine-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android
• Auto wired connectivity, and Bluetooth
• 360-degree vehicle surround view on the touch display which is activated by the AVM button
• Reverse camera output displayed on the 7-inch touchscreen head unit in 1.9L 4X2 Auto Plus

• Wireless phone charger with power switch & LED status indicator for the X-Terrain, Premium, and Auto Plus
• A 2.1A USB Type C charging outlet for X-Terrain and Premium trims

• Blue interior ambient lighting
• Front and rear digital video recorders (front recording at up to 1440p & rear at up to 1080p)

Safety updates

The D-Max gets several new standard safety features including

• Two airbags for the driver and front passenger
• ABS, EBD with brake assist
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Hill start assist
• Hill descent control
• Brake override
• Emergency stop signal
• Seat belt reminder for all seats
• Rear differential lock

As we move up the variant chart the pickup gets better and advanced safety features like -

• Blind spot monitor (Premium & above)
• Rear cross traffic alert (Premium & above)
• 7 airbags (X-Terrain)

The range-topping X-Terrain variant, on the other hand, is the only one to benefit from the full suite of ADAS which includes -

• Forward collision warning
• AEB
• Turn assist
• Pedal misapplication mitigation
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beam
• Lane departure warning
• Manual speed limiter and multi-collision brake

What do you think of the new D-Max? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Isuzu D-Max showcased record-breaking sales in 2022