Isuzu D-Max: Variants explained

The D-Max pick-up has been a runaway success for Isuzu not only in Malaysia but in every country where it has its presence. In Malaysia, the D-Max is available in both commercial and lifestyle variants, which makes it a versatile vehicle meant for separate purposes.

However, choosing the right D-Max for you can be a confusing job, as the pick-up is available in a total of 11 variants. All these variants primarily differ from one another by engine and transmission combinations, exterior and interior cosmetic, as well as comfort and safety features. The following write-up is a comprehensive, detailed story on what all variants of the Isuzu D-Max has on offer for you.

Isuzu D-Max Single Cab 2.5L 4x4 

This is the most basic variant of the entire D-Max lineup and is equipped with only the essential features. To start with, this variant is powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine which produces 136 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of features, it is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, multi-reflector halogen headlamps, blackened out front grille, front bumper, rear view mirrors, and door handles. In addition are also present, a 1-DIN audio system with CD, radio, Aux-in and USB supports with 2-speakers, power windows, and manual AC. The list of safety features includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, engine immobiliser and Traction Control.

This variant is priced at RM 85,671, making it the most affordable D-Max variant which is meant purely for commercial purposes.

Isuzu D-Max Single Cab 3.0L 4x4 

Priced at RM 91,240, this variant of the D-Max packs in all the comfort and safety features of the lower priced 2.5L single cab one, with no additional features here whatsoever. However, this variant sources its power from a more significant 3.0-litre diesel engine. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, this engine pumps out a maximum power output of 177 PS and a peak torque output of 380 Nm. And that’s it – apart from the engine, there is not a single feature which separates it from the D-Max Single Cab 2.5L 4x4.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 2.5L 4x2 Hi-Ride 

This particular variant is the most affordable double cab variant of the D-Max lineup. It does get the same 2.5-litre diesel engine from the D-Max Single Cab, which produces 136 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque and comes paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. However, it misses out on the 4x4 drive. Though, to compensate, it comes with some additional features over the single cab variants, such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a better sounding and looking 2-DIN touchscreen music system with Bluetooth in addition, projector headlamps, fog lamps, chrome front grille, body colored front bumper, chrome finished rear view mirrors and door handles, electrically adjustable, and foldable rear view mirrors with LED turn indicators on them, sidestep, bed liner, leather-wrapped steering wheel, speed sensing auto door locks, front map lamps, 12V power socket, carpet mats, ISOFIX mounts for child seats and reverse parking sensors. All these features do make it look a bit premium over the bare bones single cab versions. This variant will set you back by RM 85,989.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 2.5L 4x4 MT 

This Standard variant comes with a 4x4 drive mode system over the erstwhile Hi-Ride trim. The list of features which the 4x2 variant gets over the single cab versions is the same on this 4x4 version as well. It does miss out on the leather-wrapped steering wheel though. The D-Max Standard 2.5L 4x4 MT is priced at RM 95,741.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 2.5L 4x4 AT 

The last AT suffix obviously means that this variant is the same as the Standard 2.5L 4x4, but with a 5-speed automatic gearbox in place of the regular 5-speed manual. Also, this variant does get roof rails as well. The D-Max Standard 2.5L 4x4 AT carries a price tag of RM 108,949.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 3.0L 4x4 AT 

This variant is based on the same 2.5L 4x4 AT model, thus having the same set of comfort and safety features as the latter. However, here, the 5-speed automatic gearbox is paired to the bigger 3.0-litre diesel engine. The D-Max Standard 3.0L 4x4 AT has been priced at RM 116,892.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 2.5L 4x4 MT-P 

With the addition of a P-suffix in the last portion of its name, Isuzu wants to tell you that it is a premium version of the Standard 2.5L 4x4 MT variant. In addition to the former, this new variant gets some more premium equipment like 18-inch alloy wheels with meatier tyres, roof rails, LED inserts in tail lamps, advanced multi-information display in instrument console, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, automatic climate control and rear armrest with cup holders. This variant has been priced at RM 105,811.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 3.0L 4x4 MT-P 

Having the same set of additional features of the Standard 2.5L 4x4 MT-P, this particular variant gets the bigger 3.0-litre diesel engine over the 2.5L option with a 5-speed manual gearbox. With the addition of a bigger engine as the only addition here, the D-Max Standard 3.0L 4x4 MT-P bears a price tag of RM 115,249.

Isuzu D-Max Standard 3.0L 4x4 AT-P 

This is the same Standard 3.0L 4x4, ‘P’ version as the previously mentioned model, but with a 5-speed automatic gearbox as the only differentiator. The addition of an automatic gearbox means that it is slightly more expensive at RM 123,517.

Isuzu D-Max Z-Prestige 2.5L 

This is the more affordable version of the range-topping Z-Prestige edition, with a 5-speed automatic gearbox and 4x4 drive mode as standard in this premium edition. Power comes from the same 2.5-litre diesel engine as the Standard 2.5L 4x4 MT-P. However, in addition, this variant gets some premium features like grey colored 18-inch alloy wheels, body colored side steps, matte black roof rails, cargo cover with aero-spoiler, piano black finish on dashboard and door trims, leather seats and a rocker plate. The D-Max Z-Prestige 2.5L 4x4 is priced at RM 122,559.

Isuzu D-Max Z-Prestige 3.0L 

The most expensive of all the eleven variants of the D-Max, the Z-Prestige 3.0L 4x4 is just the bigger engine version of the Z-Prestige edition. It gets a bigger 3.0-litre diesel engine in place of the 2.5-litre oil burner but gets the same list of additional cosmetic features of the latter. The Z-Prestige 3.0L 4x4 has been priced at RM 130,354.