Pickup · Japan · 2002-Present

Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu D-Max — spec data and generation history.

Isuzu D-Max press photo
Verdict
B
Years
2002-Present
Generations
3
Segment
Pickup

Isuzu's volume pickup — replaced the Trooper-derived TF Rodeo. Mk1 RT (2002–2012) was the original Thai-built D-Max, with 2.5 / 3.0 turbo diesels; Mk2 RT facelift (2012–2020) brought the new 2.5 then 1.9 turbo diesel; Mk3 RG (2020–Present) is the current car — single, double-cab and crew variants, 1.9 turbo diesel only (164 bhp), AWD with low-range, six-speed manual or 6AT. Built specifically for the workhorse market — three-tonne towing, no PHEV pretensions, no electrification, no nonsense. Volume D-Max is the cheapest proper one-tonne pickup in the UK and one of the most reliable.


What changed

Era-to-era deltas

Mk1 RT 2002-2012 Mk2 RT FL 2012-2020
BHP +30 bhp
Torque +90 Nm
0-60 mph -1.0 s
Top speed +5 mph
MPG +8 mpg
Mk2 RT FL 2012-2020 Mk3 RG 2020-Present
BHP +0 bhp
Torque +0 Nm
0-60 mph -1.0 s
Top speed +0 mph
MPG +5 mpg

Known issues by generation

Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.

2002-2012 · Mk1 RT
  • EGR carbon build-up
  • Glow plug failures
  • Front swivel hub seals
  • Auto torque-converter
2012-2020 · Mk2 RT FL
  • DPF blockages on 1.9
  • Injector failures
  • Tow-bar wiring corrosion
2020-Present · Mk3 RG
  • ADAS over-cautious
  • Auto stop-start aggressive
  • Tailgate latch wear
  • Rear leaf-spring squeak

Rivals

Ford Ranger · Toyota Hilux · Volkswagen Amarok · Nissan Navara