THOSE who wish to have a four-wheel drive pick-up truck but dread the relatively high road tax for it have good reason to cheer as Isuzu Malaysia has finally brought in the 2026 D-Max lineup featuring the latest 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.
On paper, the mill has everything going for it, with the new RZ4F engine replaces the now discontinued 1.9-litre unit that used to be the choice of those who wish to use as little diesel as possible, while also enjoying road tax savings.
The RZ4F, now Euro V compliant, pushes out 120kW (163PS) and 400Nm of torque, and is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, all mated to bring a class-leading 3.5-tonne towing capacity to the entire D-Max range.
With the road tax around RM600 for private registration, the D-Max 2.2L’s value proposition is evident right from the start.
Those who need a single-cab pick-up truck, but still want to enjoy automatic transmission, can also rejoice as Isuzu now has one tailored for this class of customer.
The RZ4F is a concrete display of Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment to deliver value, both on-road and off, while returning a claimed combined cycle fuel economy from 6.3L/100km (15.87km per litre).
For comparison, the D-Max 1.9L gave a tested fuel average of 7.2L/100km (13.89km per litre), and here, efficiency improved by 5% all the way to 11%, even though power and torque increased in the new engine, which sports a new block, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, along with a new turbocharger and high-pressure, 250MPa fuel injection system.
Co-developed with Aisin, the eight-speed automatic gearbox works does not disappoint, able to bring the two-tonner to good speeds when driven in urban areas.
Acceleration is brisk and responsive, and indeed, delivering a very (petrol) car-like driving experience.
If you are not watching the speedometer diligently, you can find yourself easily going past the 120kph zone, even when you are not even trying.
However, purists may note that an eight-speeder will naturally shift more frequently than a six-speed counterpart because the former has narrower gaps between gear ratios.
To its credit, Isuzu’s algorithm manages to keep things in the engine’s sweet spot to give a good balance between pace and economy.
I wasn’t trying too hard to drive in the most fuel efficient way possible as the pick-up truck turned up to be very fun to drive, with the display indicating fuel consumption - in this case, a tank of B7 diesel - hovered around 8.6km per litre in mixed highway/urban cycles stretching over 600km.
I am confident that this can be easily improved with more mindful driving.
The layout of the controls is rather instinctive, and most drivers are likely to be able (without reading the manual) to get a good level of control over the vehicle and its functions.
The cabin touchscreen is easy to use, though I was stunned by how quickly the battery power of my phone was depleting when connected to Android Auto, despite being plugged into the USB port.
The only annoying feature was the auto start-stop feature, which thankfully, can be easily turned off with just a press of the button.
In short, the new 2.2-litre engine did not disappoint in terms of acceleration, sustained speeds, as well as efficiency.
For those who seek more power and torque, the renowned 4JJ3-TCX 3.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel (140kW/450Nm, with 6-speed transmission) still continues to be the standard bearer for the single cab and double cab X-Terrain variants.
The test vehicle, the double cab 2.2L 4x4 Premium AT, costs a tad below RM142,000.
Currently, private diesel vehicle owners are offered up to 300 litres a month of subsidised B10 (progressively replaced with B15).
With this development, driving this new pick-up truck should sound like music to the ears.
It has definitely brought a smile to my face.
SPECIFICATIONS
Isuzu D-Max 2.2L 4x4 Premium AT
Engine: 2,164cc, inline-4, 16-valve, DOHC turbodiesel
Maximum power: 163PS (120kW) at 3,600rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm from 1,600-2,400rpm (255Nm available from 1,000rpm)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Wading depth: 800mm
Fuel tank capacity: 76 litres
Wheels: 18-inch alloys with 265/60R18 tyres
Brakes: Front discs and rear drums
Weight (dry): 1,950kg
Features: Six airbags, wireless charger, 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360 degree camera, side steps, tailgate assist, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Brake Override System (BOS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), ISOFIX with Top Tether, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR), Wireless Charger, Walk Away Door Lock, Cruise Control, 18-inch machining alloy wheels
Price: RM141,821 on-the-road without insurance for individual private registration in Peninsular Malaysia
