PETALING JAYA: The 2026 line-up of Isuzu D-Max sees the introduction of a new engine.
Dubbed as the brand's best engine ever, the new D-Maxs will house an all-new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine (RZ4F-TC).
The engine was redesigned and re-engineered to be quieter, more fuel efficient, much tougher and a lot more environmentally friendly over the decade's old 1.9-litre Blue Power turbocharged diesel engine which it replaces.
Isuzu says the new engine gains a power increase of 8.7% over the 1.9-litre to register 163ps at 3,600rpm.
Torque output has been raised by 14.3 percent and goes up to 400Nm - coming in from as low as 1,600rpm and delivering it all the way to 2,400rpm.
The new engine also makes the 2.2-litre D-Max the first pick-up truck range in Malaysia to comply with Euro 5 emission standards through a series of intelligent pollution control systems including a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Diffuser (DPD), an Intelligent Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, and a new Idle Stop Start (ISS) feature.
Harmful emissions such as NOx gasses and particulate matter is significantly reduced by 21% and 99%, respectively.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) has been improved with internal tests proving the engine to be 5% superior to the 1.9-litre.
All of the 2026 D-Max line-up from the Premium Automatic 4x4 variant down will feature the new engine.
This includes the Auto Plus 4x2, Standard 4x4 and the Single Cab - all transmissions included.
The 2026 entry of the pick-up truck will also mark the first time in Malaysia a Single Cab variant will also be available in either manual transmission or automatic transmission.
Only the flagship X-Terrain variant will continue to employ the existing 3.0-litre engine.
Aesthetically the 2026 D-Max features a new grille design, a fresh headlamp and foglamp bezel design.
The X-Terrain and Premium variants sport new 18-inch rims, new side steps, and a refreshed LED tail lamp cluster.
Two new colour options are available. These include Inishmore Green Metallic available in the X-Terrain and Premium variants and Obsidian Gray Mica that is available for the Premium and Auto Plus variants.
Namibu Orange is now extended to across the range of High-Ride Automatic Double Cabs.
New too is the addition of Mercury Silver Metallic available as an option in the new automatic Single Cab.
Inside the X-Terrain and Premium models are new leather patterns on its seats, while the Auto Plus and Standard variant has them in a new gray stitch fabric.
New door trim are also featured in the top models with the X-Terrain further receiving new door inserts, armrests, instrument panel garnish and steering wheel leather rims.
The X-Terrain, Premium and Auto Plus variants now receive a new 10-inch infotainment system.
The new and updated head unit features a clinometer function, a 2.1A USB-C port and a lighted USB port.
Standard variant on the other hand receives a new 7-inch head unit.
Tailgate Assist which has been previously available in the X-Terrain, Premium and Auto Plus variants is now extended to this year's Standard variant.
Rough Terrain Mode (RTM) that was available in all 4x4 Double Cab variants is now extended to the Single Cabs.
Price of the 2026 D-Max starts from RM103,121.
Purchase of the new models includes a new complimentary 20,000km or a two-year periodic maintenance service package (whichever comes first).
The Terrain X enjoys a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty while all other variants are at five years.
