The Isuzu D-Max is South Africa’s go-to for rugged, reliable performance. Perfect for off-road or heavy loads, it blends capability, comfort, and performance seamlessly.
For as long as most South Africans can remember, Isuzu has been synonymous with bakkies. The KB model name served for many years until it was officially replaced by the D-Max signature in 2018. The D-Max name originated in Thailand, where the ‘D’ initially referred to the 2000 model year Isuzu bakkie and its distinctive ‘Dragon Eyes’ headlight design.
You can’t start a bakkie conversation about Hilux or Ranger without bringing the D-Max into the equation, because these three models make up the bakkie trinity in terms of sales and popularity. As an example of just how highly the D-Max is rated, it outsold the Ford Ranger in March 2024, selling 2 095 units as opposed to the Ranger’s 1 954.
The Isuzu D-Max in LS guise was the example that found its way into our test garage for a week, and it was time to see how the ‘Ranger killer’ would perform.
More about the bakkie
Pricing for the entire D-Max range starts from R447 900 and that’s for the single cab diesel. It’s worth noting that Isuzu still has the previous Gen 6 available to buy on the local website, and that range is priced from R368 200. The topic of discussion for this review is the double cab LS variant and will cost you a fair bit more than half a million rand at R589 600.
It is equipped with the brand's ever-capable turbodiesel 1.9-litre engine that has power outputs of 110kW and 350Nm. Isuzu claims a fuel consumption of 7.3-litres per 100km, though the best I could muster after my stint with the car was 7.9-litres. The engine is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission and power is transferred to the rear wheels only.
Where dimensions and capacities are concerned, it has a ground clearance of 227mm, braked towing capacity of 2 100mm and length of 5 265mm. The exterior benefits from a revised, more imposing front grille, new sleeker headlight design and rear lights. 17-inch wheels come as standard but there is the option of choosing 18-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tyres.
What’s it like inside?
There’s nothing fancy about the interior, because it’s a bakkie after all. What you get is a full leather upholstery, electric windows all round, multi-function steering wheel and a USB port and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Bluetooth, audio streaming, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Wi-Fi and Hands-Free Phone).
Isuzu’s aim here was to keep everything simple and not go too over the top with massive screens, for example. With it not being the 4x4, there’s no additional drivetrain configuration apparatus.
Connecting your phone to the infotainment is quite simple, though there is a lack of colour on the infotainment screen (mainly black and white), which wasn’t an issue for me anyway. Some of the standard features consist of ABS with EBD, brake assist, ESC with traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent assist, trailer sway control, rear park distance sensors, rear view camera, cruise control and airbags (driver, passenger, front seat side, curtain, driver side knee).
What’s it like to drive?
Most bakkies tend to have the same characteristics because they use similar mechanicals, but the D-Max impressed in more than a few categories. The first thing that stood out was the 12.3-metre turning circle which is much bigger than the Ford Ranger (we drove both bakkies during the same week). In that regard, the D-Max felt much better in the hands.
The 1.9-litre engine is such a gem that if you didn’t know the capacity you might assume it’s actually bigger. It works well in the D-Max and its three-ton chassis, putting down the power well – although the automatic gearbox feels a bit slow when having to drop a gear. Overall, it certainly does not affect how the bakkie drives on a daily basis and you can see the results in the fuel consumption. As with all vehicles, the fuel consumption improves the slower you drive, but in the case of the D-Max, even if you are spirited with the right foot the fuel consumption remains pretty good. In fact, it was shown in 2024 that you can drive from Cape Town to Johannesburg on a single tank of diesel in a D-Max.
Most people prefer the Hilux or Ranger for their own reasons, but the D-Max is a capable piece of machinery that combines frugality and practicality.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR L - R555 900
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR L A/T - R573 500
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR LS - R589 600
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR LS A/T RHD - R610 300
All D-Max models are sold as standard with a comprehensive five-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance, as well as a five-year unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. In addition, a five-year/90 000km service plan is included in the purchase price, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Customers also have the option of extending the standard service plan up to a maximum of six years or 200 000km. The service plan can also be upgraded to a full maintenance plan that covers the vehicle for planned and unplanned maintenance up to six years/200 000km.
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