Isuzu D-Max 2019, testing a new engine and suspension.

The new 2019 Isuzu D-Max is a five-seat pickup that can do a lot. How will it behave on and off-road? We will tell you about the pros and cons during our test.
Isuzu D-Max video test – see below

3 liters instead of 2.5!

Isuzu D-Max 2019 received a 3-liter turbocharged diesel engine, 177 hp The basic one and a half cab version is equipped with a 6-speed manual. In more expensive versions, an automatic appears, as well as a 6-speed gearbox. However, it is possible to choose between mechanics and automatic. Transmission on all versions: all-wheel drive, “Part-Time” type, hard-wired front axle and “lower”. The changes affected not only the engine: the fuel tank (76 liters) was also added in volume, a “soft” package of 3 leaf springs appeared in the rear suspension. The load capacity indicator has not changed and varies in the range of 950 – 995 kg, depending on the configuration. Prices, as usual, also grew up, but they did not reach a similar Toyota.

What consumer is D-Max designed for?

the current pickup market is peculiar. There are no sharp ups and downs. The consumers of this product are organizations whose professional activities are related to the movement of small loads and people off the roads and lovers of various kinds of outdoor activities: tourists and athletes. All three groups find pickup trucks to be a serious off-roader at an affordable price with the possibility of low-cost efficient tuning to expand off-road capabilities. Farmers turn to pickups very limitedly – such an investment is expensive for them. Restyling should correct the situation, which slightly changed the appearance and seriously affected the technical stuffing.

What did the Japanese do?

First of all, a new power unit was implanted under the hood: a 3-liter diesel engine. Unlike its predecessor with two turbines, the SUZU 4JJ1 engine promises to be more reliable, but it works harder – cargo roots are felt.

The “commercial” past also affected the main characteristics: The maximum torque of 430 Nm can be obtained in a very short range: from 2000 to 2200 rpm. On the mechanics to keep the engine in good shape — oh how not easy. The Aisin automatic transmission compensates for such a short period of maximum power with rather densely cut gears, however, it does it slowly. By the way, other Japanese manufacturers also use similar gearboxes, but they have different, more dynamic settings.

I was surprised and pleased with the work of the suspension: the new D-Max is not inferior to, but rather surpasses both the Hilux and the L200 in terms of smoothness and energy consumption. Both competitors are tougher. However, the carrying capacity of the D-Max was not affected, Isuzu can take on board up to 995 kg of cargo. Under the body there is a spring suspension of two packages of 3 leaf springs with a pair of constantly working sheets and one direct additional one, it is he who, having joined the work, takes the full load. Our pickup on maximum 18-inch wheels rides very comfortably. There's a bit of body roll and a lack of steering precision, but it's these suspension settings that keep the Isuzs smooth without causing rider and passengers to shake and bounce in many directions.

The new Isuzu D-Max 2019 has a permanent rear-wheel drive with a hard front connection. Long leaf springs provide great suspension travel. There is a lowering, but no rear lock. The Japanese say that its work is well imitated by electronics, but this is not quite what you expect from a pickup truck.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ground clearance – 235 mm under the rear axle beam. But the main driving force on the roads is the wheels, and the regular tires for mud are not the best fit. It's great that the spare wheel hanging under the body has the same disc as those on the car. If we are talking about the standard version, then the spare tire will also be an 18-inch alloy.

The interior has also been updated, but this primarily affected the top versions. A keyless entry system and engine start with a button appeared, multimedia received a 7-inch screen and a rear-view camera. The instrument cluster has become better, and the leather upholstery of the seats has been perforated. It sounds great, but the main thing that the Japanese did not do was that they did not provide a comfortable fit for the driver. It seems that the seat is electrically adjustable, but the pillow is horizontal, and you slide forward from it, and the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach, and you have to reach for it.

But there is plenty of space in the back. With a height of 181 cm, the knees have a margin, and the head does not rest against the ceiling. In addition, the rear sofa can be folded in any direction. You can put the backrest or raise the pillow.

Body of standard sizes. But if you approach it with a tape measure, it turns out that it is several centimeters shorter and lower than that of the recently updated L200. An insert or coating with a protective composition for an extra charge, as well as, however, various covers and kung.

But Isuzu D-Max gives a full 5-year warranty for the entire car, without exception, and a service interval of 20 thousand km. Against the background of 10 thousand, Toyota is a real breakthrough. And given the commercial nature of the Japanese diesel, there is hope that it will be reliable and unpretentious.

New Isuzu D-Max 2019 at a price:

The basic version with a one-and-a-half cab and an extended body – a little more than 2 million standard units. Alas, this version, ideal for transporting ATVs and other recreational equipment, is available only in the minimum configuration and with mechanics. Top D-Max came close to the mark of 2.6 million. They are probably worth the money for reliability and good cross-country ability.

Conclusion: The new Isuzu D-Max 2019 has no clear advantages over its competitors. To conquer the market, it is necessary, at least, to get rid of some shortcomings, and even better, to offer more attractive prices.

We repeat the link to the video, more details, watch, don't miss it if you haven't watched it yet.

If you are seriously interested in peaks, about the capabilities of two more handsome men with bodies – the Mitsubishi L200 and the affordable Chinese JAC T6, see the test review below.