Isuzu has revealed an improved and updated D-Max pickup truck at its production facility in Thailand, with changes that will gradually roll out across every market, including the UK.
The third generation model was introduced in the UK in 2021 — around 18 months after the first drives in Thailand — and received a mild facelift in April 2023. Isuzu describes this newly revealed upgrade as a ‘significantly improved model’ with a refreshed exterior and refined interior.
Refreshed Exterior Design
The most apparent change to the new model is the revamped front and rear design, which Isuzu says expresses strong and aggressive, sporty, and futuristic and digital concepts.
A discreet power bulge has been added to the bonnet, with the front grille extending to be higher and wider than the outgoing design. The headlamps have been given a more modern and sporty appearance, with the LED daytime running lights in the upper part forming a row of three light points to create a unique aesthetic.
At the back, a new taillight design of three L-shaped LED tube lights accentuates the vehicle’s width, ‘as if it is a bird spreading its wings.’
An air curtain at each front corner and an extended tailgate spoiler improve the pickup’s aerodynamics, while new alloy wheel designs contribute to a more dynamic style.
Revamped Cabin
Step inside and updates to the cabin present an improved, unified style. A more sympathetically integrated infotainment screen gains further touch-sensitive controls instead of a row of buttons below but now benefits from a pair of rotary dial switches. Both 8.0 and 9.0-inch options support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The driver’s digital instrument panel has been expanded to 7.0 inches and now shares the same graphics style as the infotainment system.
New materials and updated design touches further lift the cabin ambience, giving the D-Max a more modern and luxurious feel.
Disappointingly, the update doesn’t take advantage of the modern interior design fitted to the Chinese-market Jiangxi Isuzu D-Max pickup, which blends a 12.3-inch infotainment centre with a sophisticated dashboard design and luxurious touches throughout the cabin.
Improved Safety and Off-Road Technology
Despite the China-built D-Max V-Cross adopting coil spring independent rear suspension, the global D-Max continues with leaf springs and a part-time four-wheel drive system. There appear to be no significant changes to this setup, although Isuzu explains that there’s a new rough terrain driving mode that should improve traction on challenging grounds through revised throttle and brake controls.
The updated D-Max also gains a new stereo camera system that can detect pedestrians, triggering an automatic emergency braking system if a collision is imminent. Impressively, the lens includes a heating element, ensuring the system works even in adverse weather conditions.
The reversing sensors have also been upgraded to include cross-traffic protection, alerting the driver and ultimately braking automatically if another vehicle is approaching out of sight of the driver.
Why Thailand?
Thailand gets first dibs on upgrades thanks to almost 50 years of Isuzu pickup production at its local factory, where it’s produced more than five million trucks to date. One of the largest markets for pickups, Isuzu sold 180,000 D-Max pickups in the country in 2022, representing a 45% market share and more than half of all D-Max pickups sold globally.
Talking about the future of the one-tonne pickup segment, Shinsuke Minami, president and COO of Isuzu, said, “Isuzu is actively taking efforts to realise a carbon-neutral society. Going forward, Isuzu plans to produce a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) pickup truck in Thailand. Isuzu will first introduce it in Europe and then examine its gradual roll out by meeting the needs of each market, including Thailand. Expectations of Thailand, Isuzu’s largest market for its pickup trucks, will remain steady in the years to come. To continue to contribute to the people of Thailand, I want us to create ‘Transport’ together and for Isuzu to remain a company that captures hearts and endures for eternity.”
