It’s been nearly three months since Isuzu last revealed a special edition model of its D-Max pickup, so we must be due a new one. And here it is, but the Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster is more than just a few cosmetic changes and some smart wheels. It takes the D-Max’s off-road prowess and reputation as one of the toughest pickups around, and dials it up to eleven.
It exists to showcase just how far you can push the D-Max ability, kitted out with serious hardware to take on extreme terrain. Built in collaboration with ARB, it’s a tempting proposition for anyone who needs more than just a rugged workhorse.
What is the D-Max Mudmaster?
The Mudmaster isn’t a new model in its own right, so you won’t find it on any price lists; instead, it’s essentially a showcase of what Isuzu’s extensive accessories catalogue can do for those who want a more capable truck straight from the dealership.
It’s based on the range-topping V-Cross trim but gets a serious dose of off-road upgrades. It’s a truck built for those who need more than just a tough workhorse — whether that’s serious overlanding capability, job site resilience, or just something that stands out from the crowd.
While the D-Max is already a hard-grafting machine, the Mudmaster takes things further with a package of enhancements that add around £16,000 to the base price. That makes it expensive but also one of the most off-road-capable pickups you can buy without resorting to custom builds.
Mudmaster upgrades
The Mudmaster gets a Pedders off-road suspension kit, raising ride height by 44mm and improving ground clearance. A set of 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Toyo all-terrain tyres ensures better traction on loose and muddy surfaces, while steel underbody protection shields vital components from damage.
The upgrades don’t stop there. An ARB Safari snorkel allows for deep water wading, while a heavy-duty winch system is neatly integrated behind the front bumper, capable of hauling more than 4,000kg. The Lazer LED light bar and spotlights make night-time off-roading much easier, and a robust ARB steel roof rack adds versatility for carrying extra kit. There are also practical additions like custom side steps and door wind deflectors.
All of this hardware does add some weight, and at motorway speeds, the extra kit creates a noticeable amount of wind noise. The lifted ride height also means more of a climb into the cab, though the side steps help mitigate that.
Behind the wheel
Inside, the Mudmaster is much like any other V-Cross model, with leather seats, a 9.0-inch infotainment system, and dual-zone climate control. The cabin is practical and hard-wearing, but refinement is still a step behind rivals like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the 1.9-litre turbo diesel, which delivers 164hp and 360Nm of torque. It’s a workhorse of an engine — torquey at low revs but noisy and unrefined when pushed hard. The automatic gearbox smooths some of the rough edges, but it’s sluggish to pick a gear under load.
Off-road performance
Where the Mudmaster really shines is off-road. The combination of upgraded suspension, all-terrain tyres, and Isuzu’s shift-on-the-fly 4WD system makes it a formidable machine on challenging terrain.
In testing on muddy, flooded Yorkshire tracks, the standard D-Max performed well, but the Mudmaster took things to another level. It shrugged off deep ruts, clambered over loose rocks, and easily waded through almost metre-deep water. The lifted suspension gave it an edge on rough ground, while the improved wheel articulation and chunky tyres meant it kept moving even on steep, slippery inclines.
The off-road geometry is respectable, with an approach angle of 30.5 degrees, a departure angle of 24.2 degrees, and a ramp breakover angle of 22.9 degrees. The snorkel added confidence when fording deep water, keeping the engine safe from hydrolock.
While the rear differential lock helps in really tricky conditions, some might lament the lack of a locking centre differential. But in practice, the Mudmaster still gets impressively far with its existing traction aids and hardware.
Practicality and running costs
Despite its off-road credentials, the Mudmaster retains the 1,000kg payload capacity required to qualify as a commercial vehicle, keeping tax benefits intact. Towing capacity remains at 3.5 tonnes, making it just as useful as a work truck as the standard D-Max.
However, all those off-road add-ons have a cost beyond the initial price. The large tyres and extra weight impact fuel economy, which hovers around the 30mpg mark when driven conservatively. The ride can feel more unsettled on the road than in a regular D-Max, with noticeable body flex and a tendency to bounce over uneven surfaces. That’s to be expected with such extensive off-road mods, but it’s perfectly manageable on the road. Long motorway journeys will remind you that this truck was built for tougher terrain, though.
Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster: The verdict
The Mudmaster is an extreme take on an already capable truck, making it one of the most off-road-ready pickups straight from the factory. It’s an attention-grabber, a tool for serious overlanders, and a solution for those who regularly work in the toughest conditions.
But you can’t actually buy one. You can buy a D-Max V-Cross and tick just about every option box, but at nearly £60,000 when fully loaded, it’s a significant investment — and only a whisker away from the all-conquering D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35.
For those who just need a rugged, go-anywhere pickup without the bells and whistles, the standard D-Max — with carefully selected accessories at a much lower price — might be a better bet. But if you’re after a turn-key off-road rig with all the kit already fitted, the Mudmaster has plenty of appeal.
It won’t be for everyone, but for those who need (or want) a pickup that can tackle the roughest terrain without breaking a sweat, the Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster is one of the most capable options out there.
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