Isuzu is said to be working on a rugged rival for the Ford Ranger Raptor, but while the D-Max might be just as capable off-road, its performance will be limited as its 3.0-litre engine won’t be part of the upgrades.

Partners at Mazda — which produces the D-Max-based BT-50 pickup for the Australian market — are working on an uprated version of its truck, with sources familiar with the project saying that any changes will be made available to their Isuzu colleagues.

While Arctic Trucks works with Isuzu to heavily modify the D-Max for its AT35 model, Mazda isn’t making any significant mechanical changes to its version, so upgrades will be limited to revised suspension, styling and equipment levels. The development will therefore be more along the lines of the previous generation D-Max’s XTR special edition.

Mazda BT-50
Isuzu D-Max XTR Raptor Rival?
Isuzu D-Max XTR

The 2019 Isuzu D-Max XTR model included uprated Pedders suspension and a ride height raised by 250mm. Inside was a revised cabin with Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, while the exterior received extended wheel arches, bold colour flashes and XTR logos everywhere.

While Isuzu makes a 3.0-litre diesel engine available to other territories, tight emissions regulations mean there’s little chance it would be fitted to any UK variant, leaving the D-Max with its 164hp 1.9-litre unit 2014 well short of the expected 300hp of the next-generation Ranger Raptor.

However, continuing global supply chain problems could scupper the plans entirely. While these updates might eventually be offered to the UK market, regular models will continue to be prioritised.

“We are unable to comment on future model plans, but we will continue to monitor the market and consumer habits to best meet the needs of our customers,” explained an Isuzu spokesperson to CarsGuide, an Australian automotive title.

Phil Huff
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