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Photo of a Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu D-Max

From 11th at the 2009 Dakar to the D-Max EV's 3,500 kg tow rating.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 32 sources

At a glance

0100200
114–188 hpPower
07.515
12–13 s0–100 km/h
0100200
180.2 km/hTop speed
0250500
325–450 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,650–2,350 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2391213

Engine
Diesels: 1.9–3.0 L turbo inline-fours; EV: front and rear e-Axles212
Layout
Diesels: front engine, RWD or 4WD; EV: full-time 4WD23
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual; 4/5/6-speed auto; Australian 2.2 L: 8-speed auto311
Built at
Gen 1/2: Isuzu Motors Thailand, Samut Prakan, Thailand3

The story

A Faster/KB successor for work and personal travel, the D-Max is part of a Thai pickup business serving more than 100 countries. Its full redesign involved 6 years of research and 4 million km of testing.345

2002: Thailand launches the Faster/KB heir20022008: D-Max joins Colorado in Australia20082011: Second generation gains i-GRIP20112019: Efficient and Robust, with 800 mm wading20192021: UK launch: 5 stars and 3,500 kg towing20212024: Walkinshaw develops the Australian Blade20242025: D-Max EV enters Thai mass production · Australia gains 2.2 L and 8-speed auto2025 Isuzu Wasp: 1963–1971Isuzu WaspIsuzu Faster / KB (first generation) (KB20/25): 1972–1980KB20/25Isuzu Faster / KB (second generation) (KB): 1980–1988; some markets to 1994KBIsuzu Faster / TF (third generation) (TF): 1988–2002; China to 2017TFIsuzu D-Max (first generation) (RA/RC): 2002–2012; China 2003–presentRA/RCIsuzu D-Max (second generation) (RT50/85): 2011–presentRT50/85Isuzu D-Max (third generation) (RG): 2019–presentRG 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones3457142627
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1963–1971Isuzu Wasp
1972–1980Isuzu Faster / KB (first generation) (KB20/25)
1980–1988; some markets to 1994Isuzu Faster / KB (second generation) (KB)
1988–2002; China to 2017Isuzu Faster / TF (third generation) (TF)
2002–2012; China 2003–presentIsuzu D-Max (first generation) (RA/RC)
2011–presentIsuzu D-Max (second generation) (RT50/85)
2019–presentIsuzu D-Max (third generation) (RG)
2002Thailand launches the Faster/KB heir
2008D-Max joins Colorado in Australia
2011Second generation gains i-GRIP
2019Efficient and Robust, with 800 mm wading
2021UK launch: 5 stars and 3,500 kg towing
2024Walkinshaw develops the Australian Blade
2025D-Max EV enters Thai mass production
2025Australia gains 2.2 L and 8-speed auto
  1. 2002

    Thailand launches the Faster/KB heir

    The D-Max makes its world debut in Thailand, succeeding the Faster/KB as Isuzu shifts its joint small-truck operation from Japan.3

  2. 2008

    D-Max joins Colorado in Australia

    The GM–Isuzu split costs Holden the Rodeo name. Isuzu launches its own D-Max in October alongside Holden's mechanically identical Colorado.36

  3. 2011

    Second generation gains i-GRIP

    The second-generation D-Max introduces the i-GRIP ladder frame, claimed to be 42% stronger than its predecessor's.3

  4. 2019

    Efficient and Robust, with 800 mm wading

    The full redesign follows Efficient and Robust, with an electromagnetic rear differential lock and an 800 mm wading capability.47

  5. 2021

    UK launch: 5 stars and 3,500 kg towing

    UK sales begin in March with up to 3,500 kg towing and a 1,000 kg payload; the redesigned D-Max earned 5 Euro NCAP stars in 2020.89

  6. 2024

    Walkinshaw develops the Australian Blade

    The Australian Blade arrives with a 29 mm lift and 3 mm steel bash plate after 100,000 km of local durability testing.10

  7. 2025

    D-Max EV enters Thai mass production

    Thai production starts for the EV, with 3,500 kg towing and 1,010 kg payload. Europe shipments target Q3 2025; UK sales are planned for 2026.2

  8. 2025

    Australia gains 2.2 L and 8-speed auto

    The RZ4F 2.2 L brings 161 hp and 400 Nm through an 8-speed automatic. Australia's 1.9 L and manual transmission leave the range.11

Every generation

  • Isuzu Wasp
    Isuzu Wasp1963–1971
  • Isuzu Faster / KB (first generation)
    KB20/251972–1980
  • Isuzu Faster / KB (second generation)
    KB1980–1988; some markets to 1994
  • Isuzu Faster / TF (third generation)
    TF1988–2002; China to 2017
  • Isuzu D-Max (first generation)
    RA/RC2002–2012; China 2003–present
  • Isuzu D-Max (second generation)
    RT50/852011–present
  • Isuzu D-Max (third generation)
    RG2019–present

Power over the years

From 144 hp to 188 hp in 15 years.

050100150200 20052010201520202025 hp 2004 · 144 hp · Thailand 3.0 DDi iTEQ2005 · 114 hp · Thailand 2.5 DDi iTEQ2008 · 161 hp · Australia 3.0 launch range2012 · 174 hp · Australia RT 3.0 Euro 42016 · 161 hp · UK Centurion 2.5 twin-turbo2017 · 162 hp · UK 1.9 replacement engine2019 · 188 hp · Thailand Crew Cab Hi-Ride 3.02021 · 162 hp · UK 1.9D V-Cross auto2024 · 148 hp · Thailand facelift 1.92025 · 161 hp · Australia 2.2 RZ4F2025 · 188 hp · Europe D-Max EV2026 · 161 hp · UK 2.2 update 188 hp Thailand Crew Cab Hi-Ride 3.0 144 hp Thailand 3.0 DDi iTEQ
23467911121314151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2004144Thailand 3.0 DDi iTEQ
2005114Thailand 2.5 DDi iTEQ
2008161Australia 3.0 launch range
2012174Australia RT 3.0 Euro 4
2016161UK Centurion 2.5 twin-turbo
2017162UK 1.9 replacement engine
2019188Thailand Crew Cab Hi-Ride 3.0
2021162UK 1.9D V-Cross auto
2024148Thailand facelift 1.9
2025161Australia 2.2 RZ4F
2025188Europe D-Max EV
2026161UK 2.2 update

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross (UK)

    2021

  • Standard

    Australian EX/SX, LS-M, LS-U, LS-T, X-Rider, X-Terrain

  • Thai Spark, Spacecab, Cab 4, Hi-Lander, V-Cross, X-Series

    Standard

    Thai Spark, Spacecab, Cab 4, Hi-Lander, V-Cross, X-Series

  • Special

    Blade (Australia, Walkinshaw)

    2024–

    188 hp

  • Special

    Huntsman accessory pack (UK)

    2025

  • Special

    XTR (second generation)

    2019

    162 hp

  • Special

    Arctic Trucks AT35 (UK)

    2025

    162 hp

  • Limited

    X-Runner (Australia)

    2019

  • Limited

    D-MAX 45 (South Africa)

    2024

    188 hp

  • Limited

    V-Cross STEEL Edition (UK)

    2024

  • Limited

    Centurion (UK)

    2016

    161 hp

    100 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • 2021 UK D-Max: double-fang grille with black, silver, chrome or gunmetal finishes by trim.9

Year by year

  1. 2015 (Thailand)

    Second-generation facelift brings a larger grille, an 8-inch infotainment screen and revised TFT gauges.3

  2. 2017 facelift

    The second-generation truck gets a new grille and bumper, Bi-LED projectors, LED running lights and revised alloy wheels.3

  3. 2024 (Thailand display)

    Facelift: reshaped grille and bumper, slimmer lights with a new DRL signature, sharper fog-lamp cutouts and triple-tier tail lamps.12

  4. 2024 (Australia)

    Indicators move into the headlights; LS-U and higher gain a 7-inch cluster, and touchscreen knobs replace buttons.19

  5. 2026 (UK)

    A new grille, gray LED headlight accents and revised fog surrounds vary by trim; DL40 and V-Cross gain new side steps.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Isuzu D-Max
    D-Max
    Photo of a Holden Rodeo / Holden Colorado
    Holden Rodeo / Holden Colorado

    Holden Rodeo / Holden Colorado

    Early D-Max shares Rodeo styling; the Colorado's revised bodywork is concentrated ahead of the A-pillar.36

  • Photo of a Isuzu D-Max
    D-Max
    Photo of a Chevrolet Colorado (second generation)
    Chevrolet Colorado (second generation)

    Chevrolet Colorado (second generation)

    Shared underpinnings, but the D-Max uses different front and rear styling and its own body panels.3

  • Photo of a Isuzu D-Max
    D-Max
    Photo of a Mazda BT-50 (third generation)
    Mazda BT-50 (third generation)

    Mazda BT-50 (third generation)

    A platform twin of the third-generation D-Max; use the D-Max's double-fang grille as the front-end cue.39

Against its rivals

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “KB300: 12,243.38 km in 72 hours”
    • “11th at Dakar, best diesel pickup”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 32 sources
  1. 2018 Honda City Philippines: Price, Specs, & Review topgear.com.ph
  2. Isuzu begins production of D-MAX EV pickup truck in Thailand ー Mass production of new model to target key European markets ー | Newsroom | ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED isuzu-global.com
  3. Isuzu D-Max - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Isuzu pick-up D-MAX has undergone a full model change in the first time in 8 years | Newsroom | ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED isuzu-global.com
  5. All-New Isuzu D-MAX to take driving experience ‘INTO NEW HEIGHTS’ isuzuphil.com
  6. Sydney show: Isuzu D-Max debuts in Australia | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  7. Isuzu D-Max 7th Gen Buyer's Guide (2022-2026) - Buyer's Guide - AutoTrader autotrader.co.za
  8. All-new Isuzu D-max Is Smarter, Stronger and Safer - Isuzu isuzu.co.uk
  9. Ford Ranger vs Isuzu D-Max | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. New Isuzu D-MAX BLADE: Capability Without Compromise | Isuzu UTE Australia isuzuute.com.au
  11. New 2.2L Engine for D-MAX & MU-X | Isuzu UTE Australia isuzuute.com.au
  12. Bangkok 2024: Isuzu D-Max facelift shown - revised styling; 1.9L/3.0L turbodiesel, 6AT/6MT; from RM75k - paultan.org paultan.org
  13. Isuzu D-Max review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Used Isuzu D-Max (2nd-gen) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  15. Buying Used: The Ultimate Isuzu D-MAX 2012-2020 Buyers Guide – Loaded 4X4 loaded4x4.store
  16. Limited-run Isuzu D-Max Centurion shown off at 2016 CV Show | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Isuzu D-Max (2012-2020) pick-up review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. Pricing announced for new Isuzu D-Max range | The Van Expert thevanexpert.co.uk
  19. 2024 Isuzu D-Max price and specs | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  20. 2025 Isuzu D-Max Blade review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  21. Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 and Huntsman editions return to trusty pick-up truck line-up | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  22. New Isuzu D-Max XTR 2019 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  23. Limited Edition Isuzu D-MAX X-RUNNER: Born To Freestyle - News | Isuzu UTE Australia isuzuute.com.au
  24. ISUZU Celebrates 45 Years of Local Bakkie Production with Limited Edition D-MAX 45 isuzu.co.za
  25. UNVEILING STEEL EDITION - Isuzu isuzu.co.uk
  26. いすゞ・ワスプ - Wikipedia ja.wikipedia.org
  27. Isuzu Faster - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  28. Mr. Common-Rail Diesel - Featured Stories | Isuzu UTE Australia isuzuute.com.au
  29. ALEXANDER WINS 2019 SUPERUTES CHAMPIONSHIP - JUST 4X4S just4x4s.com.au
  30. The Thailand-Built Wonder Truck that Rules the Jungle and Dragstrip Has an American Cousin roadandtrack.com
  31. Top Gear series 33 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  32. ‘Top Gear’ Recap: ‘Season 33, Episode 1’ – Nerds That Geek - Nerds That Geek nerdsthatgeek.com
  • topgear.com.ph
  • isuzu-global.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • isuzuphil.com
  • goauto.com.au
  • autotrader.co.za
  • isuzu.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • isuzuute.com.au
  • paultan.org
  • redriven.com
  • loaded4x4.store
  • thevanexpert.co.uk
  • carexpert.com.au

Photo credits

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