Farmers, tradespeople, those who like their leisure vehicle to be rough and tough – Isuzu have the bases covered.

D-Max launched back in 2012 and from this year (2025), Isuzu simplified its D-Max range for prospective buyers, offering Business users the Utility model, and multi purpose buyers the DL20, DL40 and V-Cross models.

It was given a facelift in 2023 – a case of a mild tickle and no need for widespread changes because it already did what it said on the tin…

But there’s been a move towards lifestyle users – posh pick-up drivers if you like – so the top of the range V-Cross has found favour and last year they hit their best sales year to date with over 6,500 D-Max variants finding homes in the UK.

And that’s despite what can only be looked on as somewhat old fashioned technology. There’s a sturdy ladder frame chassis with leaf spring suspension at the rear. 

Engine choice? There’s only one, a 1.9 litre turbodiesel that assaults your senses and sounds like a 25-year-old Transit. It’s a bit unrefined, and that’s being kind, but it does it’s job with a respectable level of efficiency and power, and is capable of towing 3.5 tonnes.

There is a choice of gearbox – either six speed manual or six speed auto, the latter getting the 2015kg V-Cross up to speed, where the steering feels very light and turning lock to lock or when manoeuvring means you need quick hands. Its road manners take you back a few years – a nostalgic trip behind the wheel.
But despite its commercial vehicle feel, D-Max can actually be driven at passenger car speed limits in the UK thanks to its sub-2,040kg kerb weight.

As a workhorse there’s not a lot better, especially if you opt for the lower spec variants. In V-Cross trim you probably won’t be putting bags of cement or anything else grubby into the fully carpeted load area which on this model featured an Aeroklas E-Tronic leisure canopy, roof rails, wireless charger, tow bar and 13-pin electrics. Set up very much for the leisure user.The four-cylinder diesel does provide a useful 162bhp and 266lb/ft of low down torque, and it’ll get you to 62mph in 13 seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph.

The high spec V-Cross’s move into the lifestyle market means a different feel and look to the interior. It gets leather, soft touch materials, comfier seats and a nine-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Decent space inside too for both front and rear-seat passengers. Storage isn’t in short supply, either, with two gloveboxes and an extra compartment nestled into the top of the dash. And, you know, a mighty great cargo bed just a couple of feet behind you.

Business users probably won’t have a problem parking on the farm or building site but the downside for leisure users is that at just under 5.3 metres long you ned more than your average space to park up. Best to spec the tow bar as an extra – people doing like hitting them…. 

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

Price: £40,900
Engine: 1.9 litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 162 bhp
Torque: 266 lb/ft
Transmission: six speed automatic
Top speed: 112 mph
0-62mph: 13 seconds
Economy: 31.4mpg
Emissions: 235 g/km

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