New 2025 Isuzu D-Max: Better Than Ever at Tackling Challenging Terrain

The new Isuzu D-Max aims to take the confidence in their abilities to new heights, particularly off-road, and we've had the opportunity to test the 2025 facelifted D-Max in some extreme all-terrain environments.

Since 2018, the Mk3 Isuzu D-Max has been carrying goods and passengers on terrain and tarmac, but its capabilities extend beyond carrying because it can also tow a respectable 3,500kg.

The latest D-Max has a fresh face and improved abilities, which we tested, so it should help build on their recent sales success.

On the road, it feels like the D-Max that came before it—it feels familiar. The 1.9-liter turbodiesel's distinctive sound is ever-present throughout the experience, only getting louder as you climb the revs. At idle, it rumbles, but it can get a little shouty as you pick up speed.

The ride is more what you'd prefer from an off-road pickup truck. It doesn't lean so much in the turns, as you might expect it to, but it does bounce around a little on bumps and potholes. I drove the 6-speed auto, which helps the ride quality, as the manual can sometimes be a little difficult to judge the gear ratios.

Despite being over five meters long, the D-Max is surprisingly easy to maneuver—especially since it now has a reversing camera as standard to complement the parking sensors. At just 187cm, the D-Max isn't much wider than a family sedan, and the 12.5-meter turning circle is surprisingly helpful in tight situations.

Despite its road-going abilities, it's off-road where the new D-Max excels above its previous iteration. Aside from the 4WD system that you can engage on the fly, there's also low range and locking diffs, but the D-Max has a new trick - rough terrain mode.

Isuzu pickup trucks are usually pretty good at tackling challenging terrain, but we subjected their newest truck to some extreme mud, which handled it well. All the systems, like hill descent and 4WD, keep the Isuzu straight and true, with minimal slip from the wheels. It can even drive on an angle—we only went as far as 30 degrees, which was pretty hair-raising.

You can feel the difference in ability when the rough terrain mode is engaged. It works best when you apply some power to the accelerator and allow the traction control to do its thing. It'll apply torque where needed and brake wheels that are spinning, which is useful for climbing muddy and slippery hills that don't otherwise seem possible.

The facelifted version still has the same rough-and-ready 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 164hp, so the changes are mainly improvements to driving assistance features and some cosmetic upgrades.

Some notable changes to the exterior include a resigned front radiator grille, which now features a sharper look. This is complemented by the redesigned Bi-LED headlights.

The front bumper also sports an air curtain to channel air along the sides of the car. At the back, there are now large decals on the tailgate for the V-Cross spec and smaller decals for the rest of the trim levels in the all-purpose range.

Compare the pre-facelift D-Max to the latest one, and you'll notice a pair of redesigned taillights. These now come in a triple shield design, adding to the sharp and angular aesthetic.

Isuzu has introduced a new color to satisfy discerning customers: Sienna orange—a vibrant color that'll stand out wherever it goes.

There are also some new wheel designs that look a bit brawny on the V-Cross version we tested. The top trim level still gets matt dark grey, two-tone for the DL40 and silver for the DL20. All Isuzu D-Max trucks in the all-purpose range come with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Let's not forget the utility models, which come with steel wheels and a stripped-back design ideal for commercial use.

Inside, the general feeling is the same as the pre-facelifted version, but you get a 9-inch multi-color touchscreen (8-inch on DL40 and DL20) that is quicker to respond than before.

There are a few minor changes to the interior trim, but aside from some subtle new seat designs, there isn't much to rave about here; after all, the Isuzu D-Max has always been built for purpose rather than novelty.

Driver assistance features have also been upgraded, including an improved front stereo camera at the top of the windscreen that can scan further up the road ahead and has a wider field of view. That means the D-Max now has intelligent adaptive cruise control, improved target recognition, and new traffic sign recognition systems.

Lastly, the latest D-Max has a new driving mode, labeled the 'rough terrain mode.' It acts like an enhanced version of traction control, directing torque to the relevant wheel when it is urgently required.

This means that the facelifted D-Max still has the same dependable recipe as before, but with the changes, it offers a better driving experience on the road and in tougher terrain.

Despite the pre-facelifted Isuzu D-Max being a thoroughly capable pickup truck, this new version still finds a way to impress. It may not be massively revolutionary in other ways, but it certainly builds on all that is admirable from the D-Max range.