This content is out of date and scheduled to be removed.

Review: Isuzu D-Max Yukon Double Cab

Image of John Simpson
Author: | Updated: 23 Feb 2015 15:40

With a 3.5 ton towing capacity, the D-Max is one of the most capable pick-ups on the market but is it better than the L200 and Navara?

The pick-up market has erm, picked up in recent years as carbuyers realise their unique ability to serve as an industrial workhorse in the week and a five-seat family runaround the rest of the time.

Any pick-up truck hoping to truly compete needs to be rugged and sizeable enough to handle a tough day on a building site but refined and comfortable enough for a weekend away.

The second generation D-Max is one of the many versatile but perhaps lesser known options available alongside the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok.

The second generation Isuzu D-Max can tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes

The test model you see in these pictures came powered by a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine with optional all-wheel drive - the only unit available in the D-Max – mated to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission.

It’s the only engine available so it’s just as well it’s decent, producing 163PS and up to 400Nm of torque. That’s enough pulling power to tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes but that torque isn’t as obvious until you really get moving and compared to the L200 and Navara, it is notably slower off the mark.

There isn’t an official 0-62mph time but we’d place it at around 15 seconds and despite its calmer acceleration, the D-Max’s top speed of 112mph is higher than that of the L200 and Ford Ranger.

At almost 5.3 metres long, the D-Max isn't the most manoeuvrable vehicle

No pick-ups are particularly easy to manoeuvre and measuring almost 5.3 metres long with a 12.2 metre turning circle, the L200 is no different. In most everyday situations, the D-Max is almost as manageable as any of its rivals but cornering just requires that extra bit of work.

This means that side streets are hairier territory naturally but pottering about is surprisingly less stressful than you’d expect. The 18-inch wheels help smooth out any road crevices and it is extremely comfortable on longer drives.

You sit high in the D-Max but a privileged ride height is one of the givens in this segment, elevating the driver higher than virtually any other road car.

With four doors, five seats, and bags of space inside, the D-Max is certainly family friendly but its industrious streak limit its friendliness

Fuel efficient

For a vehicle this size, you’d be forgiven for thinking it guzzles like a fish but officially, the D-Max is actually the most fuel efficient of its rivals, returning 38.2mpg combined.

That said, in the real world, we only managed 31mpg over 200 miles, much of it motorway and unladen. The Isuzu is the cheapest to tax though, emitting 194g/km CO2 and landing it in VED Band J (£285 a year).

For those keen to utilise their D-Max’s workhorse qualities, there’s around 1100 litres of load space, capable of carting anything 1552mm long and 1530mm wide.

The vinyl tonneau peel-back cover limits the load area’s height to 465mm and although you could get around that by just leaving the cover reclined, you’d have to bear in mind the load area’s fabric floor on wet days. Plus chucking in anything too mucky would ruin the fabric instantly.

Family friendly

The upright seats are better suited to shorter drivesWith four doors, five seats, and bags of space inside, the D-Max is certainly family friendly but its industrious streak limits its friendliness.

The hard plastics, stripped-back interior, upright seats, and dated infotainment system (a £930 extra) remind you that you’re in a commercial vehicle.

The transmission lever clicks between settings nicely enough but the physical stick feels rickety while plastics feel thinner and cheaper than in its rivals, especially on the central armrest where the lid could quite easily snap off.

The D-Max isn’t the most durable pick-up you can buy but it is tough where it counts and with a 3.5 ton towing capacity, it’s one of the most capable too.

D-Max at a glance:

Exterior dimensions: L: 5295mm, W: 1865mm, H: 1785mm, WB: 3095mm
Load space: L: 1552mm, W: 1530mm, H: 465mm, payload: 1072kg
Engine: 2.5-litre 163PS turbo diesel, semi-automatic six-speed transmission
Max torque: 400Nm at 1400-2000rpm
Turning circle:
12.2 metres
Combined fuel consumption: 38.2mpg
What we got: 31mpg
CO2 emissions: 194g/km
Kerb weight: 1772kg
Top speed: 112mph
List price: £19,499 OTR
Price as tested: £23,299 OTR

Categories:
Previous Post Next Post
Not sure what car you want?
  • Easy-to-use tool
  • Save time and money
  • Meet your match
Find your dream car

Manufacturer Spotlight