All automatic variants of the Isuzu D-Max in Malaysia also now gain a new 8-speed gearbox.
While diesel may not be the most affordable fuel these days, it nevertheless hasn’t stopped Isuzu from rolling out an update to its popular D-Max pickup. And the big news with this latest refresh is the local debut of a new 2.2-litre turbocharged oil-burner, replacing the outgoing 1.9-litre unit that previously powered the bulk of the range.
Diving into the new engine, it is far more than just a simple capacity bump. The 2.2-litre unit features a new block, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, along with a new turbocharger and a high-pressure 250 MPa fuel injection system.
Output-wise, the 2,164 cc four-cylinder turbodiesel delivers 163 PS at 3,600 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm to 2,400 rpm. Or to pit it against the outgoing 1.9-litre, this represents a gains of 13 PS and 50 Nm.
Isuzu further claims a 56% improvement in off-the-line response, thanks to 255 Nm being available from just 1,000 rpm. Though this enhanced drivability is likely also aided by the new eight-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Aisin, which adds two extra ratios over the previous gearbox.
And despite the bump in performance, efficiency hasn’t been compromised. Isuzu quotes a 10.7% improvement in extra-urban fuel consumption, while emissions are said to be reduced by 21%, with particulate emissions cut by up to 99%. This is achieved via the inclusion of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate diffuser (DPD) and intelligent exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), with the engine also capable of running on biodiesel blends of up to B20.
As for the rest of the updates here, changes on the outside of the D-Max remain relatively subtle, building on the more significant facelift introduced two years ago. A lightly revised grille and headlamp design up front is joined by a new taillight cluster round its rump, which now also features standard tailgate assist across the range.
Now moving along inside meanwhile, the updates are similarly modest but welcome. The X-Terrain, Premium and Auto Plus variants now get a new 10-inch infotainment unit, while the Standard AT and MT variants receive a seven-inch display. There are also slight revisions to the door insert design and upholstery patterns, with leather trim for the X-Terrain and Premium, and fabric for the Auto Plus and Standard variants.
Also worth highlighting is a slight revision to the variant lineup, which now includes what Isuzu claims to be the first automatic transmission-equipped single-cab pick-up truck in Malaysia. The D-Max Single Cab further gains a Rough Terrain mode, a new centre console with armrest, body-coloured bumpers, and a new Mercury Silver metallic paint option.
Full pricing for the 2026 Isuzu D-Max lineup in Malaysia is as follows:
Single Cab:
- 2.2L 4×4 MT Single Cab: RM 103,121.20
- 2.2L 4×4 AT Single Cab: RM 109,121.20
- 3.0L 4×4 MT Single Cab: RM 108,888.40
Standard:
- 2.2L 4×4 MT Standard: RM 114,171.20
- 2.2L 4×4 AT Standard: RM 122,171.20
Auto Plus:
- 2.2L 4×2 Auto Plus: RM 114,671.20
Premium:
- 2.2L 4×4 AT Premium: RM 141,821.20
- 3.0L 4×4 AT Premium: RM 145,138.40
X-Terrain:
- 3.0L 4×4 AT X-Terrain: RM 162,938.40
Most variants of the 2026 D-Max in Malaysia are sold with a five-year, 150,000 km warranty, while the X-Terrain flagship gets a more generous seven-year, unlimited mileage coverage. All variants also come with a two-year, 20,000 km free periodic maintenance package.
