Isuzu D-Max 2025 Review - Punching Well Above its Weight
Keeping up with the competition
Pickup trucks are a common sight on UK roads, and for good reason. For many, they’re the perfect all-around vehicle, suitable for everything from the everyday grind to far-seeking weekend adventures — and everything in between. The competition in this segment is fierce, with key players like Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan and Toyota all fighting for the top spot.
For 2025, Isuzu has updated the D-Max, introducing some notable aesthetic tweaks, enhanced tech and safety features, and a new driving mode designed to conquer slippery and muddy terrain—all on factory tyres. But are these updates enough to outshine the competition?
A Strong Look
I’ll be honest: the front of the D-Max looks very good. It has been nicely updated, with a raised bonnet that gives the truck a more aggressive stance. There are also practical changes aimed at improving aerodynamics.
The side profile has received less attention aside from the new alloy wheel designs that prioritise practicality somewhat. The V-Cross now comes with black powder-coated wheels instead of the previous diamond-cut alloys—an upgrade that’s easier on your wallet and your nerves when you get too close to curbs or venture off-road. The DL40 do still get diamond-cut alloys, though.
At the rear, the light cluster and door design have been updated. While the rear end remains a large, somewhat unremarkable area to design, the overall look comes together well. It’s not the most striking in the segment, but it’s a solid effort.
Interior Comfort: Thoughtful Upgrades
The previous generation of the D-Max had a solid, comfortable interior, though it lacked...fanciness. Isuzu has listened to customer feedback and updated key areas, particularly the outdated infotainment system and somewhat boring instrument cluster.
Now, the D-Max features a larger, faster-responding infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay (8-inch in everything except the DL40 and V-Cross which get a 9-inch). The DL40 and V- Cross trims also get an updated instrument cluster that offers a larger display. Plus, every variant now comes with a reversing camera as standard.
The driver’s seat remains comfortable, with good headroom and easy access to controls. The rear cabin has also remained reasonable, offering decent legroom and even USB-C charging ports. The V-Cross, as the top-spec model, boasts premium leather (and other material) seats and a 9-inch infotainment screen, along with other high-end touches like extra design details throughout.
A Reasonable Drive
The D-Max’s 1.9L diesel engine isn’t exactly a powerhouse compared to some of the competitors, with a standard output of 164PS and 360Nm of torque across the range. There are options for remapping the engine to around 200PS and 500Nm from some dealers, though this might just void your manufacturer warranty.
On the road, the automatic gearbox is impressively smooth and car-like, while the manual still carries a somewhat utilitarian feel. That said, it’s a far cry from the clunky experience of earlier D-Max models. A little more refinement in the manual box would take it to the next level.
On-road handling is surprisingly sharp, with somewhat direct steering and non-spongy brakes that don’t feel commercial at all. The automatic transmission contributes to a smooth, composed driving experience, making the D-Max feel much more refined than its price suggests.
Off-Road Capability: The Game Changer
Where the D-Max really shines is off-road. The new "rough terrain mode" enables the truck to tackle slippery, boggy conditions on factory tyres without breaking a sweat. During a recent launch event, heavy rainfall had turned the off-road course into quite the challenging mud pit, but the D-Max’s rough terrain mode helped it power through every rut and hill. Add all-terrain tyres, and this could very well be the most capable pickup in the segment for almost any off-road scenario—while still being the most affordable.
Technology is vastly improved
The stereo camera on the front now enables better forward collision assistance, not to mention the fact that it has a ‘predictability’ feature, assessing if that car might just try and merge into you.
Intelligent adaptive cruise is quick to respond to changing speed limits thanks to the faster and more accurate speed-sign recognition on the D-Max. It can even read stop signs, motorway slip roads etc.
Alongside this you also get features like:
- Attention assist (pay attention to the road or else)
- Blindspot monitor (for the tiny cars which like to hide away)
- Traffic jam assist (it welcome to a halt and pull off again without you touching anything)
- Turn assist (incase a car suddenly appears out of no where)
... and honestly much more too. This is a pickup truck filled to the brim with technology.
Should You Buy One?
If you’re regularly towing heavy loads, the D-Max can get the job done. It’s capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes and handling a 1-tonne payload, but the relatively low engine output means you’ll need to push it hard to make progress. For those who tow heavy loads day in and day out, you might find yourself leaning toward competitors with more powerful engines.
However, if towing isn’t your main priority, the D-Max is an absolute winner in my books. It’s the most affordable pickup in its class, it can tow 3.5 tonnes, it’s versatile and comfortable inside, and it’s surprisingly capable off-road. It’s not the most premium offering in the segment, but it’s a reliable workhorse that punches well above its weight—and in 2025, that’s a valuable thing.
With upcoming changes to BIK in April 2025, now’s the time to act. Order before then, and you won’t be affected until 2029, giving you plenty of time to plan for the all-new electric D-Max when it arrives at dealers (hopefully, in 2026).
Prices start at £27,495 CVOTR, with the top-spec V-Cross coming in at around £39,995 CVOTR— still cheaper than most rivals.
words: Tom Kent
pictures: Isuzu