Review: Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x4 AT Standard – Basically Enough!

We've tested the new 'basic' Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x4 AT Standard recently!

Basic Pick-Up Truck Model? Really?

Technically, yes. Recently updated, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x4 AT Standard is one of the most ‘basic’ double-cab 4x4 pick-up trucks you can buy today. Don’t let its ‘Standard’ label fool you, this D-Max has decent styling and kit equipment to its some adversaries.

The de-chroming job really makes the D-Max Standard look more classy and handsome

For starters, the 2023 MY update sees minimal exterior styling tweaks that includes body colour-matching door and tailgate handles, and two-tone front grille finish instead of the silver ones seen in the previous model. The ‘de-chroming’ job makes the D-Max Standard look more classy, especially in Mercury Silver hue featured.

Aside from that, other standard equipment like 17-inch alloy wheels, combination taillights, halogen fog lamps and turn signals are still offered to this model, though bits like a sports bar and roof rails are all omitted. More importantly, the D-Max AT Standard is the only model in its competitive segment to get full-LED projector headlights with LED DRLs as standard.

Understanding that basic pick-up trucks are not everyone’s cup of tea, we’d reckon this ‘spartan’ D-Max Standard has got enough chops to at least not make you feel like you’re driving a mighty commercial truck. In fact, dare we say that its slightly-tweaked front face is pretty handsome compared to other basic pick-up trucks out there.

Ok, What About Its Cabin Equipment?

Naturally, here’s where most basic models suffer compared to its up-specced siblings. However, in the D-Max Standard’s defence, Isuzu Malaysia certainly has done enough to make it a somewhat ‘liveable’ for the daily.

Getting the basic stuff out of the way first, the D-Max Standard comes with fabric upholstery, manually-adjustable front seats, key ignition, hard plastic finishes, as well as a 4.2-inch e-Lumax multi-info display – all carried over from the previous model.

In spite of being a 'basic' model, the D-Max Standard is laced pretty decent cabin equipment

Highlights on this updated cabin is of course the new 7-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, but sans Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. USB ports are also abundant here, with both front and rear passengers getting their own plus a 12-volt socket, for good measure. Moreover, rear passengers also get dedicated rear A/C vents – the only model in segment to offer this, in fact.

The D-Max Standard is the only model in its segment to offer reverse camera view as standard!

By far the most important addition to this updated model is the new reverse camera primed in the tailgate. It works in-tandem with four exterior parking sensors to provide drivers much needed aid for parking. Surprisingly, the D-Max Standard is also the only model in this segment to offer a reverse camera.

Predictably, safety features are pretty ‘basic’ too in this baseline variant, where the truck does not boast any active safety features whatsoever. Instead, there are passive safety equipment like ABS with EBD, traction (TCS) and stability (VCS) controls are all present here, the D-Max Standard only gets two airbags –  one of the fewest amongst its rivals.

It’s plain to see there’s enough essential equipment to make it a pretty livable space for the daily, so as long as you don’t mind some of the minor shortcomings…

How Does This ‘Basic’ Truck Drive?

This is where the D-Max Standard fell a tad bit short compared to others.

The updated D-Max Standard retains its predecessor's 1.9-litre turbodiesel mill

For starters, the updated D-Max 1.9L AT 4x4 Standard still retains its predecessor’s 1.9-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel mill that is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift. Rated at 148 HP and 350 NM, this setup does lack a little in pep compared to its bigger-bored adversaries, which you can definitely feel in certain driving situations. Nevertheless, this ‘lacklustre’ powertrain setup is still torque-y enough to get this truck going.

In spite of its power deficit, the D-Max Standard still promises to be a capable off-roader, thanks to the addition of its new electronic locking differential in the rear axle. Absent in most of its rivals, this hardware is easily accessed by just the press of a button in the centre stack, promising improved off-road traction.

Unfortunately, no modifications have been made on either its damper setup or its chassis, meaning that the D-Max Standard is still susceptible to the typical body rolls and wobbly ride. Then again, these symptoms are typical of most ladder-framed trucks, so manage your expectations before finding yourself behind the wheel.

To summarise, the Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x4 AT Standard does suffer a bit in the driving department. In its defence though, you can’t expect Isuzu to fork out on a pricey setup in this ‘entry-level’ 4x4 model. It really is a case of “you get what you paid for”.

Is It Reliable Though?

While most pick-up trucks nowadays are built to last, this is where Japanese makes usually edge ahead of Chinese or Thai-American rivals.

This is especially true for the D-Max Standard, as it gets equipped with ol’ reliable and trusted equipment and mechanical parts, most notable being its 1.9-litre turbodiesel mill that’s tried and tested. As for other mechanical bits, the updated D-Max Standard’s minor mechanical upgrade means it can easily share parts with the previous models.

Aside from that, the engine’s smaller displacement compared to its rivals also garners the D-Max Standard with a pretty stellar fuel economy. Though Isuzu Malaysia did not explicitly mention its exact fuel consumption rate, we only managed to get a 10.6 litre/100 KM rate throughout our testing period, which mostly involved city and urban driving. At this rate, the D-Max Standard’s 76-litre fuel tank capacity can provide a maximum range of at least 700 KM.

A bigger upside here is the savings on the annual road tax fee – a ‘hidden’ running cost that many still overlook.

If you still somehow doubt Isuzu’s ability to steer away from mechanical gremlins in the D-Max Standard, perhaps the five-year or 150,000 KM warranty provided ought to suffice in alleviating those negative thoughts.

What’s The Cost Of All This?

Tagged at a base price of RM112,999 sans insurance, the newly-updated Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x4 AT Standard as tested is one of the most affordable in segment. In fact, most of its rivals are tagged closer to the RM120,000 mark, thus making the D-Max Standard seem like a better deal.

This is especially true after factoring in some of its segment-leading features, which helps to not only mask some of its shortcomings, but also shed-off some of its previous ‘agrarian’ image to a certain extent.

Safe to say that the Isuzu D-Max Standard is one of the best 'basic' pick-up truck in the market today

Yes, one might argue that you might as well fork out extra for a higher-specced pick-up truck with better equipment and amenities. However, we’re certain the Isuzu D-Max Standard strikes a perfect balance between utility and daily usability – a truck that you won’t mind trashing out for work but at the same time, remain decent enough for school and shop runs in relative comfort.

That being said, what do you think of the new Isuzu D-Max Standard? Can you see yourself in this ‘basic’ pick-up truck tasked as your all-in-one daily driver?

SPECIFICATIONS

ISUZU D-MAX 1.9L 4X4 AT STANDARD