Upgraded 2023 Isuzu D-Max Introduced – Light Upgrades, New 4x4 Diff Lock, From RM94,949 Onwards

Heads up pick-up truck and 4x4 fans, Isuzu Malaysia has refreshed its evergreen and proven D-Max pick-up truck range for its 2023 model year guise. Like before, a total of 8 variants will be available across four main grades, both single- and dual-cab body styles, plus the choice between 2 powertrains.

For this refresh cycle, Isuzu Malaysia has endowed the D-Max with a host of aesthetics changes inside and out aimed towards improving both comfort and its overall style. On the exterior, all variants are now primed with a redesigned front grille. Both Auto Plus and Standard variants now get new 17-inch wheels whilst the Flagship X-Terrain boasts new 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black.

Both the X-Terrain and Premium variants get new Dolomite White Pearl and Islay Gray Mica colour choices added. In the case of the X-Terrain, it also gets a host of new exterior body accents. In the Premium, Auto Plus, and Standard AT variants, Isuzu Malaysia now offers a new Biarritz Blue Metallic paintjob option as well.

On board, the X-Terrain flagship’s cabin is now primed with new Café Brown accents in the dash and steering wheel pipe stitching. It also gets new all-black leather seat upholstery with a new stitch pattern design. In both the Auto Plus and Standard variants, these are now primed with new all-black fabric leather seats too.

Tech upgrades in the X-Terrain, Premium, and Auto Plus variants sees a new 15-watt wireless smartphone charging pad added. There’s also a newly added USB-C charge port for faster device charges in the X-Terrain and Premium variants. In the single-cab variant, its kit list is not boosted with the addition of keyless entry and a new 12-volt power socket.

Capping off the tech upgrades is the addition both a forward- and rear-facing digital video recorder (DVR or ‘dashcam) in the flagship X-Terrain. Standard-equipped in said flagship now, the forward-facing unit is neatly integrated into the forward ADAS sensors housing just behind the rear-view mirror.

Recorded footage, rated at 1440P (front) and 1080P (rear), are accessible via the on-board memory card or through a dedicated smartphone app.

On the mechanical front, both the 3.0-litre and 1.9-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel powertrains remains unchanged, the former serving up 190 PS and 450 NM whilst the latter develops 150 PS and 350 NM instead. Both are paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, depending on variant.

Crucially, all 4x4-equipped variants now benefit with a newly added Diff Lock (differential locking). This electronically-actuated rear differential locking unit can be accessed by jus the press of a button in the centre stack, promising improved off-road traction, even through uneven terrain or slippery surfaces.

Lastly, another key mechanical upgrade is the adoption of a revised suspension setup primed in the 3.0-litre Single-cab Premium Automatic variant. According to Isuzu, this upgrade increases said variant’s payload capacity from 580 KG to 775 KG, marking a 195 KG improvement. The firm further notes that this upgrade was made to suit demands of customers in East Malaysia in particular.

As for prices, here are the figures:

Note: Prices are for private individual purchases in Peninsular Malaysia.

As for warranties, only the flagship X-Terrain variant gets a 7-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage. All other variants, on the other hand, gets a 5-year or 150,000 KM warranty coverage instead.