Isuzu D-Max Review: Price, Towing, Fuel Economy & Verdict
Read Caroline's Isuzu D-Max review for everything you need to know about buying Isuzu's pick-up truck.
The Isuzu D-Max is well-known in Ireland as a tough, reliable pick-up, and has been the backbone of many farms and businesses around the country for over 20 years. In this review, I check out how it performs on- and off-road, its practicality, performance and real world fuel economy.
Isuzu Ireland has had a presence since 1985 as part of the Harris Group, a leading Irish importer of commercial vehicles for over 50 years.
The current generation of the D-Max has been updated to keep it at the races next to stiff competition from the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok, and coincides with a strategic expansion of the brand's Irish dealer network.
Design
The latest Isuzu D-Max has been given a subtle but effective facelift, with refreshed headlights, grille, bonnet and bumpers with new front air curtain designed to improve aerodynamics. A 'power bulge' has been added to the bonnet, while the front grille is higher and wider. The headlights now incorporate the daytime running lights in the upper part. The rear lights also have a new three level, L shaped design.The update sharpens its presence and gives the D-Max substantial kerb appeal next to rivals. There are single cab and double cab variants, as well as three trims for the latter: L, LS and LSE.
On test was the 2025 Isuzu D-Max LSE, which is the most salubrious of the range, and squares up to high spec versions of rivals. In LSE trim, the D-Max gains bi-LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels with a sporty dark grey finish, wrapped in Dunlop all-terrain tyres.
There's plenty of accessories that can be added too, like optional sports bars.
Interior
The interior finish of the D-Max LSE is a real highlight. There's a real feeling of quality and solidness, along with nice details like the stitching on the dash and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The LSE’s standard leather upholstery, heated seats and automatic climate control also raise comfort levels.
There's a newly designed driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen features in the LSE. The graphics are quite dated, but the standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work great. The screen also displays useful information for off-roading like angles, tyre pressures and what part of the 4WD system is active.
There's also plenty of buttons and dials for things like the climate control and off-road tools that make life easier.
Practicality
Space in the rear of the double cab is adequate, with room for three passengers. You get Isofix on the outer seats, an armrest, USB-C ports and rear vents in the LSE. The seat base can also lift for hidden storage and the seat back can fold down making the space even more flexible.
Is the Isuzu D-Max good for towing?
The D-Max is a serious workhorse and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and carry just over a tonne in the bed. A built-in step makes it easier to access cargo, and the range of accessories like the sturdy roll-cover on my test vehicle add versatility.
Driving
Power for the 2025 Isuzu D-Max comes from a 1.9-litre diesel with 163hp and 360Nm of torque, which is a smaller capacity engine than what’s offered in key rivals like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux. Performance is modest, with a 0–100km/h time of around 13 seconds, and it can be noisy at lower speeds. However, it does settle down well once cruising speeds are reached. The 6-speed automatic gearbox is generally smooth, though slow to react if caught off-guard for a burst of acceleration on the motorway for instance.
The LSE comes as standard with plenty of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, which make motorway driving safer and more pleasant. The steering is on the light side, which is fine for off-roading, but means it can feel less precise on faster roads. Ride comfort is soft but can feel bouncy over uneven roads, though a few bags of cement or timber in the bed would likely improve things!
Driving the D-Max off-road
The D-Max feels at home off-road, with switchable 4WD for low- and high-range gearing, a rear differential lock (on all but the entry model), and a new Rough Terrain mode. This works through the traction control system to brake the wheels that are slipping, while sending power to those that have grip to get you out of sticky situations.
Isuzu D-Max fuel consumption real world
Despite the smaller engine, the D-Max is still a thirsty brute with my average consumption finishing up at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
Isuzu D-Max Price in Ireland
Pricing for the Isuzu D-Max starts at around €43,075 including VAT for the single-cab version, while double-cab models start at €50,453. The top of the range LSE tested here is priced from €56,666. Regardless of trim, all models share the same 1.9-litre diesel engine and maintain the full 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
Isuzu D-Max Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent 3.5-tonne towing capacity
Strong off-road ability with diff lock and Rough Terrain Mode
High-quality interior in LSE trim
Proven reliability record.
Cons
1.9-litre engine lacks punch versus rivals
Noisy at low speeds
High fuel consumption.
Is the Isuzu D-Max worth buying?
The Isuzu D-Max LSE is built for hard work with its tough 4x4 off-road credentials, towing capacity and payload, but brings just enough comfort and technology for daily driving. The LSE has all the kerb appeal to mix with the best of them, and the interior finish is another highlight, along with plenty of nice features like heated leather seats and smartphone mirroring. The on-the-road driving manners are fine, but the 1.9 diesel engine does lack the power and polish of rivals. But the excellent build quality, solid off-road ability, and serious towing and payload figures mean the D-Max is still more than up for the job.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
