2018 Isuzu D-MAX 2.5L 4x4 AT Z-Prestige Review

In recent years, Malaysia's pickup truck market has been booming. The demand for "dual-purpose" 4x4 pickups among family users and small business owners has seen noticeable growth. The 2018 Isuzu D-MAX 2.5L 4x4 AT Z-Prestige is a key model targeting this particular segment. As a mid-to-high-end variant of the D-MAX series, it not only continues Isuzu's consistent reputation for durability but also sees upgrades in configuration and comfort. This time, we conducted an actual test drive to verify whether it can meet the needs of daily commuting, light off-roading, and cargo transportation.

In terms of appearance, the 2018 D-MAX Z-Prestige balances ruggedness and refinement in its design. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome accents. The sharp-looking combination of halogen and LED headlights on both sides is integrated with the grille, enhancing the visual width. Below, the front bumper includes silver skid plate decorations, which elevate the off-road vibe. The side profile of the vehicle exhibits straight lines, with a 3095mm wheelbase ensuring generous rear seat space and bed length. The 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60R18 tires align with the practical positioning of a pickup truck while appearing more premium than the base model. As for the rear, the vertically arranged taillights are highly recognizable. The rear bumper is also equipped with a silver skid plate, echoing the design of the front end. The D-MAX logo on the bed's side panels is clear and contributes to the overall stable and distinctive style of the truck.

Inside the cabin, the interior adopts a predominantly dark color scheme, with the dashboard featuring hard plastic materials paired with a small amount of silver trim. Although the materials are more practical, the seams are even, meeting Isuzu's durability standards. The dashboard layout is simple; the upper section houses a multimedia display screen that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic navigation functionality, while the lower section has single-zone automatic climate control knobs that are intuitive and user-friendly. In terms of features, the Z-Prestige comes standard with keyless entry and start, as well as a multi-functional steering wheel that provides adjustments for volume and allows for phone call handling, making everyday use convenient. The instrument cluster adopts an electroluminescent analog design, clearly displaying information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level. The seats are manually adjustable, but they are well-padded, providing adequate support for the front seats. The rear seats have a 60:40 split-folding design, which can be folded down to expand storage space. The rear also features air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, meeting the practical needs of rear passengers.

Space is one of the strengths of the D-MAX, with overall dimensions of 5295mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1795mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3095mm. When seated in the front row, a 175cm tall individual would have approximately one fist's worth of headroom and ample legroom. In the rear, knee space measures about two fists, and headroom is roughly one fist, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. For storage, the front central armrest offers substantial capacity, and the door pockets can hold two bottles of water. There are also small storage spots under and to the sides of the rear seats for storing everyday items. Although the bed dimensions are not specified separately, actual measurements show it can easily accommodate two standard suitcases or smaller cargo, which is suitable for small business owners.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with a 2.5L diesel engine that delivers a maximum of 136PS horsepower, with peak torque available from as low as 1800rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During driving, the low-end torque is strong, and throttle response is quick at startup. Even when fully loaded, the vehicle does not struggle to get moving. At medium and low speeds, the gearbox shifts smoothly with almost no noticeable jerking. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator hard prompts the transmission to downshift promptly, providing a seamless power output. However, acceleration becomes slightly lacking at high speeds (above 120km/h), making the vehicle more suited for daily commuting and light off-roading rather than aggressive driving. The four-wheel-drive system supports shifting between high-speed two-wheel drive, high-speed four-wheel drive, and low-speed four-wheel drive. When facing muddy roads or light off-road terrain, the high-speed four-wheel-drive mode offers sufficient traction, and its ability to escape challenging conditions should meet the requirements of most users.

The handling and chassis performance are in line with the positioning of a pickup truck. The front suspension is a double wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension uses leaf springs as a non-independent suspension. When driving on urban roads, the suspension filters out most minor bumps, but when passing over speed bumps or large potholes, the rear suspension's bounce is more noticeable, which is a common issue with leaf springs. The steering system uses hydraulic assistance, and while the steering wheel is slightly heavy, it is precise and the vehicle remains stable at high speeds without feeling floaty. In terms of fuel consumption, the measured fuel consumption under mixed driving conditions is about 8.5L/100km. The diesel engine demonstrates excellent fuel efficiency, and the 76L fuel tank capacity provides a range of approximately 890km, making it suitable for long-distance travel.

As for driving comfort, the noise from the diesel engine is slightly noticeable at idle, but when driving, the wind noise and road noise are well controlled, and the interior conversations are unaffected at speeds below 80km/h. Although the suspension's bump absorption is not as good as that of an SUV, it is considered above-average among pickup trucks. The seating comfort is commendable, with moderately supportive front seats and reasonably angled rear seats, making long journeys less tiring. In terms of safety features, it comes standard with ABS, vehicle stability control, dual airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and parking camera, which meet basic safety requirements. However, the relatively small number of airbags is a minor drawback.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX 2.5L 4x4 AT Z-Prestige lie in its durability, spaciousness, and practical features. Compared to the Toyota Hilux in the same class, it offers better value for money (approximately RM112,689) and comes with additional features like keyless entry and a 220V power outlet. Compared to the Ford Ranger, while its power parameters are slightly lower, its fuel efficiency is better, and maintenance costs are also lower. This vehicle is suitable for two groups of people: those who need to balance family commuting with light cargo transport, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy mild off-roading and prioritize vehicle durability.

In conclusion, the 2018 D-MAX Z-Prestige is a practical pickup truck with "no significant shortcomings." While it does not come with overly flashy features, it excels in durability, space, and practicality, perfectly meeting the needs of its target users. If you're looking for a 4x4 pickup truck that can handle both cargo and family use, and you prioritize long-term reliability, then this vehicle is worth considering.