2019 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 AT-P Review

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, models that cater to both daily household use and light off-road needs have always been the mainstay. Especially the diesel-powered 4x4 versions, which are both practical for suburban road conditions and capable of occasional outdoor adventures. The 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 AT-P, as a popular configuration in this series, enters the market with solid diesel power, spacious interiors, and practical features. This test drive focuses on its performance in daily commuting, cargo loading, and light off-road scenarios to see if it can balance the dual needs of family users and small business operators.

In terms of appearance, this D-MAX maintains the typical rugged style of a pickup truck, with a simple overall design without excessive flashy elements. At the front, the large grille with chrome accents, paired with the LED headlights on both sides, gives it a recognizable look; the round fog lights below are surrounded by black plastic cladding, consistent with the durable positioning of a pickup truck. On the side, the 5295mm length and 1860mm width give it a stable presence, while the 18-inch alloy wheels paired with 255/60 R18 tires ensure sufficient ground clearance without being too exaggerated. At the rear, the vertical tail light design, along with the rear bumper equipped with a black scratch-resistant coating, prioritizes practicality. Overall, the exterior is understated and durable, making it ideal for users who value robustness over personalized design.

Stepping inside, the interior design is primarily dark-toned, with a significant use of hard plastics, though the detailing is fairly tidy. The dashboard layout is clear, with an 8-inch touchscreen at the center. While the interface response isn't particularly fast, basic functions such as Bluetooth and USB connectivity are all provided. Below the screen are physical buttons for the manual air-conditioning controls, which are straightforward and easy to use. In terms of features, keyless entry and start come as standard, making daily use convenient; the multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and Bluetooth phone calls. Although it is manually adjustable, the position is relatively easy to find. The seats are made of fabric material, with manual adjustment for the front seats, and the rear seats support 60:40 split folding, providing extra space when occasionally carrying cargo. It's worth noting that the rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX anchors and a 220V power outlet, which is practical for family users.

Space performance lives up to the expectations for a pickup truck. The 3095mm wheelbase provides ample legroom in the rear, while the 1795mm height ensures plenty of headroom in the front, even for passengers up to 180cm, who won't feel cramped. With three adults in the rear seats, the lateral space is just adequate, and the middle passenger can barely place their feet on the elevated floor section. For storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box is moderately sized, and there are cup holders in the rear, making it sufficient for daily small-item storage needs. While the manufacturer has not provided detailed specifications for the cargo box size, the standard depth and width of a pickup truck bed ensure it can easily transport tools or large items.

In terms of power, the 3.0L turbocharged diesel engine has a maximum output of 177PS and a maximum torque that kicks in at 1800rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. From a standstill, the low-end torque of the diesel engine is evident, and even with a full load, the truck can start smoothly with light throttle input. During low- to mid-speed acceleration, the torque output is abundant, and accelerating for overtaking requires only a deep press of the accelerator. The gearbox shifts down actively, providing a prompt power response and handling city traffic and highway cruising with ease. The driving modes include 2H, 4H, and 4L, and switching between these requires the vehicle to be stationary. For light off-road driving, switching to 4H mode ensures stable traction on muddy or gravel roads, while 4L mode amplifies the torque, making it sufficient for climbing small slopes or handling tough terrains.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is on the heavier side, in line with the tuning style of pickup trucks, and the steering is fairly precise, making daily driving not feel vague. The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent suspension, and although the rear suspension uses leaf springs, the tuning is not too stiff. When passing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the vehicle absorbs vibrations quite well, without a strong sense of bouncing. At high speeds, the vehicle remains stable, and the steering wheel does not feel light when cruising at 120km/h. Regarding fuel consumption, under mixed driving conditions, the actual measurement is roughly 8.5L/100km, and the fuel economy of diesel engines does outperform gasoline engines. With a 76L fuel tank, a full tank can easily cover more than 800 kilometers.

For driving comfort, the fabric seats offer good support and won’t make your lower back feel too tired after long hours of driving. The rear seat angle is slightly inclined, making it adequate for short trips, but it might feel a bit stiff for long journeys. As for noise control, the vibration and noise of the diesel engine are quite noticeable when idling, but during driving, wind and tire noise are relatively well-controlled, and conversation inside the car is unaffected at speeds below 80km/h. Braking performance is stable, with a moderate pedal travel, and during emergency braking, the vehicle’s posture isn’t overly dramatic.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 AT-P lie in its solid diesel power, spacious interior, and practical features. The 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty also provides peace of mind for users. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, it’s more affordable, and while it doesn’t offer an abundance of luxury features, it includes all essential practical configurations. This vehicle is suitable for two groups of people: first, small business operators who need a vehicle that can be used for both family and cargo purposes, and second, families who occasionally enjoy outdoor travel and prioritize reliability. If you don’t require too many tech features and simply need a durable, powerful, and spacious pickup truck, the D-MAX is a good choice.