2019 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 MT Type B Review

Malaysia's pickup truck market has always been a battleground for durability and practicality. The 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 MT Type B specifically targets users who need to balance daily commuting and light off-roading — after all, a pickup truck that can both carry goods and passengers has always been in steady demand, especially in suburban or rural areas. The core of this test drive is to see whether this manual diesel 4WD version can meet the target users' expectations in terms of power, handling, and practicality.

From the exterior, the 2019 D-MAX maintains the typical rugged pickup style. With body dimensions of 5295mm in length, 1860mm in width, 1795mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3095mm, its overall outline is square and robust. The muscular feel mainly comes from the two raised lines on the hood and the shape of the wheel arches on the sides. At the front, the chrome-trimmed grille connects to the halogen headlights on both sides. Although not as striking as LED lights, halogen lamps are practical enough for penetrating through the often rainy local weather. The rear design is simple, with vertically arranged taillights and a towing hitch interface reserved below the rear bumper, which aligns with the utility-oriented nature of a pickup. The paint finish is fairly standard, with evenly spaced seams in detail and no evident assembly flaws.

Stepping inside, the interior design leans more towards practicality rather than luxury. The dashboard is primarily made of hard plastic materials, which feel slightly rough to the touch, but frequently touched areas such as the armrest are covered with soft materials to alleviate fatigue during long drives. The instrument panel features a backlit analog design, with a clear layout of the tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, and water temperature gauge. The readings are straightforward and remain visible even under strong light. The multi-functional steering wheel comes standard with volume control and call answer buttons. The operation is simple and requires no additional learning. The center console is equipped with a manual air conditioning system, with knobs that have a moderate damping feel and are easy to adjust. Below, a 220V/230V power outlet is provided, which is very practical for users who require outdoor electricity. The seats are manually adjustable and made of fabric material with decent support. The lumbar support in the front seats is adequate, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split to expand the trunk's storage space.

Space is one of the advantages of this pickup. The front row has a headroom of about a fist and two fingers (tested by a 175cm tall person), and ample legroom. After adjusting the driver's seat, the rear row still has about two fists' worth of legroom and one fist of headroom. Accommodating three adults in the rear seat would not feel cramped. The center floor in the rear has a slight rise but doesn't impede the foot placement of the middle passenger. For storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box is deep enough to accommodate a large-screen phone and a wallet, and there is a hidden storage compartment under the rear seats — a detail designed for practical everyday use.

In terms of performance, the 3.0L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 177PS at 3600rpm, with a maximum torque output available as early as 1800rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. At startup, as long as the clutch semi-engagement point is accurately mastered, the vehicle does not feel strained even when fully loaded. The low torque output at 1800rpm inspires confidence when climbing slopes or navigating through obstacles at low speeds. When switching to 4WD mode, the vehicle performs well on muddy terrain or light off-road surfaces, with evenly distributed power and stable tire grip. During daily driving, the gear shifts are precise with a moderate travel distance. The coordination between clutch and accelerator is smooth. At highway speeds (100 km/h), the engine operates at around 2000rpm, with noise levels staying within an acceptable range. Wind and tire noise become more noticeable at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, but this is considered normal for a pickup.

The handling and chassis performance meet expectations. The front double wishbone independent suspension can filter out most of the fine vibrations when dealing with bumpy roads, so rear passengers will not feel overly bumpy; the rear leaf spring suspension is relatively stiff but provides sufficient support when carrying loads. The steering wheel has moderate resistance with minimal play, and the body roll is within a reasonable range during cornering, without any noticeable sense of swaying. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc brakes deliver linear braking force, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking without deviation. In the fuel consumption test, the combined fuel efficiency (60% city roads, 40% highways) was approximately 8.5L/100km, which is above average in its class for a 3.0L diesel pickup truck.

In terms of driving comfort, the seats provide good support, and there is no significant soreness in the lower back and hips even after a 2-hour long drive. Regarding noise control, the engine noise at idle is about 65 decibels, and cabin noise at 100 km/h on highways is approximately 75 decibels. Compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, the noise control is slightly inferior but still within an acceptable range. The manual transmission lacks an energy recovery system, but the clutch pedal has moderate resistance and does not cause excessive fatigue to the left foot.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 MT Type B lie in its practical space, stable power output, and decent off-road capabilities. Compared to its competitor, the Hilux, it is more affordable (RM 106,738) and comes with extra features such as a 220V power supply and keyless entry, offering better value for money. Compared to the Ranger, it provides better low-end torque, making it more suitable for light off-road needs. This vehicle is ideal for users who need to balance family use with light off-road activities, such as suburban small business owners, families who enjoy outdoor camping, or users looking for a durable work truck.

Overall, the 2019 D-MAX 3.0L 4x4 MT Type B is a well-rounded pickup truck with no significant weaknesses. Its durability and practicality are its core competitive advantages. If you need a vehicle that can carry loads, transport passengers, and occasionally go off-roading in the countryside, this truck is worth considering.