2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT Review

In the Malaysian pickup truck market, there has always been a stable demand for models that combine loading capacity with daily household use. The 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT targets such users—those who need the practicality of a pickup truck without compromising on comfort. Its core selling points are Isuzu's durable diesel engine and relatively balanced features. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can balance work and family-use scenarios and evaluate the performance of the 1.9L diesel engine under local road conditions.

From the exterior, this D-Max retains Isuzu's rugged family design style with overall boxy lines that are not clumsy. The front grille is accented with chrome trims and connects to the halogen and LED combination headlights. Daytime running lights come as standard, providing good recognition when illuminated. The side waistline extends from the hood to the rear, and the footboards under the doors make it easier for passengers to get in and out. The 255/65 R17 tires paired with silver wheels strike a balance between practicality and visual appeal. The rear taillight design is simple, and the height of the tailgate is moderate, making it convenient for daily loading and unloading of cargo.

Stepping inside, the interior design leans towards practicality. The center console layout is clear, with most physical buttons concentrated below the screen for easy operation. The materials primarily consist of hard plastics, but the workmanship is relatively precise. A multifunctional steering wheel comes as standard, with audio and call controls on the left and instrument panel adjustment on the right. There is a 4.2-inch digital display screen in the center of the dashboard, showing basic information such as fuel consumption and range. The central touchscreen is 7 inches and supports the Sound Plus function. The sound quality of the six speakers is average for its class, sufficient for daily music needs.

One of this vehicle's advantages is its spacious interior. With a wheelbase measuring 3125mm, the front seats support six-way manual adjustment, allowing the driver to easily find a comfortable seating position. The rear seats have a 60:40 split-folding design, and the legroom is adequate for passengers around 175cm tall, leaving about one fist-width of space from the knees to the back of the front seats. In terms of storage, door pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest box and glove compartment are spacious enough. The rear also features air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet for passenger convenience in using electronic devices.

Regarding performance, the 1.9L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 150PS and peak torque between 1800-2600rpm, paired with an automatic transmission. The power response during startup is not particularly brisk, but once the turbo kicks in, there is a noticeable thrust. During urban driving when following other cars or overtaking, the transmission's shifting logic is smooth, with no obvious jerks. At highway speeds, the engine revs are maintained at around 2000rpm, and there is sufficient power reserve for cruising at 120km/h.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate weight and is relatively precise, with no noticeable play during daily driving. The front suspension is a double-wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension, although using leaf springs, is tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vibration is well-dampened and does not feel overly harsh. With a minimum ground clearance of 235mm, there is no need to worry about scraping the bottom when traversing rough roads. As for noise control, the diesel engine noise is relatively noticeable at idle, but once in motion, wind and road noise are controlled within an acceptable range and do not affect conversation inside the cabin.

During the fuel consumption test, we drove 50 kilometers each in urban areas and highways, with the air conditioning on and two passengers in the car. The final displayed fuel consumption was 7.8L/100km. This result is quite economical for a weight of 1.83 tons and aligns with the fuel-saving characteristics of diesel vehicles. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc brakes provide linear braking force, and the vehicle maintains a stable posture during emergency braking without noticeable forward pitching.

In terms of safety features, this vehicle comes standard with ABS, electronic stability control, two airbags, and ISO FIX anchors. Rear parking sensors are also standard, but there's no parking camera system, which might require some adaptation for novice drivers. As for smart features, the keyless entry and start are quite convenient. Although the manually adjustable front seats are not as convenient as electric ones, they are sufficient for daily use.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT lie in its durable diesel engine, spacious interiors, and relatively well-balanced features. Compared to similar models like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, its pricing is more affordable, and Isuzu's diesel engine has a more reliable reputation, making it suitable for users who frequently need to carry loads while also considering family trips.

If you are a user who needs a vehicle to handle both work and daily life, such as running a small business, being a farmer, or you enjoy outdoor activities with your family, this D-Max is a good choice. It has no significant flaws, offers reliability and practicality, and its pricing is within a reasonable range.

In summary, the 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT is a pragmatic pickup truck that can meet most users' needs for carrying loads, power, and space. It is a reliable choice that suits both work and life.