2024 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4×4 Premium (AT) Review

The pickup truck market in Malaysia has been booming in recent years, with growing demand from family users and off-road enthusiasts for "all-around" pickup trucks — vehicles that can handle daily commuting and cargo needs while balancing comfort and off-road capability. The 2024 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4×4 Premium AT, as a mid-to-high-end configuration model of the brand, highlights its core selling points with a 150PS diesel engine, comprehensive protection with six airbags, and the combination of a 1.9L diesel engine + 6AT transmission. Can it meet the market's expectations for a "practical and comfortable balance"? This test drive will thoroughly verify its overall capabilities, from static experience to dynamic performance.

From the exterior, this D-Max continues the brand's rugged style, featuring a large black front grille adorned with chrome trim and LED daytime running lights that extend across the front, providing high recognizability. The side profile of the vehicle is straight, and the dimensions of 5270mm in length and 1870mm in width ensure a spacious cargo bed. The 18-inch alloy wheels paired with 265/60R18 tires not only increase ground clearance but also enhance the off-road aesthetic. At the rear, the LED tail lights have a sharp design that echoes the front headlights, and the rear bumper is equipped with a silver skid plate, further emphasizing its robust attributes.

Stepping inside, the interior is primarily black with silver accents, providing an overall improved texture compared to the previous generation. The center console layout is simple, featuring a centrally located 9-inch touchscreen that operates smoothly and supports Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. In terms of features, the front row is equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, and the rear row has independent air vents to cater to rear passengers' comfort. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, allowing for expandable cargo space. For safety features, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and hill-start assist are all standard, offering adequate peace of mind for everyday use.

The space performance aligns with the positioning of a pickup truck. The wheelbase of 3125mm provides ample rear legroom, and the height of 1810mm ensures sufficient headroom so that even passengers as tall as 180cm sitting in the rear do not feel cramped. For storage, the door pockets, center armrest box, and front cup holders are quite practical, meeting the needs of storing everyday essentials. Although the specific dimensions of the cargo bed are not indicated, based on the vehicle's overall length, it should handle daily cargo or light off-road equipment transportation with ease.

In the dynamic experience section, the 1.9L turbocharged diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 150PS and a peak torque of 350N·m, paired with a 6AT transmission for smooth power output. At startup, the low torque performance is ample, and the maximum torque range of 1800-2600rpm covers the commonly used speed range for everyday driving. Acceleration and overtaking respond promptly without noticeable lag. During highway cruising, the engine speed stays around 2000rpm, with good noise control and minimal wind and tire noise.

In terms of handling, the combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring non-independent suspension strikes a balance between off-road capability and daily comfort. On urban roads, the suspension effectively filters out most small bumps; when encountering speed bumps or uneven surfaces, the rear suspension demonstrates sufficient resilience without feeling overly rigid. The steering system has medium precision, suitable for daily driving, while still providing clear road feedback for off-road conditions. The four-wheel-drive system is easy to switch on, and when faced with light off-road terrains (such as mud or dirt roads), its passability remains stable, meeting the expectations for a 4×4 model.

The fuel consumption performance is commendable. This test drive covered urban congestion, highway cruising, and light off-road sections, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 7.8L/100km. Considering the weight of 2.025 tons, this achievement ranks in the upper-middle level among diesel pickups of the same class. With a fuel tank capacity of 76L, the driving range can exceed 900km on a full tank, eliminating the need for frequent refueling during long trips.

In terms of noise control, the engine noise is slightly loud at idle, but once driving, the cabin's quietness is quite satisfactory. The vibrations of the diesel engine are effectively isolated, and wind and tire noise at high speeds do not interfere with conversations. The seat comfort is good, with moderate wrap-around support for the front seats, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats have slightly firm padding, but the backrest angle is reasonable, making short rides comfortable.

Overall, the key advantage of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4×4 Premium AT lies in its "all-around balance": the rugged exterior appeals to off-road enthusiasts, while the ample safety and comfort features meet the needs of family users. The low fuel consumption and long driving range of diesel power ensure practicality. Compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger 2.0L Diesel or the Toyota Hilux 2.4L Diesel, the D-Max is more competitively priced (with a guided price of RM 134,649 lower than similarly configured competitors) and offers comparable configuration levels, making it stand out in terms of value for money.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: those who need to balance daily commuting, family use, and light off-road capability, and small-to-medium business owners who prioritize practicality and fuel efficiency. It does not overly emphasize off-road performance at the expense of comfort, nor does it sacrifice the fundamental attributes of a pickup for comfort. It is an "all-around" pickup with no significant weaknesses.

In summary, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4×4 Premium AT, with its balanced performance, comprehensive features, and reasonable pricing, has earned a strong position in the Malaysian pickup truck market. It is an ideal choice for users who value the "balance between practicality and comfort."