2024 Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4×4 X-Terrain (AT) Review

As the demand for versatility and comfort in Malaysia's pickup truck market continues to rise, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4×4 X-Terrain (AT), as the brand's flagship model, becomes the focus of the mid-to-high-end pickup truck segment with its 7-year unlimited mileage warranty, comprehensive intelligent safety features, and robust diesel power. This test drive will focus on its daily practicality, off-road adaptability, and long-distance driving experience to verify whether it can simultaneously meet both family commuting and outdoor adventure needs.

The vehicle dimensions reach 5270mm×1870mm×1810mm, with a wheelbase of 3125mm, and the overall lines maintain the rugged style of a pickup truck. The front features a large trapezoidal chrome grille, paired with smoked LED headlights, with C-shaped daytime running lights enhancing its recognizability. The black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and side steps accentuates the off-road vibe, while the 265/60 R18 tires paired with multi-spoke alloy wheels convey a stable visual appeal. The rear design is simple, with vertically arranged LED taillights. The rear bumper is equipped with embedded fog lights, and the cargo bed has handles and steps, offering substantial practicality.

The interior adopts a black color scheme, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented by silver trims that align with its class positioning. The 8-inch full digital instrument cluster offers clear displays and supports switching between different driving mode interfaces; the 9-inch central touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with smooth operational performance. In terms of configuration, the driver’s seat is equipped with 8-way electric adjustment (including lumbar support), while the passenger seat has a 4-way manual adjustment. The front seats offer moderate support, preventing fatigue during long rides. The rear seats support 60:40 split-folding, with a center armrest that includes cup holders, providing approximately two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, meeting the needs of five people for short trips. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning is equipped with independent rear vents, and front storage spaces include a central armrest box, door panel storage slots, and a wireless charging pad, with detailed designs catering to practicality.

The power system is equipped with a 3.0L turbocharged diesel engine, with a maximum power output of 190PS (3600rpm) and a peak torque of 450N·m (1600-2600rpm), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response is active during startup, with peak torque available at 1600rpm, making steep climbs or overtaking effortless with minimal accelerator input. At high speeds, the transmission shifts smoothly, maintaining a cruising speed of 120km/h at approximately 2000rpm, with noise levels kept within an acceptable range. When switching to 4H mode on unpaved roads, power distribution is more balanced, and with 225mm ground clearance, it handles light mud or gravel paths effortlessly. In 4L mode, torque is amplified, making it suitable for steep slopes or recovery situations. The suspension system uses a double wishbone independent suspension at the front and a leaf spring non-independent suspension at the rear. On highways, it effectively filters out minor bumps, though the rear suspension exhibits some bounce when crossing speed bumps, which is characteristic of pickups.

The tested combined fuel consumption is 7.8L per 100 kilometers, with highway conditions around 6.5L and urban traffic around 9L. The 76L fuel tank allows a range of over 900 kilometers, reducing the need for frequent refueling during long trips. Regarding safety features, 7 airbags, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, ACC adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround-view camera are all standard, offering comprehensive active safety performance. In terms of noise control, the engine idle noise is approximately 58 decibels, while wind noise and tire noise at 120km/h are about 68 decibels, overall performing better than most diesel pickups in its class.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4×4 X-Terrain (AT) lie in its 7-year unlimited mileage warranty, powerful diesel performance, comprehensive safety features, and practical space design. Compared to competitors in the same class such as the Ford Ranger XLT, it stands out with more competitive warranty policies and low-speed torque output; while against the Toyota Hilux Rogue, it offers a significant price advantage with comparable configuration levels. It is suitable for users who need to balance daily commuting, family use, and light off-road activities, especially small and medium business owners or outdoor enthusiasts who value reliability and low operating costs. As an all-rounder pickup, it strikes a good balance between comfort and practicality and is a worthwhile choice among its peers.