Isuzu D-MAX 2021 Review

As the demand for "household + light commercial" balanced models in the Malaysian pickup truck market heats up, the 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT, launched as a rear-wheel-drive version targeted at urban and suburban users, has become a focal point for budget-conscious consumers seeking versatility, thanks to its price just over RM100,000, practical features, and reliable diesel power. The core purpose of this test drive is to evaluate its actual performance in daily commuting, family outings, and occasional cargo transportation scenarios, to see whether it balances practicality and value for money.

From the exterior, this model continues the rugged style of the D-Max family, with a boxy and powerful overall design. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille with chrome accents, making it highly recognizable; the headlight assemblies on both sides integrate halogen and LED light sources, with daytime running lights as standard, offering clear visual effects when illuminated. The side profile retains the typical long wheelbase proportions of a pickup, with a length of 5265mm and a width of 1870mm, ensuring the utility of the cargo bed without being overly bulky for urban parking. The rear end has a simple design with vertically arranged taillights and a reserved trailer hook interface below the rear bumper, aligned with the functionality of a pickup truck. In terms of details, the 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 255/65 R17 tires strike a balance between on-road stability and light off-road capability.

Sitting inside, the interior is practicality-oriented, with a clear and orderly layout. The dashboard uses a large amount of hard plastic material, but the craftsmanship is relatively solid, without noticeable looseness. The multifunctional steering wheel allows control of volume, phone functions, and trip computer, with a reasonably arranged button layout on the left side for convenient operation without looking down. The instrument panel is equipped with a 4.2-inch digital display screen, clearly showing information such as fuel consumption, RPM, and water temperature. The left side displays RPM with a mechanical dial, while the right side shows speed readings directly. The center console features a 7-inch touchscreen supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functionalities, with moderate response speed, sufficient for everyday use. In terms of configuration, keyless entry and start functions enhance convenience, while the front row has 6-way manually adjustable seats and the rear row offers 4-way manual adjustment, both providing adequate support and comfort for long trips. The rear air conditioning vents come as standard, allowing rapid temperature adjustment, which suits family trips. The rear seats support 60:40 split-folding, extending the cargo space when folded down. Together with the large 76L fuel tank, the vehicle offers stable range capabilities.

The space performance aligns with the positioning of a mid-size pickup. The 3125mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for both front and rear seats. A 180cm tall front passenger would still have a fist worth of headroom after adjusting the seat, while a similarly tall rear passenger would have two fists worth of legroom and about a fist’s worth of headroom, avoiding a cramped feeling. For storage, the door pockets can hold two 500ml water bottles, and the center armrest box is moderately deep, suitable for storing wallets, phones, and other small items. Additionally, there are small storage compartments below the rear seats and on both sides of the backrest, offering good practicality. Although the cargo bed size is not explicitly marked, judging from the body proportions, it can accommodate two standard suitcases or everyday tools without issue.

Powertrain-wise, it is equipped with a 1.9L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum of 150PS horsepower and peak torque that kicks in between 1800-2600rpm, paired with an automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response at the start is not overly aggressive, but once the turbo engages (around 1800rpm), you can feel a significant torque output. For daily overtaking or climbing hills, there is no need to press the accelerator excessively. The transmission's shifting logic is smooth, with no noticeable jerks during low-speed travel, while maintaining a speed of around 2000rpm during highway cruising, with good noise control. The steering feel is relatively heavy, in line with the tuning style of a pickup truck, with good stability at high speeds and no slack during lane changes. The chassis adopts a front double-wishbone independent suspension, effectively filtering out minor bumps on urban roads, ensuring rear passengers won't feel significant shaking. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs vibrations quickly, keeping the vehicle body stable.

Fuel efficiency is commendable, with comprehensive testing across urban traffic, suburban fast roads, and highways showing an average fuel consumption of about 7.8L per 100km. Based on its 76L fuel tank, the full-tank range can reach approximately 970 kilometers, making it suitable for long-distance trips. In terms of noise control, the diesel engine noise at idle is slightly noticeable, but when on the move, wind noise and tire noise remain within a reasonable range, and interior conversations are unaffected at speeds below 60km/h. Seat comfort is quite good, with padding that is moderately firm, providing adequate lumbar support, ensuring no discomfort even after two hours of continuous driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT lies in its balance—priced just over 100,000 MYR, it offers greater cost-performance compared to the similarly priced 4x4 version, with configurations that meet daily usage needs. The low fuel consumption and high torque of the diesel engine strike a balance between family outings and light cargo transport needs. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Ford Ranger 2.0L Single Turbo Rear-Wheel Drive version, it is more affordable, and its 5-year/150,000-kilometer warranty policy provides additional assurance.

This vehicle is clearly suitable for a specific audience: value-conscious family users who prioritize everyday driving comfort but occasionally need a pickup for transporting goods; or small business owners who require a reliable, fuel-efficient work vehicle that also serves family purposes. It may not have outstanding performance highlights, but it strikes a good balance among practicality, fuel efficiency, and price.

In conclusion, the 2021 Isuzu D-Max 1.9L 4x2 Plus AT is a "practical" pickup truck. Though it does not offer flashy features, it reliably meets diverse daily needs. If you're looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly multifunctional vehicle, this is a solid choice.