Isuzu D-Max pickup - Interior & comfort
The Isuzu D-Max isn’t pretty inside, but it looks and feels built to last
Like pretty much every other pickup on the market, the Isuzu D-Max puts function over form. For this reason, it has tough leaf-spring suspension that can cope with heavy loads, but doesn't provide the most sophisticated ride comfort. It has been improved, though, with an update in 2018 to make the ride smoother and quieter without reducing its cargo payload.
It also means most of the materials are designed to be wipe-clean and stand up to years of abuse, rather than being particularly pleasing to the touch. Improvements were made as part of the 2021 facelift, and now top models have leather trim across the dash and on the armrests. A nine-inch touchscreen running the latest smartphone connectivity is available too.
Isuzu D-Max dashboard
The physical menu buttons look and feel very cheap, even on the top-spec Blade model. What’s more, they’re too small to press with gloves on, which is likely to matter to a lot of the people using the car for work.
Equipment
Even the D-Max Utility model comes with a good level of standard equipment, with cruise control, DAB radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and automatic headlights all featuring. There’s also hill-hold and hill descent control, plus a steering wheel that adjusts for both rake and reach.
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The DL20 features 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, heated front seats and body-coloured bumpers, while the DL40 trim brings chrome detailing, LED headlights, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, leather upholstery with electric driver’s seat adjustment and front parking sensors.
If that’s not enough, the top-spec V-Cross gets gunmetal-coloured detailing, a bigger touchscreen and more speakers, and extra driver assistance features.
Options
There’s no shortage of options available for the D-Max, including a vast array of interior and exterior styling packs, load liners, roof rails, tow bars and protective panelling.
The optional Huntsman Accessory Pack is available for the double-cab versions and is aimed at customers who use their cars for hunting and shooting. Dark green, grey or black paint, plus a range of matt-black trim pieces help the car blend into the background, while an aluminium drawer system in the load bay has out-of-sight storage space for firearms and other hunting equipment.
A tow bar, underbody protection parts, all-terrain tyres and an AeroKlas commercial canopy for the load bed help make the D-MAX a practical proposition for country living, even if you don’t intend to take part in field sports. The Huntsman Plus Pack also adds a Pedders suspension kit, which lifts the car by 5mm and offers improved off-road performance.
