Isuzu D-Max 2012-2020 review

Those looking for a touch more luxury and convenience have the Premium range to choose from, which includes the Eiger, Yukon, Utah and Blade – all of which are only available as a double cab bar the Yukon which can be had as an extended cab too.

Inside the entry-level Eiger you will find air conditioning, electric windows and a stereo system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrade to the Yukon and you will find a leather clad steering wheel, interior lighting and cruise control, while the Utah adds climate control, heated front seats and a leather upholstery.

On the face of it the range-topping D-Max Blade doesn’t disappoint; it includes such luxuries as a reversing camera, climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery, as well as a fully loaded eight-speaker Pioneer infotainment system with a 7.0in screen.

Inside, the Isuzu doesn't quite live up to the almost SUV-type feel being evinced by range-topping versions of its major rivals. The dashboard is dominated by tough, hard plastics, which aren’t appealing to touch and feel rather out place in something staking a claim at the pricier end of the segment. The controls are kept to a minimum but are chunky and easy to use, while the Pioneer infotainment has an aftermarket look about it and tends to chug through its functions. 

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine develops 160bhp and 295lb ft of torque, but what it really produces is agricultural clatter (to go with a high level of wind noise) - and plenty of suitably grunty low-down drive. Peak twist is limited to between 1400 and 2000rpm, endowing the D-Max with plenty of job-done energy, while also ensuring that you'll be changing ratio a lot to keep it on song. 

To do so, you'll be working the long-throw manual 'box hard - a job not made easier by a general reluctance to shift smoothly. Physical labour, though, is Isuzu's speciality. The D-Max will haul just over a tonne - more than most of its newer rivals - and is rated to tow a braked trailer up to 3500kg. That's more than the latest Toyota Hilux.  

On the road, the Isuzu’s weighty steering makes negotiating tight streets and car parks trickier than some of its contemporaries. The ride is bouncy and the leaf springs cause the unladen tail to feel quite skittish, which is to be expected. Heavy thuds at the rear of the D-Max can resonate uncomfortable vibrations through the seatbacks when travelling over larger protrusions or speed bumps.