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By Jonathan Crouch

The Isuzu D-Max spruces itself up in V-Cross form. Jonathan Crouch looks at the updated version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 59

Mainstream versions of the Isuzu D-Max pick-up have very much a sensible, no-nonsense working appeal. If you want a bit more, then you'll want this plush V-Cross version, which ups the ante in terms of looks, luxury and leather. But it's just as tough and usable as its more affordable showroom stablemates. Here, we look at the latest version.

Backgroundword count: 183

Some pick-up makers manage to make the concept of a richly priced, leather-lined chrome-embellished pick-up faintly credible. Historically though, Isuzu hasn't been one of them. In the past, tinselled-up versions of the D-Max (and before it the Rodeo) felt somewhat awkward. This was a working vehicle: it didn't need plushing up. But that's what a lot of customers in the segment want these days, so Isuzu has learned from rivals and got better at creating a more lifestyle-orientated pick-up. Proof of that comes with the model we look at here, the top 'V-Cross' version of the current D-Max, originally launched in this RG-series form in 2021, then lightly updated in mid-2023, then further updated again in early 2025 to create the model we look at here. The 'V-Cross' isn't the ritziest version of the D-Max you can buy - that honour belongs to the wild Arctic Trucks AT35 version - but for most customers looking at this model line, it will be the most aspirational variant. And Isuzu's alternative to key segment rivals like the Ford Ranger Wildtrack and the Toyota Hilux Invincible.

Driving Experienceword count: 397

None of the key mechanicals have changed as part of this update, so as before, there's Isuzu's now-familiar four cylinder 1.9-litre turbo diesel powerplant, offering 164PS and available with either manual or auto transmission. This is a smaller capacity engine than you'll find with direct rivals and its 360Nm torque output is lower too, though a 3.5-tonne towing capacity is retained. This relatively light powertrain though, enables the kerb weight of this Isuzu to dip below the government's 2,040kg weight limit that separates Goods Vehicles from passenger cars so, unlike other pick-ups in the segment, this one can be driven at passenger car speed limits. The key driveability change as part of this update is the addition (above base trim) of a new 'Rough Terrain' drive mode. This works in conjunction with the traction control system and senses when a wheel doesn't have enough grip and is spinning faster than it should be when you're off road. The system then applies the brakes and throttle as necessary to get you moving. You're supposed to engage it before you get into a muddy situation - say at the base of a steep slippery hill. Progress through really gnarly stuff is aided by decent suspension articulation and the lockable rear differential you get on most models. Ground clearance is rated at 235mm and the fording depth at 800mm. As before, the 4WD system has capable low ratio gearing, an effective hill descent control system and a display showing what angle you're at. You can switch between two and four wheel drive on the move too, via a provided rotary dial. Ground clearance is rated at 235mm and the fording depth at 800mm. As for on-tarmac journeying, well the D-Max is better than it used to be in terms of cruising refinement, but it still lags behind rivals and is hardly car-like. No contender in this class can properly replicate the car-like drive dynamics of an SUV and in this one, there remains plenty of body roll at speed through tighter turns as you slide around on the flat-bottomed seats. But on the plus side, there's not too much back end floatiness when the load bay is empty and with a bit of weight in the back, it's possible at times to forget you're in a pick-up - until you lurch into a corner or clump over a speed hump.

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