STEEL WORKS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The Isuzu D-Max gets extra grit in STEEL Edition form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 27

If you're seeking a push pick-up, you're probably wanting it to feel quite unique - and very well equipped. Might Isuzu's D-Max STEEL Edition fit the bill?

Backgroundword count: 114

Recent changes in tax have made it a little more difficult to justify pick-up purchase, but for many customers, there's still nothing quite like a light truck of this sort. Isuzu has been steadily growing its sales in this segment in recent years, momentum that continued in early 2025 with the launch of a further updated version of the current RG-series D-Max model To continue on that course, the brand has broadened the D-Max range to include the STEEL Edition model we look at here, a variant limited to just 250 units for our market. The idea is to build on the success achieved by the earlier pre-facelift D-Max STEEL Edition introduced in 2024.

Driving Experienceword count: 388

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 for STEEL Edition customers only with 6-speed 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. 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.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227