Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Review: Redefining The Pickup Experience In Malaysia
What Is This?
Pickup trucks these days are looking more and more showhorse than workhorse as more drivers are opting for appearance to catch up with ability. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, a showhorse (the real horse) is one that is well groomed but still athletic at the same time.
The Isuzu D-Max is no different, jumping from a very utilitarian piece to something more lifestyle oriented, while still retaining its robust functionality. This is especially so for the X-Terrain, the range-topping variant of the D-Max family targeting buyers who place priority on comfort, modern conveniences and elegant touches.
The current D-Max X-Terrain, is a facelift of the 3rd generation which had also been refreshed in 2023, and stands as a testament to how a utility vehicle such as this has evolved to seamlessly blend rugged capability with refined comfort, convenient features and performance. Positioned as the flagship, the X-Terrain introduces significant enhancements that Isuzu Malaysia hopes to solidify its standing in the highly competitive and niche pickup truck segment.
- New Bi-LED Headlights: Looking slimmer and more angular, the automatic headlights feature repositioned daytime running lights that now also double as turn indicators.
- Grille and Bumper Enhancements: An updated ‘fang’ grille design, accented by a honeycomb lattice replacement the horizontal slats, and arrow-slit air curtains within the fog lamp housing, contributes to an aggressive and modern fascia while adding aerodynamic functionality.
- Welcome Light: A new welcome light featuring a stylised “X-Terrain” motif illuminates the ground around the front doors upon approach, enhancing convenience and safety in low-light conditions.
- Tailgate Updates: A revised tailgate (with damper assistance) design with a variant-exclusive lockable handle enhances both functionality and security, particularly beneficial for those utilising a canopy or lid. The tail light cluster too has been given a redesign.
- Matte Grey Overfenders: Also exclusive to the X-Terrain, these overfenders sitting over the 18″ matte black alloy wheels shod with 265/60 profile AT tyres, add a contemporary and rugged touch to complement this pickup’s adventurous lifestyle spirit. The roof rails, door mirrors, door and tailgate handles, front bumper, and side steps also get the dark treatment.
What Is Inside?
- Infotainment System: The new 10″ touchscreen infotainment system offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user interface is fairly smooth while the 8-speaker Live Surround Sound system delivers satisfactory audio and adds to the overall enjoyable cabin experience.
- Comfort-Oriented Seats: The combination leather seats (with redesigned upholstery) come with anti-vibration comfort foam effectively to reduce harsh impacts, contributing to a less fatiguing ride. The driver’s seat has 8-way electric adjustment and includes lumbar support to ensure optimal comfort especially on long journeys. The front passenger however, has to settle with manual seat adjustment.
- Practical Amenities: Dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and multiple USB Type-C ports make this a user-friendly cabin. There are also an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel which matches the upholstery on the top of the dashboard, the e-Lumax meter panel with 7″ colour multi-information display, and soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door trims to enhance the premium feel.
What Makes It Go?
Under the hood, the X-Terrain is exclusively powered by a Euro 4-compliant 3.0L VGS turbocharged intercooler diesel Blue Power engine. This unit produces 190 PS (187 hp) @ 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque @ 1,600 – 2,600 rpm. Overall, it provides ample grunt for both on-road cruising and challenging off-road adventures. Paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, the powertrain delivers a responsive and refined feel, with early boost for instant throttle response at somewhere below 1,600 rpm.
Even though this is a fairly large engine capacity, Isuzu does build some remarkably frugal powertrains. After several days with this D-Max, manoeuvring through city congestion and hitting the highways to cover about 308 km, I managed to clock an average consumption of 8.0 litres per 100 km. At last look, the onboard computer said I could go another 655 km before needing to refuel.
How Does It Feel?
The D-Max X-Terrain delivers a solid and composed ride, for a pickup truck. A key advantage of a pickup is its high seating position which provides excellent visibility. The suspension setup (independent double wishbone in front, leaf spring in the back, with gas shock absorbers) strikes a commendable balance between ride comfort and load-carrying capability. The memory foam seats, along with the high tensile steel body, also help to cushion you from vibrations and make it a more pleasant ride. Engine roar on acceleration also seems more muted in the cabin, perhaps due to improved noise insulation.
Steering response too seems to see some improvement, offering better control without feeling overly direct. However, this is a rather tall and hefty vehicle so expect to put in a little bit more effort when taking corners.
For those who are more inclined to take the X-Terrain off the tarmac, you can take comfort with the fact that it comes with tough steel under-body protection, and a water wading ability of up to 800 mm. This X-Terrain also now comes with a Rough Terrain Mode to complement its Terrain Command 4WD system (with rear differential lock). Rough Terrain Mode is essentially a system that intelligently manages engine power, brakes, and torque distribution for optimal traction, and give you more confidence on off-road excursions. Furthermore, brake pedal feel is progressive, enhancing driving predictability.
The updated D-Max X-Terrain also includes an improved Allsight safety suite featuring new stereo cameras with a 120-degree view and enhanced forward detection capabilities up to 150 meters. Key safety features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB)
- Turn Assist
- Automatic High Beam
- Multi-Collision Brake
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
- Pedal Misapplication Mitigation
What Is There To Like?
After driving the D-Max X-Terrain for some time (in city traffic and beyond), it’s clear this top-of-the-range model is more than just a workhorse; it’s a lifestyle statement offering a more SUV-like experience. While an SUV will beat it in terms of fancy features and better refinement, the D-Max provides unbeatable load capacity and practicality. There are various aftermarket accessories you can get to improve practicality, like a lockable storage box for the cargo bed, a canopy, bicyle rack, etc. Let’s not forget the roof rails atop the cab to add even more storage if necessary.
But since the removal of the diesel subsidy in Malaysia, fuel cost has become a concern, leading some to look at petrol powered SUVs instead as their lifestyle vehicle of choice. However, we know the days are numbered for the RON 95 subsidy. Once the petrol subsidy is reorganized, and the gap between diesel and petrol will be narrowed again. And this is when a diesel powered vehicle could be more frugal, especially if it’s an Isuzu.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0 4×4 is priced at RM161,938. However, there is also the choice for a more frugal 1.9-litre Blue Power engine variant (but not in X-Terrain trim) which will be more practical for those who spend more time in city traffic. FYI a previous iteration of the D-Max 1.9 Blue Power (single cab) drove over 1,000 km on a single tank while carrying a 1 ton load over mountainous terrain.
