Isuzu D-Max: A Rough and Ready Pickup Truck
Just as the D-Max’s diesel engine lends it a certain roughness of dynamic character, there’s likewise some fiddling, stiff-legged crudeness to the D-Max’s on-road ride – more than the best-mannered pick-ups now suffer from. It handles precisely enough, though, and is by no means wayward or unpleasant to drive.
There’s a reassuring level of stability whether it be on the motorway or in town. The D-Max doesn’t wander under power or heavy braking and the rear axle doesn’t bounce or feel too stiff over ruts and imperfections. The brakes themselves feel strong enough and progressive, despite there only being drums on the rear axle.
The steering, meanwhile, has a vagueness that doesn’t work so much in its favour on-road as off, which stems from the flex of its ladder-frame chassis and the influence of its high-sidewall hybrid offroad tyres. So you find yourself having to guess a little at how much lock to put on to go round a given corner or roundabout. But after a while, it’s easy to get used to.
The low-speed ride can get quite busy, particularly on poorer road surfaces, which means the higher level of relative comfort on offer in the Ford Ranger will be more appealing.
Also worth a mention is its turning circle which, at 12.5m, is tighter than some rivals. For reference, the Ranger’s turning circle is 12.7m, while the Volkswagen Amarok’s is 12.9m.
In off-road driving, the D-Max’s standard-fit mud-and-snow tyres give it plenty of grip and capability and a new Rough Terrain mode for the electronic traction control helps it through really slippery and steep sections.
At times, just as on the road, the engine feels a little short on grunt, but not often.
When it comes to a reliable and rugged pickup truck, the Isuzu D-Max certainly fits the bill. With its diesel engine providing a rough and dynamic character, the D-Max may not offer the smoothest ride on the road, but it certainly gets the job done.
One of the standout features of the D-Max is its stability, whether cruising on the motorway or navigating through town. The truck remains steady under power and braking, with the rear axle handling imperfections with ease. While the steering may feel a bit vague at times, it’s something that drivers can quickly adapt to.
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the D-Max’s capabilities, thanks to its mud-and-snow tires and Rough Terrain mode for enhanced traction control. The pickup’s tight turning circle also sets it apart from its competitors, making maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
While the D-Max may lack some power in certain situations, it more than makes up for it with its rugged durability and off-road prowess. Whether you’re tackling rough terrain or cruising down the highway, the Isuzu D-Max is a reliable companion for any adventure.
