Isuzu D-Max DL20 & DL40 review

Make and model: Isuzu D-Max 4×4 double cab DL20 and DL40
Description: double cab pick-up, four-wheel drive
Price range: £33,895 + VAT (DL20), £34,995 + VAT (DL40)

Isuzu says: “Not only does the All-Purpose Range deliver the capability and durability you’d expect from an Isuzu pick-up truck, but this tough workhorse now adds superior levels of comfort and refinement.”

We say: While the two Isuzu D-Max DL models share the same, unburstable feeling of the base-spec Utility, their ‘all-purpose’ job description does mean some compromises.

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Introduction

Choices for new pick-ups are dwindling in the UK, with the Fiat Fullback, Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara all disappearing from the market in recent years. The Isuzu D-Max, however, is still going strong with a comprehensive line-up of models.

There’s a D-Max for pretty much every possible need – unless you need an electric pick-up, in which case you’ll have to wait until sometime next year for the D-Max BEV (battery electric vehicle).

While the D-Max may already look familiar, you may be starting to see a lot more of them. Isuzu UK has plans to increase its sales volumes by about 50% from about 6,300 vehicles in 2023 to 10,000 units in 2025. About 40% of those are expected to be the ‘All-Purpose’ DL20 and DL40 versions seen here, with the rest being the lower-spec Utility and higher-spec ‘Adventure’ models.

Incidentally, Isuzu has seen the popularity of automatic transmissions increase massively over the last decade, growing from less than 20% of all D-Max sales back in 2012 to almost 50% last year. The DL models are available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The DL20 is available with either an extended single-cab or dual-cab body, while the DL40 is dual-cab only. Both models are only offered with four-wheel drive.

Who is this pick-up aimed at?

The D-Max DL20 and DL40 form what Isuzu calls its ‘All-Purpose’ models, which are designed to pull double duty as both a workhorse and family car.

As such, it’s not surprising that the dual cab is the layout of choice here. You can get the lower-spec DL20 with an extended single cab, but the vast majority of customers choose the dual cab. The DL40 offers no such choice anyway.

Who won’t like it?

Having more kit and four-wheel drive means that the DL models weigh more than the base-spec Utility versions, which reduces payload. If maximum carrying capacity is your goal, you need to move down the range to one of the single-cab Utility models.

Conversely, if you’re looking for more comfort and convenience features for personal and family use, you might find the DL models a little sparse. That means moving up the range to the top-spec V-Cross.

Any model D-Max is always going to be more go than show, so if you’re more interested in a comfy ‘lifestyle truck’ than a proper workhorse, a D-Max is probably not for you.

What do you get for your money?

When we reviewed the base-spec Utility D-Max recently, we pointed out that it was a genuinely ‘no-frills’ work truck. The DL models soften off a few of those rough edges, with a better level of equipment and cosmetic improvements.

The ‘DL’ in the name refers to the rear differential lock, which comes as standard on these models. This helps to improve off-road performance and prevents the vehicle from getting stuck in difficult terrain.

The DL20 is the lower-spec model, while the DL40 is the higher-spec version. The DL20 gets heated seats, a centre armrest, touchscreen stereo and a few other interior comforts. There are also rear parking sensors so you can comfortably reverse into the tightest of gaps, reflecting a more urban working and living environment than the more agricultural-biased Utility.

The DL40 adds front parking sensors and a reversing camera, along with leather upholstery and steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded LED headlights/fog lights/tail lights, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and various other niceties.

Reflecting the dual-purpose nature of these models, both DL models have fully painted bumpers and mirrors, rather than the unpainted grey plastic of the Utility models, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. There are few visual differences between the two models, with the DL40 getting more chrome and standard side steps.

One area where every D-Max is well equipped is safety. The entire double cab range gets a five-star safety score from independent examiners Euro NCAP, with very similar scores all round to the Ford Ranger. The extended cab version was not tested.

All D-Max models get adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and speed limit warning as standard. In addition, the double cab models get lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert (a blessing when reversing out of a parking space with limited visibility). On all versions, there are plenty of airbags all round that we hope you never need to see.

Finally, all D-Max models get a class-leading five-year/125,000-mile new car warranty, which includes UK-wide roadside assistance.

What can you get in them?

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 is available with two different load lengths (1,495mm for the double cab and 1,805mm for the extended cab), while the DL40 is double cab only. Both versions of the tray have a load width of 1,530mm and a depth of 490mm.

Payload is best in the DL20 extended cab manual, at 1,155kg. This drops to 1,120kg for either dual cab version with a manual gearbox, and 1,090kg for the dual cab auto versions. So whichever model you choose, you’re still able to carry more than the magical one tonne. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500kg on all DL versions.

All models in the D-Max range weigh less than 2,040kg, which means you can travel at passenger car speed limits. Some rival double cab pickup trucks weigh more than 2,040kg and are subject to goods vehicle speed limits, which are 50mph on single carriageways with national speed limit signs, 60mph on dual carriageways and 70mph on the motorway. 

What is the Isuzu D-Max DL like inside?

There’s a noticeable improvement in interior comfort with the DL models compared to the base-spec Utility versions. The DL20 gets cloth upholstery while the DL40 gets leather for both the seats and steering wheel.

The seats and driving position are good, with plenty of adjustment for drivers of any size and shape to find a comfortable setting. You have to adjust your seat manually in the DL20, while the DL40 gets electric adjustment.

The dashboard does look a bit outdated compared to the latest Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, although the DL40 is better in this regard with a larger touchscreen display for the stereo (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and dual-zone climate control. The stereo units are both aftermarket jobs, and neither could be considered state-of-the-art. DAB reception is poor on both, which is more likely to be an issue with the D-Max’s aerial than the radios themselves.

There are relatively few storage boxes or trays compared to some rivals, and nothing in the way of non-slip surfaces so your phone or keys end up on the floor at the first sign of a corner or a bump…

Speaking of the floor, you get carpet rather than the vinyl floor in the Utility spec. Our DL20 test car was fitted with rubber floor mats, but don’t bother with these as the hooks that hold them in place are insufficient. The mats either keep popping out or the hooks simply break altogether, resulting in the mats sliding around under your feet. This seemed to only be a problem with the rubber mats, as the carpet mats on the DL40 had enough friction to stay in place without coming loose over a week of driving.

Cabin space in the back is reasonable in all directions, so two adults will be able travel comfortably between work sites. Three will be pushing it – it’s certainly doable, but the newbie apprentice won’t enjoy being squashed into the middle seat. If you’re on family duties, car seats are easily mounted via Isofix mounts on either of the outer rear seats.

What’s under the bonnet?

All D-Max models are powered by the same 1.9-litre diesel engine, which produces 164hp of power and 360Nm of torque. This should be adequate for most needs, although it’s less than the base engine on the Ford Ranger, for example (170hp and 400Nm).

The DL20 extended cab is only available with a six-speed manual, while the double cab versions are available with either the manual or a six-speed automatic (for an extra £1,500).

All DL models come with four-wheel drive, and a diff lock is standard (the clue’s in the name).

What’s the Isuzu D-Max Utility like to drive?

Regardless of which spec you choose, all 4×4 versions of the D-Max will drive in much the same fashion.

Acceleration is leisurely and you get the sluggish throttle response of most diesel engines before things suddenly perk up. The auto is a fraction slower than the manual but nothing that you’d really notice. It’s also noisy, not helped by less sound insulation than you’d expect to get in a family passenger car.

Stop-start driving, as you get in urban areas, is somewhat painful whenever engine revs drop to idle. Roundabouts and t-junctions require plenty of anticipation if you want to nip into gaps, as the D-Max is slow to get started again once you’ve stopped. On more flowing roads where you can keep the engine in its working range, everything is far more comfortable and the D-Max will happily cruise all day long. Acceleration from 30-40mph is much more responsive.

The turning circle is pretty average, with lots of twirling required from the light steering. This is less likely to be a problem for off-highway usage than it is for on-road duties. Negotiating car parks and tight lanes takes a bit of work, although the DL models have parking sensors (rear only on DL20, front and rear on DL40) and reversing camera (DL40) to assist you. These make life much easier for urban work than the Utility, which has no assistance tools at all.

Unladen, the ride is pretty bouncy over speed humps and kerbs. We didn’t get the chance to drive either model with any significant load in the tray, but it’s likely to improve with an extra 100kg or more over the rear wheels.

Changing into four-wheel drive is an easy transition. Once the vehicle is stopped in neutral, there’s a dial in the centre console to switch driving modes. An icon flashes on the dashboard until the shift is complete and then the vehicle is ready to move. 

For driving on the road, 2H is the normal mode the vehicle will be in using rear-wheel drive. 4H engages four-wheel drive and works best on slippery surfaces like grass or mud. In situations with extreme off-road terrain 4L uses four-wheel drive in a low gear ratio for extra traction. 

Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control come as standard on all models to make it easier to handle the vehicle on an incline, especially if it’s loaded.

We didn’t do any kind of muddy off-roading work that would benefit from having the diff lock, so can’t really comment on its effectiveness. But if you do a lot of off-roading or towing, it would be helpful to maintain traction to the rear wheels.

Verdict

While the two DL models share the same, unburstable feeling of the Utility, their ‘all-purpose’ job description does mean some compromises. They’re more comfortable than the Utility, but not really a replacement family car. But those additional creature comforts also compromise the ultimate utility of the Utility.

Payload is slightly less than the Utility, although only by about 25kg. But you can’t hose out the floor after a long week on site like you can in the Utility, while the alloy wheels are not as suited to heavy-duty work as the steel wheels on the base model.

The DL models are a useful step up over the Utility spec if you do a lot of urban driving. For jobs that require negotiating tight work sites or car parks, the parking sensors and camera on their own will make your life a lot easier. The DL40 also has plug-in satnav from Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is much better than having a phone stuck to your windscreen.

If your truck is a daily driver or personal use vehicle, the DL40 in particular is much more comfortable to live with than the Utility. Your family or other passengers will certainly like it a lot more, too. However, don’t expect passenger car comfort levels – it’s still a big, solid, pick-up truck after all. The extra kit makes it tolerable to live with day-to-day, but the ride and handling are not car-like.

Two big votes in the D-Max’s favour – for any model in the range – are a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a five-year/125,000-mile warranty. Both offer reassurance to business owners and family drivers (albeit for entirely different reasons) that you can trust the D-Max to look after you, your employees and your business.

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Additional reporting by Trinity Francis

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Ford Ranger | KGM Musso | Nissan Navara | Toyota Hilux | Volkswagen Amarok

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