Isuzu D-Max V-Cross 4x4 Double Cab (2020 - )

Unlike some competitors, Isuzu only make pick-ups, so they can concentrate on what they do best. And in fairness, they do it very well.
The latest D-Max model was launched in 2021 and it raised the bar in terms of comfort, refinement and safety while maintaining its excellent 3.5-tonne towing capacity and one tonne payload.
Fast forward to 2023 and that model was given a mid-life refresh and gained a fresh front end with a new-look grille, upmarket wheels, along with upgraded interior upholstery.
There is plenty of customer choice too with the Business Range catering to those looking for a pure workhorse. This is available in Utility trim with two or four-wheel drive and as a single, extended or double cab.
Then there is the All-Purpose Range labelled DL20 or DL40. These feature an automatic transmission, additional safety tech and lots more upmarket systems such as heated, powered seats, plus a reversing camera and the likes.
The Adventure Range ups the ante a notch further with the V-Cross model, which is packed with all the mod cons you would find in a high-end SUV, yet it is still capable of putting in a day’s graft if necessary.
There is also a mighty Arctic Trucks AT35 version with every visual effect imaginable, although customers pay a hefty price for all those bells and whistles.
We concentrated on the V-Cross 4x4 in Double Cab guise from the Adventure Range for our week-long test.
 

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross boasts a strong road presence with an aggressive dark grey and black chrome grille flanked by bi-LED headlights. There are additional laser lamps within the grille and on double roof bars for added impact. When turned on these could light up a football pitch with ease.
The beefy appearance is complimented by black wheel arches, gun metal side steps, plus 18-inch black chrome alloy wheels.
Climb inside the double cab with the aid of the side steps and grab handles if necessary and you are met with a spacious, rugged and practical cabin, featuring leather upholstered, powered seats. These, along with the steering wheel, can be heated. 
On-board tech impresses with a nine-inch multifunction colour touchscreen offering access to the likes of smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a DAB radio, a CD player, an eight-speaker sound system and Bluetooth. There are four USB ports, but no built-in navigation system.
A reversing camera is very much appreciated on a vehicle stretching 5.27 metres and there is a 4.2-inch driver information display showing all the important data such as speed and fuel levels.
Everything is perfectly positioned for ease of use on the fly, and we liked the fact that certain systems were not accessible whilst driving, such as searching for phone numbers etc. You can use the Siri voice assist for these functions though while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

Powering all the Isuzu D-Max models, including the imposing Arctic Trucks version, is the same 1.9-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 164PS and 360Nm of torque. With smooth acceleration through the six-speed automatic transmission, it can complete the 0-62mph dash in 13.0 seconds (12.7 seconds for the manual version) and it maxes out at 112mph.
On motorways, it can sit comfortably at 70mph, although the wind noise becomes more noticeable and there is also a little bit of a lag in the acceleration at about 50mph. But it is a comfortable cruiser just the same with nicely weighted steering and great visibility mainly due to the elevated driving position.
For such a large vehicle, it’s deceptively agile when fizzing along the country lanes with good levels of grip through tighter bends, but it’s not as responsive or exciting to drive as some rival pick-ups out there. 
But there is one piece of very good news for D-Max drivers. As all versions weigh less than the 2,040kg threshold for light commercial vehicles, it means the model can be driven at the same speed limits as a car. Other pick-up models are required to drive at a reduced speed on certain roads.
Comfort-wise, the ride is actually quite good. It’s a little on the firm side, but you won’t feel judders firing through the vehicle if you drive over a small pothole. And with a decent payload, it will also deliver improved handling thanks to the extra weight.
Although we stuck to the Tarmac on this occasion, we have ventured off road in the D-Max and it is very competent with a four-wheel-drive system that can be activated on the move, allowing you to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes with ease. There’s also a low-range gearbox for more challenging terrains.
 

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a practical pick-up that stretches 5,270mm in length, is 1,870mm wide, 1,790mm tall and has a wheelbase of 3,125mm. If faced with rougher terrain, it can wade through water up to 800mm in depth and boasts rear axle ground clearance of 240mm. 
And it’s a powerful beast too capable of carrying a one-tonne payload, and towing a trailer or caravan weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. The load bed measures 1,495mm in length, 1,530mm wide and 490mm deep.
The cabin can seat five occupants with ease and there are plenty of areas to store bits and pieces safely, including twin gloveboxes (one can be locked), front and rear cup holders, seat back map pockets, a dash-top box, central cubby, sunglasses compartment and some trays.
The load area on the test truck was protected by an aluminium lid that could be lifted to access any items and the vehicle included strips of laser lights on the roof and inserted into the grille. These LED units deliver exceptional illumination and are superb if you are doing any work or setting up camp in the dark.
 

The Isuzu D-Max line-up costs from £25,995 (excluding VAT) for the entry-level Utility model with two-wheel drive and a single cab. At the other end of the scale was our test model, the V-Cross 4x4 Double Cab with automatic transmission, priced at £38,495 (excl. VAT). Specialist Dolomite White paintwork added a further £600 to the cost, before VAT.
Other additions to our vehicle included a lift-up aluminium lid and sports bar (£2,295), a liner (£365), black steel side bar and steps (£603.75), laser lamps on the roof and grille (£1,356.25), bonnet protector (£161,25) and a tow bar with 13-pin electronics (£587,50). All prices are before VAT has been added.
Of course, if you have some extra cash to spend and like the showmanship of the dramatically styled Arctic Trucks model, that will set you back £52,495 (also excl. VAT).
When it comes to the day-to-day running costs of our test model, it has a WLTP-tested combined fuel efficiency figure of 30.7mpg and carbon emissions of 241g/km. 
However, as the D-Max V-Cross is classed as a light commercial vehicle, the tax payments are fixed rather than being based on CO2 emissions. This results in a fee of £335 for tax year 2024/25.
Maintenance costs should be low with the D-Max boasting a decent reputation regarding reliability that is backed up with a comprehensive warranty covering five years or 125,000 miles. It also includes five years roadside assist in the UK and EU.
The Isuzu D-Max sits in insurance group 50.
 

While the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross may not match some of the more expensive pick-ups for on-board luxury, performance and refinement, it is very competitive on price and boasts rugged styling, a powerful four-wheel drive system and superb off-road capabilities. 
It is generously equipped, drives well and is ideal for a day at the building site and weekends away with the family.
While the powertrain is currently limited to just a single 1.9-litre diesel unit, there will be an all-new fully electrified D-Max hitting the showrooms next year.