Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 2.2 review
The old automotive adage that there’s no substitute for cubic capacity still rings true at Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA), which has replaced its entry-level 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a new 2.2-litre unit for both the D-Max Ute and MU-X seven-seat SUV.
Already in showrooms as an MY25.5 update, the new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine joins the four-cylinder 3.0-litre unit in Isuzu’s local engine line-up, with the shortlived 1.9-litre engine now discontinued.
The new engine, codenamed RZ4F-TC, is EURO5 emissions compliant and develops a more robust 120kW/400Nm versus the outgoing 1.9-litre’s 110kW/350Nm.
Buyers wanting to match the new engine with a manual transmission will be disappointed, however, as it is available exclusively with a new eight-speed automatic.
There’s also no other styling or features upgrades, with the new engine and gearbox combination available only on SX and X-Rider variants of the D-Max, and in LS-M, LS-U and LS-T variants of the MU-X.
Standard features of the LS-M-based X-Rider include black and gloss-black exterior accents, unique grille, Bi-LED headlights with high beam control, 17-inch alloys, a sports bar, and soft tonneau cover.
Buyers wanting additional features like push-button start with smart keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and larger 9.0-inch infotainment screen will need to step up to a 3.0-litre powered LS-U or Blade.
We spent a day driving both the new D-Max and MU-X in the Gold Coast hinterland, covering a mix of tarmac touring and off-road terrain.
Out on the highway the new diesel has the characteristic sound and feel of an Isuzu engine.
It’s somewhat unrefined in terms of noise and vibration, something highlighted by the introduction of new fuel-saving stop-start technology, which isn’t the smoothest such system we’ve experienced.
There’s some initial lag when you first step on the gas, but the D-Max then moves reasonably assertively, slurring quickly up through the ratios to find top gear and holding on stoically, requiring a determined press of the throttle to achieve kick-down.
Once up and running at highway speeds revs drop to a lazy 1,650rpm at 100km/h and the X-Rider 2.2 easily maintains a comfortable highway touring speed, with enough in reserve for safe overtaking.
It doesn’t have the muscle of the 3.0-litre, however, with lag noticeable when you come off the throttle and reapply, so you need to drive accordingly.
Given the strong skew towards towing among Isuzu owners, the big question for many will likely be, ‘can the new engine make a decent fist of it?’
We never had the chance to test the 2.2-litre engine’s towing chops, but Isuzu obviously thinks it’s up to the job, rating the new 2.2-litre range at 3,500kg braked towing capacity, 500kg more than the old 1.9-litre and equal to variants powered by its four-cylinder 3.0-litre engine.
No doubt the larger engine, with its 140kW/450Nm outputs, will remain the preferred choice of the heavy towing brigade, as it should, but the new 2.2-litre now presents as a slightly more cost-effective alternative for buyers on a budget.
Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 2.2 specifications
- PRICE: $59,500 (MRLP)
- WARRANTY: Six years/150,000km
- POWERTRAIN: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (120kW/400Nm); eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-or four-wheel drive; high and low range.
- ANCAP CRASH RATING: Five stars (2022)
- FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7.1L/100km, (188g/km CO2)
- FOR: Isuzu’s strong reputation for durability and reliability; excellent off-road performance; decent fuel efficiency; comprehensive safety kit; less expensive than 3.0-litre variant.
- AGAINST: More expensive and less power than key rivals; diesel lacks refinement compared with best in class; ageing dash design.
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