2015 Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 2.5L 5AT AWD (163 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Isuzu launched the second generation of the D-Max in 2011, and four years later, in 2015, the Japanese automaker refreshed the lineup and unveiled it in Thailand, where it produced the pickup.

Besides the Australasian market, the European one was important for Isuzu. However, starting in 2015, Europe was switching to the Euro 6 emission standards, meaning that the D-Max had to be upgraded. Along with the required modifications to the mid-size pickup, Isuzu updated the vehicle’s exterior and interior to make it more appealing to private customers. Slowly but surely, more and more private customers started to look for pickups to use for leisure activities. Besides being a tough off-road vehicle, the D-Max could tow trailers or carry off-road motorcycles in its bed. However, since most customers complained about the cabin, Isuzu’s R&D center burned the midnight oil to improve the D-Max in most areas.

Like its predecessor, the 2015 Isuzu D-Max was available in three bodywork configurations, with single, extended, and double cab versions. However, the double cab was the one aimed at private customers. They could use it as a family vehicle or as a work truck. At the front, the pickup had a slightly restyled front fascia featuring new headlamps with integrated daytime running lights. They flanked a chromed grille for the upper grades, while the lower versions had that in body color. The lower bumper sported a wide second air intake with an egg-crate styled pattern, while a pair of round fog lamps flanked it.

From its profile, Isuzu’s rugged pickup boasted the same muscular stance with flared wheel arches for both axles. The higher trims benefited from running boards that served as steps to ease ingress and egress to the cabin. Isuzu worked on the styling and added body-colored rearview mirror caps, while the door handles were also available with chromed decorations. In addition, a set of roof rails was available for the 2015 Isuzu D-Max, depending on the grade. At the back, the taillights with available LEDs were corner mounted, and the one opposed to the driver integrated the reversing light into the lower area.

Inside, the 2015 Isuzu D-Max sported new materials and improved pieces of equipment. Fronting the driver was the same rounded instrument cluster, albeit with an upgraded TFT display placed between the speedometer and the tachometer. Furthermore, for the Blade grade, the automaker installed piano-black finishes on the center stack, which surrounded the Pioneer infotainment unit featuring navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Like its predecessor, the 2015 Isuzu D-Max Double Cab came with standard cloth upholstery, while higher grades were leather-wrapped. The four-spoke steering wheel was adorned by several buttons controlling the media, the onboard computer, and the infotainment system.

Under the hood, Isuzu installed a smaller engine than the previous generation. Its thoroughly developed 1.9-liter turbodiesel powerhouse boasted lower emissions. That helped the Japanese car manufacturer to deliver the 2015 Isuzu D-Max without a diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue), relying just on a diesel particulate filter. The powerhouse was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic tranny was available. However, for specific markets, the automaker still offered the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter turbodiesel powerhouses that developed 163 PS (161 hp) and 177 PS (175 hp), respectively.