Isuzu D-Max review

The top spec V-Cross’s move into the lifestyle market means the interior spec differs wildly throughout the D-Max range. V-Cross versions get leather, soft-touch materials, giant comfy armchairs and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with CarPlay and Android Auto. The graphics are old-school but the touchscreen is responsive enough and the size suits the interior. Double cabs also get EIGHT grab handles and TEN cupholders.

Space? Plentiful. And that’s for both front and rear-seat passengers (who also benefit from 20mm shoulder room, higher hip points and more reclined seats in comparison to the predecessor). Storage isn’t in short supply, either, with two gloveboxes and an extra compartment nestled into the top of the dash. And, you know, a mighty great cargo bed just a couple of feet behind you. Family getaways should be a breeze.  

Below that is the DL40, which gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen (again compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), LED lights and much of the kit from the V-Cross – including plenty of leather and fancy dual-zone climate control. It can also only be had in five-seat double cab form, whereas the DL20 comes with a double or extended cab.

Base spec Utility models are very bare inside whether you go for two or five seats. There’s a standard CD player (remember those?) with DAB radio, hard-wearing cloth upholstery and a plasticky steering wheel and gear knob. The driving position is easily adjustable though and even those chairs are plenty comfortable – a welcome relief for fleet drivers no doubt.

All models get either aircon (Utility and DL20) or dual-zone climate control (DL40 and V-Cross) and there are proper buttons to control it too. Result. There’s also USB ports to plug your phone in, both front and rear from DL20 spec onwards. It won’t be the most refined ride of your life, but it’s not an uncomfortable place to be. And for a pick-up, that’s as good as it really gets.