Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L turbocharged diesel engines arrive. Malaysia’s first Automatic Single Cab joins the line-up and its gets an 8-speed autobox.
Last year (July 2025), the Isuzu D-MAX was the 2nd best selling pickup truck in Malaysia. This July it might just be the No.1 selling pickup truck in Malaysia with this ‘worlds best’ diesel engine and very tempting asking price.
The revolutionary 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel-powered Isuzu D-MAX has arrived, heralding an elevated level of driving pleasure, delivering technological superiority while offering class-leading clean emissions to discerning pick-up truck owners.
As an award-winning pick-up truck, the Isuzu D-MAX already offers a significant number of benefits to owners. In particular, its legendary fuel efficiency, dependability, performance and versatility have all been exemplary traits that owners have come to adore. Added to that, the good looks and well-specified comfort and safety features make the Isuzu D-MAX one of the most complete and capable pick-up trucks in the market.
Today, the bar continues to be raised following the introduction of the new 2026 Isuzu D- MAX range featuring the latest 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that registers improvement in every aspect over the 1.9-litre version; from power, torque, driveability and refinement to fuel efficiency, eco-friendliness and reliability. It is so technologically advanced, it is quickly being touted as ‘Isuzu’s Best Engine ever!
Speaking at the launch of the new 2.2-litre Isuzu D-MAX, Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Tomoyuki Yamaguchi expressed confidence that the all-new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine would be the catalyst that will further raise the profile and demand for highly capable and versatile pick-up trucks in the country.
“Our 1.9-litre Isuzu D-MAX range has been very popular among users who come away impressed with its ability to make every journey a smooth, comfortable and efficient one. Today, we bring a new level of performance and driving pleasure with the introduction of the all-new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel powered Isuzu D-MAX range. I believe Malaysian motorists will appreciate that the new model boasts improved driving character while offering greater fuel efficiency,” said Yamaguchi.
Producing 8.7 percent more power over the 1.9-litre engine at 163PS at 3,600rpm, the all- new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine also improves torque output by 14.3 percent, hitting the magical 400Nm mark between 1,600rpm to 2,400rpm.
“Significantly, more than half of the maximum torque is generated from 1,000rpm, giving the new model plenty of low-end grunt making it supremely pleasurable to drive. Coupled to this, the new engine comes paired with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift, bringing a new level of driving dynamics be it for business or leisure,” added Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer Kenichi Kudo.
The flagship of the Isuzu D-MAX range will continue to be the X-Terrain powered exclusively by the famed 3.0L engine while the 2.2L engine comes in from the highly- popular Premium 4×4 variant. This will be followed by the 4×2 Auto Plus and the best- selling variant of the range, the Standard 4×4 model.
Joining the line-up will be Malaysia’s first Single Cab to feature an automatic transmission. The Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L Single Cab Auto will share the same 8-speed automatic gearbox with the rest of the 2.2-litre range albeit with a revised final drive to match up to its greater payload capabilities. It also receives the Rough Terrain Mode, Isuzu’s off-road traction control system that makes dirt driving a breeze.
Scoring another class first, the entire 2.2-litre Isuzu D-MAX range complies with Euro 5 exhaust emission standards making it one of the greenest pick-up trucks in its class.
Apart from the engines, the new 2026 Isuzu D-MAX also receives a number of updates including new light clusters, grille, rims and side steps. Noticeably, the new models feature two additional colours namely Inishmore Green Metallic and Obsidian Gray Mica available in selected variants. The 2.2L Single Cab Auto is also available with the option of Mercury Silver Metallic apart from Splash White. The automatic variants enjoy body-coloured bumpers for a more contemporary outlook.
In addition, the 2026 Isuzu D-MAX range further receives useful upgrades including a new 10” infotainment system for the X-Terrain, Premium and 4×2 Auto Plus models. The Standard variant receives a new 7” head unit and now comes with Tailgate Assist. Rough Terrain Mode is now standard across the board in all 4×4 models including the Single Cab 4×4 Manual.
Based on the fresh appeal of its design, the new driving dynamics, improved fuel economy and marginal road tax variance of RM172.00 compared to the 1.9L in Peninsular Malaysia, the all-new 2.2L turbocharged diesel-powered Isuzu D-MAX is expected to continue carrying the mantle as the volume model for Isuzu.
Prices start from RM103,121.20 on the road without insurance for the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L Single Cab (M) in Peninsular Malaysia; RM105,204.60 in Sabah; RM105,267.60 in Sarawak while the Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L Premium 4×4 is priced at RM141,821.20 in Peninsular Malaysia; RM144,804.60 in Sabah; RM144,867.60 in Sarawak.
All 2026 Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L and 3.0L variants come with a 20,000km/2-year free periodic maintenance service package and enjoy a 150,000km or 5-year warranty except for the flagship X-Terrain that enjoys a class-leading 7-year unlimited mileage warranty. The new 2026 Isuzu D-MAX models will be available at authorized Isuzu showrooms nationwide beginning today.
