The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L is helping the company find new customers in challenging times.
Isuzu Malaysia has recorded strong growth in the pick-up truck segment, driven by the strong market reception of the 2026 Isuzu D-MAX featuring its latest 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine. Read our review here.
The brand’s segment market share expanded by three percentage points quarter-on-quarter to command a 17.3 percent market share in the second quarter of 2026.
Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, attributed the success to the combined appeal of traditional D-MAX durability alongside improved performance, enhanced cabin refinement, and higher fuel economy.
New 2.2L Turbodiesel and 8-Speed Automatic Drive Sales
First introduced locally in March 2026, the updated D-MAX line-up features ten total variants. The cornerstone of the refresh is the introduction of the 2.2-litre RZ4F-TC turbodiesel engine, which replaces the outgoing 1.9-litre unit.
- Higher Output: Generates 163 PS at 3,600 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, representing an increase of 13 PS and 50 Nm over the 1.9-litre engine.
- 8-Speed Automatic: Matched with a new eight-speed automatic transmission designed to optimize engine response and high-speed cruising efficiency.
- Euro 5 Emissions: Fully compliant with Euro 5 exhaust emission standards, featuring a claimed 10.7 percent improvement in extra-urban fuel economy over the older unit.
The 2.2-Litre Standard 4×4 Automatic double cab variant has emerged as the volume leader for the range, accounting for 36 percent of total Isuzu D-MAX sales.
Class-First Single Cab Automatic Captures Commercial Demand
The 2026 refresh also introduced Malaysia’s first Single Cab pick-up truck equipped with an automatic transmission. Featuring the same 2.2-litre engine and revised final drive ratios for heavy payload demands, the 2.2L Single Cab Auto now makes up 60 percent of all D-MAX single cab sales.
Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia’s Light Commercial Vehicle Division, Kenichi Kudo, noted that the combination of lower emissions, reduced noise levels, and higher low-end torque has proven popular among both commercial fleet operators and private lifestyle buyers.
Prospective owners can view vehicle specifications and locate authorized dealerships through Isuzu Malaysia’s official digital platform at isuzu.net.my.
