> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://torquecafe.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # More powerful Isuzu D-Max, MU-X not yet confirmed for Australia - URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-2027-isuzu-d-max-mu-x-bi-turbo-australia/ - Published: 2026-10-26T01:53:37.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-26T01:53:37.000Z - Description: The most potent versions of the Isuzu D-Max ute and MU-X SUV have been unveiled in Thailand, but don’t expect it in Australia soon. - Author: Jordan Mulach - Tags: News, 4x4 & Adventure The Thailand division of Isuzu has revealed a new bi-turbo diesel version of its 2.2-litre D-Max and MU-X, becoming the most potent versions of the ute and SUV available. Building on the 2.2-litre single-turbo diesel ‘Ddi Maxforce’ four-cylinder which debuted in 2024 and [arrived in Australia last year](https://torquecafe.com/isuzu-news-d-max-mu-x-new-engine-price-increase/) as a follow-up to the less popular 1.9-litre version, the new bi-turbo engine adds a second turbocharger, increasing outputs significantly. Where the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 120kW and 400Nm, the bi-turbo 2.2-litre bumps its outputs up to 150kW and 500Nm, matching the likes of the Toyota HiLux, which makes identical figures from its 2.8-litre single-turbo four. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/isuzu-dmax-mu-x-biturbo-.jpg) Isuzu D-Max bi-turbo 2.2-litre It is also more powerful and offers higher torque than Isuzu’s legendary ‘4JJ3’ 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which currently makes 140kW and 450Nm, powering the majority of the best-selling Isuzu D-Max and MU-X variants in Australia. The new 2.2-litre bi-turbo matches the 3.0-litre in its peak power being delivered at 3600rpm, as well as maximum torque being sustained from 1600rpm to 2600rpm. While the ‘RZ4’ family engine the 2.2-litre belongs to launched in 2017, the ‘4J’ 3.0-litre’s family dates back to the mid-1980s, and is shared across Isuzu’s light truck lineup. The larger 4J turbo-diesels are known for their reliability and being highly tunable, something which is yet to be seen from the aftermarket en masse for the 2.2-litre. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/isuzu-dmax-biturbo-2.jpg) 2027 Isuzu D-Max bi-turbo 2.2-litre in Thailand Available in the higher-spec variants of the D-Max and MU-X, the arrival of the new engine has coincided with a facelift for the ute and SUV twins. For the D-Max, its front-end design has been slightly tweaked, mainly centring around new grille inserts, while the same applies to the MU-X, as well as foglight surrounds. Despite the new engine being available in Thailand where all examples of the D-Max and MU-X are produced, Isuzu Ute Australia has yet to lock in the bi-turbo mill. “The newly announced 2.2L Bi-Turbo engine is currently specific to the Thai market,” a spokesperson told *Torquecafe*. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/isuzu-mu-x-biturbo-.jpg) 2027 Isuzu MU-X in Thailand “Isuzu Ute Australia continually considers future product opportunities based on local customer needs, market conditions and regulatory requirements; however, we have no announcements to make regarding this powertrain for Australia at this time.” The D-Max is one of Australia’s most popular utes, sitting behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux on the sales charts. It continues to outsell the Mitsubishi Triton, which for now is the most popular bi-turbo diesel ute in Australia, after Ford dropped its offering from the Ranger lineup. Isuzu is looking for ways to reduce its fleet emissions amid more stringent penalties locally, and announcing last month it would [not be bringing](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-isuzu-dmax-ev-cancelled-australia/) the electric D-Max EV ute to Australian showrooms.