Isuzu’s Ranger and Everest rivals get more grunt, go auto-only

Isuzu has given the most affordable versions of the D-Max and MU-X a new heart, with its short-lived 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine replaced by a new 2.2-litre mill.

Available from October 1, the ‘25.5MY’ (2026) D-Max and MU-X are now offered with the ‘RZ4F-TC’ engine, producing 120kW and 400Nm – up 10kW and 50Nm on the 1.9-litre engine – while being paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

This new engine and drivetrain combination, in addition to the arrival of idle stop-start, has resulted in claimed fuel consumption dropping to as low as 6.3L/100km in the D-Max (down from the 1.9-litre’s 6.7L/100km to 7.0L/100km figure), and 6.7L/100km in the MU-X (down from 7.4L/100km).

The more expensive 3.0-litre four-cylinder ‘4JJ3’ continues to produce 140kW and 450Nm, though it too has benefited from the addition of a start-stop system. Its engine continues to be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Isuzu has however dropped the option of a six-speed manual transmission from the D-Max, previously available in just four grades of the SX cab-chassis trim. It has also removed 4×2 versions of the 3.0-litre MU-X, with the rear-drive SUV only remaining in base 2.2-litre LS-M guise.

A 3500kg braked towing capacity is now standard across both the D-Max and MU-X range, representing no change for the 3.0-litre engines but a 500kg increase from 1.9- to 2.2-litre engines.

Outside of the new engines there’s no major equipment changes across the D-Max or MU-X (apart from a new cloth trim in the D-Max X-Rider), however prices are up for both the ute and SUV.

Compared to the 1.9-litre, the new 2.2-litre has resulted in a $1500 price increase for relevant grades of the D-Max and MU-X, while the relatively unchanged 3.0-litre has seen rises ranging from $1000 to $2000 in the MU-X, and $1500 to $2500 in the D-Max.

The implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and the beginning of fines in July is likely behind the larger increase for the unchanged 3.0-litre.

2026 Isuzu D-Max pricing

2026 Isuzu MU-X pricing