Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 2020: Hardcore Ford Ranger Raptor-baiting tough truck now even tougher

Isuzu has pulled the covers off an even tougher version of the toughest D-Max, with the 2020 Arctic Trucks AT35 revealed in the UK. 

The D-Max AT35 is a collaboration between Isuzu and Icelandic outfit Arctic Trucks, and appears to take direct aim at the Ford Ranger Raptor, with heavy-duty off-road kit added as standard. 

But before you get too excited in Australia, Isuzu’s local arm says it has no plan to introduce the AT35 locally, telling CarsGuide the model is limited to the UK and South Africa, though promising to “monitor the demand” in Australia in the future. 

“From what we can see, the recently updated Arctic Trucks AT35 is limited to the United Kingdom (although South Africa also sell a version of the AT35),” an Isuzu spokesperson told CarsGuide.

“Unfortunately we are unable to comment on future model plans, but we can say we will continue to monitor the demands of the Australian market – and where possible, meet those demands.”

The 2020 AT35 gets the same 35-inch Nokian Rotiiva off-road tyres, wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels, as the outgoing version, which in turn are stuffed within massively flared wheel arch extensions.

New for 2020, though, is the swapping of the existing Fox shocks for new Bilstein suspension, with the brand promising the change has resulted in a truck that “can tackle even tougher terrain”.

There are new and extended side steps and new Arctic Truck logos, too, while inside, there’s a bespoke leather-trimmed interior treatment, as well as 9.0-inch touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) taking pride of place in the centre console.

Under the bonnet lives a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine good for 120kW and 360Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Towing is rated at 3.5 tonnes, while the payload is over a tonne. The Ranger Raptor, for those playing at home, squeezes a formidable 157kW and 500Nm from its twin-turbo diesel engine. 

The price? It isn’t cheap. In the UK, the AT35 starts at 39,995 pounds, which converts to around $75k in Australia – but it must be pointed out that a straight currency conversion is rarely accurate when it comes to international models.