This is the new Isuzu D-Max 2020: More power, more tech will take the fight to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger

The 2020 Isuzu D-Max has been unveiled, with more power, more tech and a tougher look heading the changes for the popular workhorse. 

But in good news for fans of the ute’s heavy-duty 3.0-litre diesel engine, the tow-happy powertrain lives on. In fact, it’s now even more powerful, thanks to a change that sees outputs grow to 140kW and 450Nm.

It’s the D-Max’s first full update in eight years, but the changes detailed by Isuzu in Japan transform the workhorse ute from one of the oldest in its segment to one of the most modern.

According to Isuzu, the D-Max has been designed under a “beyond the pick-up truck” theme, with research suggesting customers (specifically those in Thailand) will swap out of passenger cars, station wagons and other, more-rugged utes into the D-Max.

With that in mind, then, the 2020 model has been designed with a tough but modern appearance that adds front and rear LED DRLs, LED headlights, a new-look front-end and a redesigned rear.

Inside, top-spec vehicles make use of a 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia unit, home to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a redesigned interior is meant to make driver and passenger feel like they’re in a more modern feeling vehicle, rather than a traditional workhorse.

Under the bonnet, the 3.0-litre engine has been re-tuned for bigger outputs (140kW @ 3600 and 450Nm @ 1600rpm) while updated suspension, faster steering, bigger brake rotors and a wading depth increase to 800mm complete a fairly comprehensive mechanical overhaul.

Preliminary specs have the crew cab models measuring in at 5265mm in length, 1870mm in width and 1790mm in height, and tipping the scales at 1890kg.

While pricing and specification is still being determined for Australia, we do know that keyless entry, push-button start, voice recognition, auto headlights, dual-zone climate and front and rear parking sensors join the standard kit list on top-spec models internationally, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, round-body parking sensors, hill start assist and hill descent control join the safety kit. 

The 2020 D-Max is expected to be revealed in the metal on October 19, which would see it arrive in Australia next year.