Isuzu D-MAX Special Edition 1.9 V-Cross Steel Edition Double CAB 4X4 Auto

Ten Second Review

If you're seeking a push pick-up, you're probably wanting it to feel quite unique - and very well equipped. Might Isuzu's D-Max STEEL Edition fit the bill?

Background

Recent changes in tax have made it a little more difficult to justify pick-up purchase, but for many customers, there's still nothing quite like a light truck of this sort. Isuzu has been steadily growing its sales in this segment in recent years, momentum that continued in early 2025 with the launch of a further updated version of the current RG-series D-Max model To continue on that course, the brand has broadened the D-Max range to include the STEEL Edition model we look at here, a variant limited to just 250 units for our market. The idea is to build on the success achieved by the earlier pre-facelift D-Max STEEL Edition introduced in 2024.

Driving Experience

None of the key mechanicals have changed as part of this update, so as before, there's Isuzu's now-familiar four cylinder 1.9-litre turbo diesel powerplant, offering 164PS and available for STEEL Edition customers only with 6-speed auto transmission. This is a smaller capacity engine than you'll find with direct rivals and its 360Nm torque output is lower too, though a 3.5-tonne towing capacity is retained. This relatively light powertrain though, enables the kerb weight of this Isuzu to dip below the government's 2,040kg weight limit that separates Goods Vehicles from passenger cars so, unlike other pick-ups in the segment, this one can be driven at passenger car speed limits. The key driveability change as part of this update is the addition (above base trim) of a new 'Rough Terrain' drive mode. This works in conjunction with the traction control system and senses when a wheel doesn't have enough grip and is spinning faster than it should be when you're off road. The system then applies the brakes and throttle as necessary to get you moving. You're supposed to engage it before you get into a muddy situation - say at the base of a steep slippery hill. Progress through really gnarly stuff is aided by decent suspension articulation and the lockable rear differential you get on most models. Ground clearance is rated at 235mm and the fording depth at 800mm. As before, the 4WD system has capable low ratio gearing, an effective hill descent control system and a display showing what angle you're at. You can switch between two and four wheel drive on the move too, via a provided rotary dial. As for on-tarmac journeying, well the D-Max is better than it used to be in terms of cruising refinement, but it still lags behind rivals and is hardly car-like. No contender in this class can properly replicate the car-like drive dynamics of an SUV and in this one, there remains plenty of body roll at speed through tighter turns as you slide around on the flat-bottomed seats. But on the plus side, there's not too much back end floatiness when the load bay is empty and with a bit of weight in the back, it's possible at times to forget you're in a pick-up - until you lurch into a corner or clump over a speed hump.

Design and Build

This D-Max STEEL Edition model gets Steel Grey Mica paintwork, accentuated by bespoke styling elements. Including dark grey wheel arch fender flares, rear arch extensions and roof rails. The dark grey Isuzu grille emblem and STEEL-branded side graphics further distinguish this variant. Inside, the STEEL Edition gets STEEL-branded embossed headrests, carpet mats and illuminated puddle lamps, plus LED scuff plates. Otherwise, this is pretty much the same interior as you get in the leather-upholstery V-Cross D-Max model. If you're graduating up from the pre-facelift STEEL Edition model, in this one you'll notice a new 7-inch cluster with digital gauges. The previous clunky central infotainment screen has also been upgraded, though its usability still isn't what you'd get from mainstream rivals. It does now offer wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring though and for this STEEL Edition variant is offered in its top 9.0-inch size. There's voice control too, you get some nice 4x4 graphics and it's easy to turn off the bothersome ADAS systems, once you get familiar with the screen menus. Otherwise, everything's much as it was, with plenty of wipe-clean surfaces and hard plastics; this remains very much a working pick-up. If you're not too fussed about the bumpy drive dynamics, you might even be happy to transfer into this Isuzu out of a mid-sized SUV, thanks to touches like the smart stitching found on the soft grainy dash top and on door cards also featuring piano black finishing. What's it like for rear passengers in this Double Cab model? Well once inside, there's slightly more passenger comfort than is provided by some rival models, thanks to an increase in wheelbase length for this generation model, all of which has been used to the benefit of rear-seated folk. There's also decent room for head and shoulders. And you'll appreciate the way that the seat back angle has been slightly set to make the backrest less vertically inclined, which gives noticeably greater comfort on longer journeys.

Market and Model

The STEEL Edition sits near the top of the mainstream D-Max line-up in the lifestyle-orientated 'Adventure Range' and bears a name borrowed from a previous D-Max special edition. This variant comes only with 6-speed auto transmission and costs £42,695 (CVOTR). We covered off most of the STEEL Edition extra features in our 'Design' section. Plus, as with all D-Max models, there's a very high standard of camera safety, controlled by a pair of cameras at the top of the windscreen. They function as the 'eyes' of this pick-up, judging distances and spotting hazards more quickly and more accurately than a conventional radar system could. This camera set-up uses two lenses which produce two readings, which the software compares, then gauges your likely stopping distance - operating in much the same way as the human eye. Isuzu claims this camera system can identify objects from 120-metres away. And, because these cameras are situated higher up in the vehicle than radar sensors would be, they're less likely to suffer from malfunctioning issues when the whole vehicle is coated with dirt. Probably the most important camera safety feature is Isuzu's 'Forward collision warning' autonomous braking set-up, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Also standard is a 'Lane departure warning and prevention' set-up, which alerts you if you're drifting out of lane. There's also a 'Multi-collision brake' system that automatically applies the brakes if you hit something and the airbags are deployed, thus reducing the chances of the vehicle going on to hit something else. Additionally, all D-Max models get a 'Traffic sign recognition' system, which pictures speed signs you pass and, on most models, functions as part of an 'Intelligent speed limiter'. There's also a rear radar safety system - a real rarity in this segment.

Practicalities and Costs

The load area hasn't changed much with this third generation D-Max. It remains exactly the same width as the previous MK2 design (1,530mm) but has become a little deeper (1,490mm). It's a little longer too (1,495mm), but still remains one of the shorter cargo bays in the segment. Payload is just over a tonne, as is typical in this segment. There are four tie-down points to stop loads from moving around, which is just as well as this vehicle doesn't offer a ladder rack behind the cab to protect the driver if all else fails and something really heavy slides forward. Efficiency-wise, this Double Cab D-Max auto manages up to 30.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 241g/km of CO2. The good news is that Isuzu continues to offer one of the best warranties in the pick-up segment - a five year / 125,000 mile guarantee. Plus there's three years of roadside recovery and assistance, a three-year paint warranty and six years of anti-corrosion cover. Fuel economy is much improved, as are emissions. And the diesel engine now cuts NOx with use of the AdBlue additive. What else? Residual values for the previous version of this model were strong, suggesting that after 3 years and 60,000 miles of use, your D-Max would still be worth around 40% of what you originally paid for it. We don't expect that showing to change much this time round.

Summary

Isuzu says the D-Max STEEL Edition has 'a unique blend of rugged drivability, premium styling and off-road capability'. Just about every pick-up on the market claims that of course, but we can see why you might like the tough, plush value proposition of this one. The looks make it stand out, the cabin feels well appointed and the most recent D-Max enhancements are welcome. As a result, we can see why you might just agree that steel works.