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Isuzu D-Max DL20 Buyers Guide | Everything From its Reliability, Warranty, Price, Features & Lots More

In Our Isuzu D-Max DL20 Buyers Guide We Review Everything About This Pickup From its Reliability, Warranty, Price, Features & Lots More. So Find Out More Today.


Suppose you are considering buying a brand-new Isuzu D-Max DL20. In that case, you need to know if this is the proper pickup for you; hence, in this guide, we review the DL20, giving you all the information you need to answer your questions regardless if you are looking to get one for family use, or for business purposes commercial vehicle.

So, let's find out what sets the Isuzu D-Max DL20 apart in the pickup market as a rue workhorse and if this is genuinely the right truck for you and your business.

Top Considerations

☑ Equipped with a 1.9 Litre turbo diesel engine, it really does deliver you a solid performance with great fuel efficiency.

☑ Available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options.

☑ Comes with an impressive towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes - making it ideal for very heavy-duty tasks.

☑ It has many advanced safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

☑ Strong off-road capabilities with features like Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, up to 800 mm of wading depth, and a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system as well.

☑ It has a very high payload capacity of up to 1,155 kg, suitable for carrying heavy loads.

Table of Contents

Isuzu D-MAX DL20 in grey

What is a Isuzu D-Max DL20?

With the 3rd generation D-Max being launched in South Africa on 7th April 2022 as part of Isuzu's latest D-Max line-up, the high-performance DL20 models bring with them a great balance of strength, payload capacity, and a lot of practical features all rolled onto a great chassis.

This model is also particularly favoured for its great reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent choice for both businesses and individual buyers who want a strong off-road vehicle.

What Models Does The DL20 Come In?

The DL20 comes in 2 main models, which are:

  • Isuzu D-Max DL20 Extended Cabin
  • Isuzu D-Max DL20 Double Cabin

How Do The Models Differ?

The Isuzu D-Max DL20's models differ in a large number of ways, such as including:

Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE
Halogen Headlights
Bi-LED Headlights - -
Halogen Daytime Running Lights
LED Daytime Running Lights - -
Automatic Headlights
High Beam Assist
LED Rear Lights - -
Halogen Front Fog Lights
LED Front Fog Lights - -
Rear Fog Lights
Automatic Windscreen Wipers with Rain Sensor
Heated Rear Screen
Medium Grey Radiator Grille
Chrome Radiator Grille - -
Body Coloured Front Bumper
Body Coloured Rear Bumper with Integrated Step
Silver Side Steps - -
Folding, Heated, Body-Coloured Door Mirrors with Side Indicator Repeaters
Folding, Heated, Chrome Door Mirrors with Side Indicator Repeaters - -
Silver Door Handles
Chrome Door Handles - -
Integrated Fuel Filler Cap with AdBlue
Tailgate Damper
Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE
18" Alloy Wheels – Silver
18" Alloy Wheels – Two-Tone - -
Locking Wheel Nuts
Full Size Spare Wheel - Steel
Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE
Cloth Upholstery
Leather Upholstery - -
6-Way Adjustable Driver's Seat (Manual)
8-Way Adjustable Driver's Seat (Electric) - -
Driver's Seat Lumbar Support (Manual) -
Driver's Seat Lumbar Support (Power) -
Heated Front Seats
Front Seatback Map Pockets
Flat Folding Rear Seats -
60/40 Folding Seat Base -
Under Seat Base Storage
Height Adjustable Front Headrests
Height Adjustable Rear Headrests -
Front Centre Armrest
Front Cup Holders (Centre Console & Dash – Driver & Passenger Sides)
Front Door Pockets with Bottle Holder
Rear Centre Armrest with Cup Holders -
Rear Door Pockets with Bottle Holder -
Leather Steering Wheel - -
Carpet Floor Trim
Driver's Foot Rest

 

Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE
7" Multifunction Colour Touchscreen - -
Bluetooth® Connectivity
DAB Radio
Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ - -
CD Player
Four Speakers
Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE DL40
Remote Control Central Locking
Follow Me Home Light
Keyless Entry & Push Button Start System - -
Welcome Light - -
Power Windows (Front Only) - -
Power Windows (Front & Rear) -
Sunglasses Holder & Overhead Console
Map Lights
Driver & Passenger Sun Visors -
Driver & Passenger Sun Visors with Vanity Mirror - -
Height & Reach Adjustable Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel Mounted Audio & Cruise Controls
12-Volt Power Outlet
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual Only)
4.2" Multi-Information Display
Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE DL40
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control (Automatic transmission Only) -
Forward Collision Warning
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Traffic Sign Recognition
Intelligent Speed Limiter
Lane Departure Warning & Prevention System
Lane Keep Assist (Auto Only) -
AT Pedal Misapplication Mitigation (Auto Only) -
Blind Spot Monitor -
Emergency Lane Keeping -
Rear Cross Traffic Alert -
Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE
Rear Parking Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors - -
Reversing Camera - -
Rear Differential Lock
4WD Shift On The Fly
Speed-Sensitive Power Steering
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
Traction Control
Trailer Sway Control
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Brake Assist System
Hill Start Assist
Hill Descent Control
E-Call
Multi-Collision Brake
Security Etched Glass
Insurance Approved Immobiliser
Alarm with Deadlock
Front, Side, Curtain & Driver Knee SRS Airbags
Centre SRS Airbag -
Passenger Airbag Deactivation Switch
Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioner & Load Limiter
2 x Three-Point Rear Seatbelts (Side) -
3 x Three-Point Rear Seatbelts (Side & Centre) -
Rear ISOFIX Points for your Child Seat Anchors with Top Tether Anchors (2 x Rear Side) -
Rear Door Child Locks -
Seatbelt Reminder Indicator (All Seating Positions)
Stop & Start System
Feature DL20 EXTENDED DL20 DOUBLE
Six Speakers - -
Front USB Port
Rear USB Port -

Dimensions

When it comes to its dimensions, you have the following metrics and sizes:

Metric Dimensions (mm)
Length 5270
Width 1870
Height 1790
Front Overhang 895
Rear Overhang 1250
Wheelbase 3125
Track (Front & Rear) 1570
Ground Clearance (Rear Axle) 240
Approach Angle (Degrees) 30.5
Departure Angle (Degrees) 24.2
Ramp Angle (Degrees) 22.9

Load Bed

While the high front design of the DL20 and its sharp lines create a strong look, which is then enhanced further by the unique 18-inch alloy wheels and its bold radiator grille. One of the standout features when it comes to its standard size load bed, especially, is the rear bumper, which has a built-in step for easier access to the load area.

This load area then gives you an area that is made up of the following:

LOAD BED (MM) DL20 EXTENDED MANUAL DL20 DOUBLE MANUAL DL20 DOUBLE AUTO
Length 1805 1495 1495
Width 1530 1530 1530
Depth 490 490 490
Isuzu D-MAX DL20 Exterior parked in grey

Exterior

For the exterior, it is clear that the Isuzu D-Max DL20 has been designed with both functionality and style in mind with its outside design - as the exterior features a range of high-quality design elements from its front to its rear, which consist of:

Front

At the front, the D-Max DL20 is equipped with Halogen Headlights and optional Bi-LED Headlights, which give you excellent visibility in all conditions, be it on the road, while you are off road, or on a construction site.

The LED Daytime Running Lights and Halogen Daytime Running Lights also add to its modern look while simultaneously providing you with additional safety.

This pickup truck also includes automatic headlights and high beams, which help make life easier and improve night driving.

Rear Lights

The DL20 also features LED Rear Lights, Halogen and LED Front Fog Lights, and Rear Fog Lights to ensure visibility from vehicles behind you in adverse weather conditions.

Automatic Windscreen Wipers, Rain Sensors, and a Heated Rear Screen all add to the truck's practical features and visibility, especially on rainy or foggy days.

Exterior Body Features

With other features such as the Medium Grey or Chrome Radiator Grille and Body Coloured Front and Rear Bumpers with an Integrated Step also give you a very sleek appearance, while also being very practical at the same time.

Other exterior features, including Silver Side Steps, an Integrated Fuel Filler Cap with AdBlue, and a Tailgate Damper, make the Isuzu D-Max DL20 a very well-rounded, efficient, and stylish pickup truck.

Interior

For the interior, the Isuzu D-Max DL20 versatile cab type also offers you a very comfortable and well-equipped interior designed to make every journey both enjoyable and as easy as possible.

With further practical and added comfort features, it continues to the inside, starting with the seats.

Starting with the seats, the D-Max DL20 comes with Cloth Upholstery as standard. At the same time, Leather Upholstery is also available for those who prefer a more high-end feel.

The driver also has access to a highly adjustable seat, with a 6-Way Manual option or an 8-Way Electric option - allowing you to find the perfect driving position with your body type.

Additionally, both Manual and Power lumbar Support options are available, which add a lot more comfort, especially on long drives.

For added warmth, especially in winter, the D-Max DL20 includes Heated Front Seats on the driver side. At the same time, the Front Seat Backs have good-sized Map Pockets. In the rear, you have Flat Folding Rear Seats with a 60/40 Folding Seat Base - which can provide you with plenty of storage space for all your belongings if you require even more than the rear truck bed gives you.

Furthermore, the seating options continue beyond there. You also get access to under-seat base storage and height-adjustable front and rear headrests, which further enhance your comfort, especially on long drives.

For the centre console, this is clearly well thought out and will be one of the first things you see when you step inside. This central area also gives you access to two well-sized front cup holders and a front centre armrest for added comfort.

The door pockets, both in the front and the rear, also include Bottle Holders, and for your rear passengers, there is a Rear Centre Armrest with Cup Holders

The D-Max DL20 also features a Leather Steering Wheel, which feels great to the touch. The carpet floor trim and driver’s footrest provide a comfortable interior.


Infotainment System

Your entertainment while on the road is also really well catered for with a 7-inch Multifunction Colour Touchscreen that includes:

  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • DAB Radio
  • Compatibility with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™

Charging on the go

Depending on the model, you can also enjoy your audio through multiple speakers. At the same time, there is a choice of USB Ports available at both the front and rear to further ensure that your devices remain charged and ready to use when you need them.

Safety Features

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 is designed with a strong focus on safety, providing drivers and passengers with peace of mind on every journey. The vehicle is equipped with a range of safety features that ensure protection and security in various driving conditions.

Standard Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, the D-Max DL20 comes with a very comprehensive set of standard safety features, including:

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Hill Descent Control
  • 8 Airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee, and centre (far-side)
  • Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Welcome Headlight and Welcome Light functions
  • Digital Reversing Camera
  • Reinforced structure for enhanced crash protection

Advanced Assistance Features

The DL20 comes with a large amount of advanced and a whole host of smart features including many safety technologies such as:

Monitors the road ahead and alerts the driver of a potential collision allowing the driver keep control and to avoid accidents from occurring if the car in front suddenly stops for instance.

Automatically applies the brakes to either prevent an accident or reduce the severity of an impact depending on speed.

Reads standard road signs ahead and displays any change in the speed limit on the Multi-Information Display.

Keeps vehicle speed below the speed limit of the road it is travelling along.

Alerts the driver if they are about to drift out of their lane.

Adjusts steering direction to help prevent lane departure if the vehicle is about to depart its lane without indicating.

Detects vehicles approaching from the left or right while reversing out of a parking space.

If there is a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot when changing lanes, the system will adjust the steering direction to prevent the lane change and avoid the collision

Detects vehicles in the driver’s blind spot and alerts the driver via an orange warning light in the door mirror.

Enables the driver to set both the desired speed and the distance to the car in front.

Detects lane markings and makes necessary steering adjustments to help keep the vehicle in its lane.

Will suppress engine torque and issue a visual and audible warning if the driver suddenly accelerates in front of an object.

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 has also undergone very rigorous crash testing processes to ensure it meets high safety standards as well.

During these tests, it received excellent safety ratings in various crash tests, which demonstrated how robust its construction was.


Weight

When it comes to its weight you are looking at:

WEIGHTS (KG) Value 1 Value 2 Value 3
Kerb Weight 1942 1980 2010
Gross Vehicle Weight 3100 3100 3100
Payload 1155 1120 1090
Max Front Axle 1450 1450 1450
Max Rear Axle 1910 1910 1910
Trailer Weight Braked 3500 3500 3500
Trailer Weight Unbraked 750 750 750
Nose Weight 245 245 245
Gross Train Weight 6000 6000 6000

Off Road Capabilities

The D-Max also delivers you with a superior off-road capability thanks to its faster engaging shift-on-the-fly 4WD system and rear diff-lock, which is standard across the All-Purpose range.


D-MAX DL20 towing construction equipment

Payload Capacity

The D-Max DL20, when it comes to its payload, offers you an impressive payload capacity, allowing you to carry heavy loads almost effortlessly.

With a maximum payload capacity of 1,150 kg - or a 1.15 tonne payload - it is well-suited for transporting materials, equipment, or goods of any sort.

Along with its flat and spacious bed, it ensures that you can maximise the available space, which makes it highly practical for various needs, from construction to just spending weekends away.


Towing Capacity

When it comes to its towing ability, the D-Max DL20 really does excel with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg. This strong and impressive capability when it comes to towing especially means you can confidently tow trailers, boats, or even very large and heavy caravans - such as Buccaneer caravans - without compromising on your performance while you do so.

The pickup is really well equipped with a strong towing hitch and advanced towing features, such as trailer sway control, which really helps ensure stability and control while towing heavy loads.

Load Bed Features

The bed of the Isuzu D-Max DL20 is also really well-designed. It includes, for instance, features such as a Tailgate Damper for easy loading and unloading, as well as multiple tie-down points to secure your luggage.

The flat bed design also allows for many uses, whether you need to transport bulky items or smaller loads. The addition of a full-size spare wheel ensures you are prepared for any blowout situation.

Engines

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 is really equipped with robust and efficient engine options giving you a Euro 6D emission classification, which can quickly provide you with reliable performance for various requirements.

It manages to accomplish this as the Isuzu D-Max DL20 features a diesel-powered RZ4E engine with a 4-cylinder, in-line configuration engine, which boasts a bore of 80.4 mm, a stroke of 94.4 mm and a compression ratio of 15.9.

With its engine capacity of 1898 cm³, and with an idle speed of 750 +/- 25 RPM and a fuel tank capacity of 76 litres it really does give you everything you need for the jobs that you require of it.

For instance:

Specification DL20 Extended Manual DL20 Double Manual DL20 Double Auto
Engine Type RZ4E RZ4E RZ4E
Fuel Type Diesel Diesel Diesel
Arrangement Cylinders 4, In-line 4, In-line 4, In-line
Firing Order 1-3-4-2 1-3-4-2 1-3-4-2
Bore (mm) 80.4 80.4 80.4
Stroke (mm) 94.4 94.4 94.4
Compression 15.9 15.9 15.9
Engine Capacity (cm³) 1898 1898 1898
Idle Speed 750 +/- 25 750 +/- 25 750 +/- 25
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) 76 76 76

Gear Ratios

For its gear ratios, you have:

Gear DL20 Extended Manual DL20 Double Manual DL20 Double Auto
1 4.942 4.942 3.600
2 2.430 2.430 2.090
3 1.419 1.419 1.488
4 1.000 1.000 1.000
5 0.774 0.774 0.687
6 0.614 0.614 0.580
Reverse 4.597 4.597 3.732
Final Drive 4.300 4.300 4.300

Engine Performance

When it comes to the engine power metrics, you have:

Performance Metric DL20 Extended Manual DL20 Double Manual DL20 Double Auto
Net Power PS @ rpm 164 @ 3600 164 @ 3600 164 @ 3600
Torque Nm @ rpm 360 @ 2000 - 2500 360 @ 2000 - 2500 360 @ 2000 - 2500
Maximum Speed (mph) 112 112 112
Acceleration (0-62mph) sec 12.7 12.7 13.0

Fuel Consumption WLTP (MPG)

For the DL20's fuel consumption, you have:

Fuel Consumption Metric DL20 Extended Manual DL20 Double Manual DL20 Double Auto
Low 28.7 28.7 25.2
Mid 36.6 36.6 33.6
High 39.6 39.6 37.2
Extra-High 31.0 31.0 29.1
Combined 34.0 34.0 31.7
CO₂ Emissions (g/km) 219 219 220

Performance and Handling

When it comes to its performance and handling, the DL20 gives you a smooth and responsive driving experience.

With its net power of 164 PS @ 3600 rpm and a torque of 360 Nm @ 2000-2500 rpm, the DL20 really does give you strong and powerful acceleration and power when you need it the most.

Its advanced suspension system and Electronic Stability Control enhance handling, making it very agile and stable on various terrain types.

So, whether navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails with ease, the DL20 really does offer precise steering and reliable performance, ensuring a confident experience and control in all driving conditions.

Warranty

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 is renowned for its reliability and durability, making it a trusted choice for both personal and commercial use. The Isuzu also offers a comprehensive warranty package, including a 5-year / 125,000-mile warranty, a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, and a 5-year UK and EU roadside assistance guarantee, which really does give you peace of mind for all new owners.

This robust warranty coverage really does underscore Isuzu's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction and how well they alone believe the D-Max has been built by offering such long warranties for new sales.


Euro NCap Safety rating

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, as you can see by the long warranties, the reliability of the D-Max is very high, and this is also backed up by a large number of industry awards this pickup truck has won, which factor this in, with some of these consisting of for instance:

  • Best Pickup Award - Trade Van Driver Awards
  • Most Reliable Pickup Award - Professional Pickup & 4x4 Awards
  • Pick-up of the Year Award - WhatVan? Awards
  • Best Fleet Pickup Award - Commercial Fleet Awards
  • Maximum five-star safety rating with winning the Euro NCAP Safety Rating Award

Paint Colours

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 comes in a variety of very striking colours, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to match your style, such as:

  • Splash White - Metallic
  • Mercury Silver - Metallic
  • Obsidian Grey - Mica
  • Onyx Black - Mica
  • Spinel Red - Mica
  • Valencia Orange - Metallic (Available for DL40 only)
  • Biarritz Blue - Metallic (Available for DL40 only, New)

Alloys

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 also offers you new alloy wheel options to enhance its stylish and rugged look, including:

  • DL20 18" Silver Alloy Wheels
  • DL40 18" Two-Tone Alloy Wheels

Upholstery

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 also offer you some good upholstery options which really do enhance your interior comfort and style, including:

  • DL20 Premium Woven Fabric
  • DL40 Leather Upholstery

What Other Pickups Compare to the D-Max DL20?

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 competes with several notable pickups in the market, including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara.

Despite strong competition, the DL20 stands out for several reasons.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is known for its powerful engine and advanced technology; however, the Isuzu D-Max DL20 really does surpass the Ranger in terms of fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, which makes it a more economical and environmentally friendly choice as a result.

Additionally, the DL20's robust build quality and reliability are backed by its strong warranties, offering you greater peace of mind.

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is celebrated for its durability and off-road capabilities. While the Hilux is a strong competitor, the DL20 provides a more refined driving experience with more advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning, to name only two.

The DL20's modern interior and superior infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, also provide you with a more comfortable and connected driving experience to the Toyota as well.

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara offers a good balance of both performance and comfort. However, the DL20 really does excel above it with its impressive towing capacity of 3,500 kg and higher payload capacity than that available with the Navara.

The D-Max DL20’s advanced suspension system also ensures that you get a smoother ride on both city roads and rough terrains alike as well.

What is the difference between Isuzu DL20 and DL40?

The Isuzu D-Max DL20 and a brand-new Isuzu D-Max DL40 differ mainly in their features and trim levels.

The DL20 is a more mid-range pickup truck, equipped with essentials like cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, and standard safety features, including eight airbags and trailer sway control, as you can see above.

In contrast, the DL40 offers you more luxury and advanced and powerful features, such as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and additional safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Both models share the same robust engine options, but the DL40 provides a more premium experience with enhanced comfort and technology overall.

What are the Financing Options for Purchasing the Isuzu D-Max DL20?

You can find a large range of flexible finance types to help you purchase the D-Max DL20 with more manageable monthly payments. These options include Hire Purchase agreements, Personal Contract Purchase contracts (PCP), and lease deals.

Each financing option has its own benefits, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your budget and financial situation.

Pricing

For the most up-to-date pricing and available from costs on the Isuzu D-Max DL20, please see our dedicated pricing page.

Other D-Max Variants

The D-Max comes in a a number of variations including:

Related Buying Guides & Reviews

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Isuzu D-Max DL20 Final Thoughts

When it comes to the Isuzu D-Max DL20, what you will notice when you see it in person is that it really does stand out as an adaptable, reliable, and efficient pickup truck - making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use alike.

With its robust and compliant diesel engines, its gives you enough power, impressive towing and over a one tonne payload capacities, advanced safety features, and comfortable interior, the DL20 offers you exceptional value for the features it gives you.

With its competitive financing and insurance options that further enhance its appeal to you, and whether you prioritise performance, comfort, or reliability, the D-Max DL20 really does meet a wide range of needs - ensuring that you get a satisfying experience which you will notice.

Consequently, to conclude our review of the Isuzu D-Max DL20, if you are looking for a dependable, well-rounded pickup truck that excels in all aspects, then this should be at the top of your shopping list.

Part Exchange

If you are wondering if you can part exchange your current car towards the cost of getting a new DL20, then please ask our team, as this is something we tend to consider depending on the vehicle you want to part-ex.

Book A Test Drive

Want to experience the D-Max DL20 first hand?
Then book a test drive at one of our local Isuzu dealerships today, and our friendly customer service agents will be happy to help you test drive one to experience it first hand for yourself. So, step inside this pickup today.

Enquire

01 July 2024