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By Jonathan Crouch

The Isuzu D-Max spruces itself up in V-Cross form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 52

Mainstream versions of the Isuzu D-Max pick-up have very much a sensible, no-nonsense working appeal. If you want a bit more, then you'll want this plush V-Cross version, which ups the ante in terms of looks, luxury and leather. But it's just as tough and usable as its more affordable showroom stablemates.

Backgroundword count: 168

Some pick-up makers manage to make the concept of a richly priced, leather-lined chrome-embellished pick-up faintly credible. Historically though, Isuzu hasn't been one of them. In the past, tinselled-up versions of the D-Max (and before it the Rodeo) felt somewhat awkward. This was a working vehicle: it didn't need plushing up. But that's what a lot of customers in the segment want these days, so Isuzu has learned from rivals and got better at creating a more lifestyle-orientated pick-up. Proof of that comes with the model we look at here, the top 'V-Cross' version of the current D-Max, originally launched in this RG-series form in 2021, then lightly updated in mid-2023. The 'V-Cross' isn't the ritziest version of the D-Max you can buy - that honour belongs to the wild Arctic Trucks AT35 version - but for most customers looking at this model line, it will be the most aspirational variant. And Isuzu's alternative to key segment rivals like the Ford Ranger Wildtrack and the Toyota Hilux Invincible.

Driving Experienceword count: 455

Previous D-Maxes served up a pretty crude drive experience on tarmac, but if you've tried older versions of this model in the past, it'll be immediately obvious at the wheel of this one that in this 'RG'-series form, this Isuzu has sharpened up its act. There aren't any engineering changes as part of this facelift, but you wouldn't expect any as at this 'RG'-series model's original introduction in 2021, so much was done to enhance drive dynamics. That included lots of suspension changes to try and reduce body roll, improve stability and better absorb vibrations. Plus the chassis became stiffer and the brand introduced a modern electric-powered steering rack - which allowed for the installation of a class-leading portfolio of camera safety features. Of course, 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, which have been re-upholstered as part of the changes made to this facelifted model. At least, thanks to all the 'RG'-series engineering changes, there's now a lot less 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. Under the bonnet, this 'RG'-series model features the same 1.9-litre turbo diesel powerplant as D-Max models have used ever since 2017, offering 164PS and capable in auto form of up to 30.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 241g/km of CO2 - class-competitive stats. 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 lighter 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 engine is mated to gearboxes that got a lot of updates at this current model's original introduction; either a 6-speed manual transmission with a slicker shift or the smoother Aisin-sourced 6-speed auto we tried. Refinement is slightly better than it used to be with D-Maxes of the past, though is still hardly car-like. But you might forgive this Isuzu that because, as ever with this pick-up, off road prowess is really impressive, helped by a quick-shifting 4WD system, considerable levels of suspension articulation and the lockable rear differential you get on most models. Ground clearance is up to 235mm and the fording depth is up to 800mm.

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