2026 Isuzu D-Max launched in Malaysia, new 2.2L engine 163 PS, 400 Nm and first auto single cab, from RM103k

KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia has launched the 2026 D-Max in Malaysia, and the biggest change is not the grille, the colours or even the extra kit. It is what sits under the bonnet and a new interesting variant.

The headline update is a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, which now takes over much of the D-Max range and effectively replaces the long-serving 1.9-litre in several variants.

For a pick-up that has long built its reputation on fuel efficiency, durability and day-to-day usability, this is a fairly big shift in character. Isuzu is not abandoning those core strengths, but it is now giving the D-Max a bit more muscle and a bit more polish at the same time.

Also Read: Isuzu Malaysia gained ground in 2025, trucks hit record 56.1% share, D-Max climbs to No.2

2026 Isuzu D-Max Malaysia prices

 

The new 2.2-litre engine produces 163 PS at 3,600 rpm and 400 Nm from 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. That is 8.7 percent more power than the 1.9-litre, while torque is up 14.3 percent.

Isuzu says more than half of the engine’s peak torque is already available from just 1,000 rpm, which should make the new motor feel noticeably stronger and easier-going in real-world driving, especially when carrying loads, climbing hills or pulling out for an overtake.

Helping that along is a new 8-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift, which comes paired with the new engine in automatic variants.

The company is pitching this as a combination that improves not just performance, but also refinement, drivability and fuel efficiency. At the same time, the whole 2.2-litre line-up now complies with Euro 5 emissions standards, giving the updated range a cleaner edge as well.

Speaking at the launch, Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Tomoyuki Yamaguchi said the company was confident the all-new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine would raise the profile and demand for highly capable and versatile pick-up trucks in the country.

 

One of the more interesting additions in the 2026 range is the new D-Max 2.2L 4x4 Single Cab Auto, which Isuzu says is the first automatic 4x4 single cab in Malaysia.

That alone gives the updated line-up something genuinely new to shout about, because most single cabs at this end of the market still lean heavily towards the manual, bare-bones commercial brief.

Here, Isuzu is clearly trying to widen the D-Max’s appeal by offering more convenience without abandoning the working-truck formula.

The 3.0-litre engine does not disappear completely, of course. It continues to power the flagship X-Terrain, while also remaining available in the 3.0L 4x4 Premium and the 3.0L 4x4 manual single cab.

The X-Terrain therefore stays at the top of the tree, while the new 2.2-litre becomes the volume engine for much of the rest of the range.

Alongside the new powertrain, Isuzu has also made a number of updates across the 2026 D-Max family.

Exterior revisions include new light clusters, a revised grille, updated rims and redesigned side steps. Two new colours, Irish Green Metallic and Obsidian Gray Mica, are introduced on selected variants, while the 2.2L Single Cab Auto also gets Mercury Silver Metallic as an alternative to Splash White.

Automatic variants additionally receive body-coloured bumpers for a more contemporary look.

There are useful cabin and equipment upgrades too. The X-Terrain, Premium and 4x2 Auto Plus now get a new 10-inch infotainment system, while the Standard variants receive a new 7-inch head unit. Tailgate Assist is now fitted to the Standard variant, and Rough Terrain Mode is now standard across all 4x4 models, including the single cab 4x4 manual.

The 2026 D-Max range in Peninsular Malaysia now starts with the new 2.2L 4x4 manual single cab at RM103,121.20 on-the-road without insurance. At the other end of the new 2.2-litre family, the 2.2L 4x4 automatic Premium comes in at RM141,821.20 in Peninsular Malaysia.

Looking at the new 2.2-litre line-up in more detail, the 2.2L 4x4 manual single cab serves as the workhorse entry point. It uses the new engine with a 4x4 manual drivetrain and comes with basics such as halogen headlamps with follow-me-home and daytime running lights, steel wheels, a 3.5-inch monochrome display, 1-DIN audio with USB and Bluetooth, vinyl seats, two airbags, rear differential lock and the full suite of core systems such as ABS, EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, brake override system and emergency stop signal.

The new 2.2L 4x4 automatic single cab builds on that formula but adds the convenience of the new 8-speed automatic. Priced at RM108,421.20 in Peninsular Malaysia, it stands out simply by being something the market has not really had from Isuzu before. It keeps the practical single-cab layout and straightforward equipment level, but gives business users and fleet buyers an easier daily driving experience.

The 2.2L 4x2 Auto Plus sits further up the range as a more lifestyle-leaning double cab. It is priced at RM114,321.20 in Peninsular Malaysia.

It gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display, passive entry and start, a wireless charger, rear air vents, reverse camera and reverse sensors. Exterior colours here include Obsidian Grey, Namibu Orange, Onyx Black, Splash White and Mercury Silver.

Moving into the core 4x4 double cab range, the 2.2L 4x4 AT Standard is priced at RM122,271.20, while the 2.2L 4x4 MT Standard comes in at RM114,271.20 in Peninsular Malaysia.

The automatic version uses bi-LED projector headlamps with follow-me-home function and LED daytime running lights, while the manual gets multi-reflector halogen units with follow-me-home and bulb-type DRLs.

Both ride on 17-inch alloy wheels and now benefit from Tailgate Assist, Rough Terrain Mode, rear differential lock, reverse camera and rear parking sensors. Inside, both get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, manual air-conditioning with rear vents, woven-texture fabric seats with six-way manual adjustment for the driver, front USB ports and a 4.2-inch TFT display.

The 2.2L 4x4 AT Premium is the most generously equipped version of the new engine range. Its Peninsular Malaysia price is RM141,821.20.

It comes with automatic bi-LED projector headlamps, body-coloured powered door mirrors with manual folding and LED turn indicators, a 10-inch infotainment system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, a six-speaker sound system, leather seats with power adjustment for the driver, an around-view monitor, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic brake, rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors. It is also available in Irish Green, Obsidian Grey, Onyx Black, Splash White and Mercury Silver.

For buyers who still want the larger engine, the 3.0L 4x4 Premium remains in the range at RM145,328.40 in Peninsular Malaysia.

The 3.0L 4x4 manual single cab also remains available, priced at RM108,888.40 in Peninsular Malaysia.

At the top of the range, the X-Terrain continues as the flagship model and remains exclusively 3.0-litre powered. Isuzu says it still carries the class-leading seven-year unlimited mileage warranty that distinguishes it from the rest of the family.

On that note, all 2026 D-Max 2.2L and 3.0L variants come with free periodic maintenance for 20,000 km or 24 months, as well as a five-year or 150,000 km warranty. The X-Terrain, as mentioned, keeps its seven-year unlimited mileage package instead.

So while the visual and equipment changes are useful, the real substance of this update sits with the new engine. The old 1.9-litre built the D-Max name on logic, thrift and dependability.

This new 2.2-litre looks like Isuzu’s attempt to keep all of that intact while making the truck feel more grown-up, more effortless and a bit more desirable in the process. For buyers who always liked the D-Max but wished it had a bit more shove, this is probably the update that finally answers that.