Isuzu D-Max climbs to 17.3% share of Malaysia's pick-up market as the 2.2-litre engine settles in

The reason for the bump in numbers we presume is the new powertrain. The 2026  D-Max range launched in Malaysia at the end of March with a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel replacing the long-serving 1.9, paired to a new 8-speed automatic and meeting Euro 5. Prices for the range start at RM103,121 on the road without insurance, which keeps the entry point well below where a Hilux starts.

"The traditionally-renowned capabilities of the Isuzu D-MAX now combines with a new suite of performance benefits that include refined performance and even greater fuel efficiency that offers Malaysian motorists with a superior all-round pick-up truck," said Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Tomoyuki Yamaguchi.

The mix tells you where Malaysian buyers are actually spending. The 2.2-litre Standard 4x4 Auto has become the volume variant, accounting for 36 percent of D-Max sales on its own. No surprise there. It is the sensible middle of the range, and the automatic is doing a lot of heavy lifting in a segment that used to be far more manual-heavy.

The other talking point is the Single Cab Auto, which Isuzu says is the first single cab pick-up in Malaysia offered with an automatic gearbox. It now makes up 60 percent of D-Max single cab sales.

It is a clear signal from fleet and trade buyers that they will take the easier gearbox if someone bothers to offer it, especially when the 4x4 hardware underneath stays intact for site work and plantation roads.

Isuzu points to ten variants across the current line-up, which is on the wide side for the segment. The 2.2-litre now covers most of it, with the older 3.0-litre still reserved for the variants at the top.

According to Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia's Light Commercial Vehicle Division Kenichi Kudo, the new engine adds a fresh dimension to the driving pleasure and capability of the new Isuzu D-MAX.

"The new range of Isuzu D-MAX with its new 2.2-litre engine and 8-speed automatic transmission have performed exceptionally well since its launch in April this year. The new powerhouse achieves improved heights in every aspect ranging from fuel efficiency, power, quietness and emission. That's why we don't hesitate to call it our 'Best Engine Ever'," said Kudo.

The 2.2 it seems has landed better than the 1.9 it replaced, and for buyers looking at a pick-up in Malaysia in 2026, the D-Max is a more convincing thing to shortlist than it was a year ago.