Isuzu's venerable D-Max gets a new 2.2-litre diesel engine and eight-speed automatic combination, but the more powerful 3.0-litre engine continues in the line-up.
The 2026 Isuzu D-Max ute has replaced its entry-level 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, promising more power and torque – alongside price rises of up to $2500 across the model range.
The 'Model Year 2025.5' D-Max's new 2.2-litre engine is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which together work with auto engine stop-start technology to lower fuel consumption to as low as a claimed 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres – down from 6.7 to 7.0L/100km.
It will be critical in helping the Japanese commercial-vehicle specialist minimise the fines it is at risk of paying under new CO2 emissions rules enforced by the Australian Government, which penalise car brands for selling too many high-emissions vehicles.
Auto engine stop-start technology has also been added to models with the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre '4JJ3' diesel four-cylinder and six-speed auto – which continue in the updated range – to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
Isuzu Ute Australia is yet to publish emissions data for the entire '2025.5' Model Year D-Max range, but the outgoing 3.0-litre D-Max X-Terrain was estimated to see its maker face fines of at least $4700 on every new example sold by the end of this decade.
Now with 120kW and 400Nm, the new 2.2-litre engine runs through an eight-speed automatic transmission (also new), outstripping the 110kW/350Nm that was available from the discontinued 1.9-litre powertrain.
It is rated to tow up to 3500kg braked, up from 3000kg in the 1.9-litre variants.
The 3.0-litre retains outputs of 140kW and 450Nm running through a six-speed automatic transmission, with a 3500kg braked towing capacity.
While there have been a few minor changes to specification levels, the 2026 Isuzu D-Max remains otherwise unchanged. A new Wolfram Grey Metallic colour has been added to variants from the X-Rider and up.
The option of a manual transmission in lower trim grades has been deleted, along with LS-U Space Cab and LS-M variants. Prices have risen by $1500 to $2500, depending on model grade.
The 2.2-litre diesel powertrain is now available in X-Rider and SX dual-cab chassis variants in 2026, where the previous 1.9-litre engine wasn't available in these particular trim models.
The 2026 Isuzu D-Max range is currently rolling out to showrooms around the country, and is due to go on sale in October 2025.
2026 Isuzu D-Max price in Australia
4x2
4x4
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs
2026 Isuzu D-Max SX 2.2-litre standard features:
2026 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider 2.2-litre adds (over SX):
Sam Purcell has been writing about cars, four-wheel driving and camping since 2013, and obsessed with anything that goes brum-brum longer than he can remember. Sam joined the team at CarAdvice/Drive as the off-road Editor in 2018, after cutting his teeth at Unsealed 4X4 and Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures. Off-road writer of the Year, Winner - Sam Purcell
