As it was expected, the new 2023 Isuzu D-Max is going to share a platform with the Mazda BT-50 pickup truck. We still don’t know details, but two Japanese companies joined forces so their products could be more competitive. The truck segment is pretty popular all around the globe. But, the D-Max will hardly debut on the major stage – in the United States. Isuzu is more focused on the existing markets, mostly Pacific Asia, Australia and South America.
Still, it would be shame not to see the pickup if it is going to be an all-new model. The company is working hard to launch the 2023 Isuzu D-Max by the end of 2022. The truck is a more affordable vehicle than most of the class-leading models. Now, with improvements the partnership with Mazda is providing, the pickup might take on the best-selling vehicles in the segment.
2023 Isuzu D-Max Specs and Towing Capacity
Under the bonnet of the 2023 Isuzu D-Max will be an old system. It is centered around a 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine that delivers 150 hp and 265 pound-feet of torque. Such numbers are not available in the US anymore, since most companies dropped entry-level models with similar outputs. Plus, an oil burner is not the best idea for this market. it also leaves a larger 3.0-liter mill out of the competition for this area. In other countries, a six-cylinder engine is a great alternative with 200 horsepower and 2,500 kg of towing capacity.
New Engines
The new partnership opens up some possibilities. One of the hottest rumors about Mazda Motor Company is the new inline-six engine joining the lineup. This is almost certain, with sources from the carmaker confirming the development. Bosses and spokesmen are not denying it as well.
We already know that the petrol engine is a 3.0-liter displacement. Outputs are still unknown. The carmaker is also adding a six-cylinder diesel unit. A 3.3-liter mill is based on the SkyActiv technology and delivers more power than any of its predecessors. Again, power and torque outputs are yet to be confirmed. Furthermore, some sources are mentioning a hybrid version. For now, a mild-hybrid system will definitely arrive with those two new units. Nevertheless, don’t expect huge boosts, neither for power, nor fuel economy.
2023 Isuzu D-Max Release Date and Competition
The 2023 Isuzu D-Max and its new engines will be under the spotlight. Those things are making models more popular and the Japanese carmaker needs to catch up with the competition. The new partnership is a great move, especially having in mind Mazda’s ambitions and sources. Well, the BT-50 is still going to be the flagship model, but the D-Max is also taking advantage of the partnership. Anyway, the truck is about to debut pretty soon, and we’ll see if it is going to bring all the things we heard of. A delay is also possible, since the development time was not too generous. After the update, Isuzu will try to get to the same league with larger Japanese truckmakers, Toyota and Nissan.