Isuzu D-Max to gain hybrid engine to battle Toyota HiLux — report

Australia’s third most popular dual-cab ute, the Isuzu D-Max, could soon gain a fuel-saving mild hybrid powertrain.

Reports out of Thailand, which is where the D-Max is produced, speculate the D-Max will soon gain a newly developed 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel that includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

According to Thai outlet Headlight Magazine, the new engine could be introduced as early as 2025 and is also tipped to power the D-Max’s SUV sibling, the MU-X.

The mild-hybrid set-up will reportedly use a belt-driven integrated starter motor to help reduce start-up vibration and improve engine response and performance in short bursts.

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It’s unclear when the new engine will be sold in Australia or whether it will replace one of the D-Max’s existing engines or be sold alongside the current line-up.

When asked about the likelihood of the new engine being sold Down Under, Isuzu Australia provided the following comment:

"At this point in time, we are unable to comment on any future model plans or powertrain developments. That said, as part of our due diligence IUA will continue to monitor local market requirements to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs."

Currently the D-Max is powered by either a 1.9-litre four cylinder turbo diesel with 110kW/350Nm or a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo diesel that produces 140kW/450Nm.

Both engines also feature in the Mazda BT-50 which was co-developed with the D-Max, meaning the Mazda is also a candidate to receive the new hybrid powertrain.

Hybrid engines are quickly gaining momentum in Australia’s dual-cab ute segment. A mild-hybrid version of the popular Toyota HiLux is confirmed to launch in the second half of 2024

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The hugely popular Toyota HiLux will add a mild-hybrid variant later this year, with Toyota promising the new engine will offer a 10 percent fuel saving and improved refinement. The Hilux’s hybrid engine is based on the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and will be standard on SR5 and Rogue 4X4 models and optional on the SR 4X4.

Mitsubishi is also expected to launch a hybrid version of the soon-to-arrive new-gen Triton and the Ford Ranger — which was Australia’s most popular vehicle in 2023 — will add a plug-in hybrid model next year. Chinese brand BYD is also developing a plug-in hybrid dual-cab and testing mules have recently been spotted on Aussie roads.

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The Ford Ranger PHEV will arrive in Australia next year

Should the mild-hybrid D-Max make its way to Australia, it will be a logical stepping stone towards an all-electric model. Isuzu has already confirmed it is currently developing an all-electric version of the D-Max, with deliveries expected to commence in Europe in 2027.

That electric ute will join the LDV eT60, which is currently the only fully electric dual-cab offered in Australia.

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The LDV eT60 was the first all-electric dual-cab to hit the market back in 2022