Isuzu has revealed a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine for the D-Max and MU-X, but it doesn’t spell the end of the venerable 3.0-litre.
The engine goes on sale in Thailand on November 28, 2024 in both the D-Max and facelifted MU-X, but has yet to be confirmed for Australia. Likewise, the facelifted MU-X has yet to be locked in for Australia.
In Thailand, the new engine – named RZ4F internally – is based on and replaces the current entry-level 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four (RZ4E). Given Isuzu also builds the BT-50 for Mazda, it appears likely the 2.2-litre will replace the 1.9-litre in that model, too.
“While it is exciting to see that Isuzu continues to innovate with new powertrains, we currently are not in a position to comment on future product plans,” an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.
“While the 2.2-litre is expected to be a step in the right direction towards meeting lower emissions targets, at this point in time, details of the new powertrain are yet to be confirmed.
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“That said, Isuzu Ute Australia [is] committed to working towards providing a choice of vehicles that are not only compliant with all local legislation, but are fit for purpose and meet the needs of Australians.”
The 2.2-litre engine, marketed as the 2.2 Ddi Maxforce, produces 120kW of power at 3600rpm and 400Nm of torque between 1600 and 2400rpm.
It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which Isuzu says brings improved performance and fuel economy.
The 1.9-litre it replaces produces 110kW and 350Nm and is mated with a six-speed auto.
It narrows the gap in outputs between entry-level and optional engines in the D-Max and MU-X lineups, being down just 20kW and 50Nm on the 3.0-litre.
A mild-hybrid version of the 1.9-litre, revealed earlier this year, will remain on sale in Thailand in a single rear-wheel drive pickup variant. This produces an identical 110kW and 350Nm to the regular 1.9-litre.
It’s unclear at this stage if the 2.2-litre will eventually gain a mild-hybrid system.
While Isuzu hasn’t published fuel consumption figures, it says fuel economy has been improved by up to 10 per cent over the outgoing 1.9-litre. According to Australian figures, D-Max models with the 1.9-litre use between 6.7 litres and 7.0 litres per 100km.
The new 2.2-litre now stacks up better against the entry-level turbo-diesel engines found in the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
The HiLux Workmate’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four produces 110kW and 400Nm, while the Ranger’s single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel four produces 125kW and 405Nm. The Isuzu models also use an eight-speed auto, while the HiLux and Ranger use a six-speed.
Isuzu’s ‘4J’ 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four does fall short in outputs compared to rival Ranger and HiLux models. Its 140kW and 450Nm figures are beaten by the HiLux’s available 2.8-litre (150kW and 500Nm) in most variants, while the Ranger’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo produces 154kW and 500Nm.
MORE: Everything Isuzu D-Max • MU-X
