Holding out: ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 review

The ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4x4 is a timely reminder that not all heroes crave the limelight …

Jul 30, 2026 - 11:17

Holding out: ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 review

Behold, another ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD built and tested in South Africa. And when you think about, there are more than a few tenuous similarities between the late Bonnie Tyler’s Holding out for a Hero and this rugged double-cab bakkie! The gravel-voiced Welsh icon’s anthem from the 1980s is all about waiting on somebody tough enough to save the day. That right there is the ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 to a tee. During our time with it, it towed a stricken car, revived another’s drained battery and saved another from a slow puncture. Hero status acquired …

ISUZU D-MAX 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4X4

First things first, the Struandale-based manufacturer produces the ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 at a decently priced R900 310. Like a good salt-of-the-earth bakkie should, we have the big, simple four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Ever since ISUZU split from General Motors GM, it’s been on a path of transformation. Key to its brilliant commercial success of late is the high level of locally sourced content. As a result, the D-Max bakkie is a regular top performer in monthly government sales reporting, going toe-to-toe with the mighty within the sector.

Now, without a massive corporate overlord to answer to, it can shorten lead times, make smarter business decisions and build an end product that’s more locally relevant and commercially viable. No wonder the ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 is bristling with authenticity. It’s still the simple, pared down double cab that we all truly appreciate. As a result, it feels light, uncomplicated and up for anything, like a proper adventurer. It’s strongly built, too. In the cabin, there’s not so much as a sqwink or judder from the dashboard. A little bit of rough South African gravel track barely registers on its Richter.

SIMPLE AND GUTSY

However, there are some vibrations from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor, pared here to a six-speed automatic. 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque is your lot. And truthfully, while gutsy, it is somewhat underpowered and lumpen compared to others on sale. The gearbox hunts a bit, too. And while it will be less popular with every-day Saffas, we believe the six-speed manual might be a real joy to drive …

However, what the D-Max does have going for it is its workhorse feel. This double cab won’t mind toiling away all day doing hard labour. And thanking you for it later. It has a 3 500 kg braked towing capacity. 232 mm ground clearance, and an 800-mm water wading depth. And ISUZU claims it’ll consume 8.1 l/100 km on the combined cycle. However, ours settled on 10 l/100 km, which is still acceptable for a double cab with a payload of 995 kg.

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO

Zero to 100 km/h comes up in a leisurely 10-second range. But the ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 has broader talents than speed. It soaks up the roughest roads you can imagine. The locally sourced standard-fit General Tire all-terrains (ATs) show surprising sophistication (and quiet) for rubber that’s built to excel on mixed surfaces. When you go off-piste to explore, simply flick the on-the-fly drive selector into 4H and the bakkie’s torque split keeps you chugging along over any obstacle.

On paper, the ISUZU D-Max 3.0TD LSE 6AT 4×4 looks to be outgunned by more powerful, hi-tech double cabs. But, as ever, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because the rules are different for bakkies. There is an innate toughness required that can’t be overlooked. Not to mention excellent build quality, a comfy cabin with modern conveniences and the assurance of good off-road capability. There certainly is plenty of choice, but you could do a lot worse than this tough mudder trucker from Struandale …

THE VERDICT

No matter the model, it is a perennial best-seller in South Africa. Image: Ray Leathern

Because that’s really what the D-Max is. An 80s action hero. Not the polished, CGI-smooth, wisecracking kind we get today. The rough, unshaven, slightly-too-loud, perhaps-too-thirsty kind. It’s underpowered, hunts gears, vibrates a little and isn’t even remotely PC. But it turns up, does the job, and asks nothing in return. Somewhere Bonnie Tyler is still belting out that chorus about needing a hero. She never asked for perfect. And the D-Max would do just fine. Rest easy, Bonnie. Thanks for the soundtrack …