There was a time when a pick-up like the Isuzu D-Max was used exclusively as a work vehicle. They weren’t made for comfort; technology and driver assists didn’t really matter, and it was simply about getting things done as easily as possible. However, the latest D-Max V-Cross tells a bit of a different story, and it’s a story where a very capable workhorse can also be comfortable and have all the modern safety tech, a premium interior, and everyday usability you need.
Having recently spent time with the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, it was very clear that this is no longer just a tool for the job site. It’s a lifestyle vehicle that still happens to be exceptionally capable when work needs to be done!
Positioning: Where does the V-Cross sit in the D-Max Line-Up?
The V-Cross sits right at the top of the Isuzu D-Max range. It’s part of Isuzu’s “All-Purpose” line-up and is offered exclusively as a 4×4 double cab, making it the most lifestyle-focused version of the D-Max without sacrificing towing or payload capability.
This means you still get a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, more than a one-tonne payload, rear differential lock as standard, and shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive. Importantly, though, you also get the premium trim, alarge infotainment screen, and the most identifiable exterior styling in the range.
Exterior
I really liked the look of the V-Cross. The grey and black colour scheme was subtle enough not to stand out, but was nice enough to always make me look back at it as I walked away. The 18-inch Tough Style alloy wheels in matt dark grey also added an extra premium look and feel to the truck. Compared to other similar trucks out there, I’d say this one is up there with some of the best-looking.
The new front-end design feels more premium than earlier D-Max generations, and the incredibly bright Bi-LED headlights and integrated LED daytime running lights give the V-Cross a stylish but still utilitarian front.
Interior
I think that the interior is the part where the V-Cross takes things further away from your typical “work truck” and further into a comfortable and practical lifestyle vehicle. You get leather seats, an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a rear ventilation panel, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
This is the type of stuff you get in a family car to help keep your journeys as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, not in a truck that has always been designed primarily as an off-roading, towing machine.
When it comes to the interior tech, the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits neatly at the centre of the dash and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an eight-speaker audio system. I found it relatively easy to use, but it’s certainly not one I’d feel comfortable using while driving until I was very confident with it (I guess that’s probably the point, though).
Rear passengers, my kids in this instance, get more space as the V-Cross has increased shoulder room and more reclined rear seat backs. Very simply, it’s a genuinely usable family vehicle.
Engine & Driving Experience
The V-Cross has Isuzu’s 1.9-litre turbo diesel, producing 164PS and 360Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
You might think that those numbers aren’t overly impressive, but it’s important to remember that this is ultimately a truck built for durability, reliability and real-world usability rather than outright performance.
The revised suspension setup, improved chassis rigidity and speed-sensitive power steering all gave a very civilised driving experience, which isn’t always the case for many pick-ups.
Off-Road Capability of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Despite the added comfort and tech, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross hasn’t lost its off-road credibility. It still has shift-on-the-fly 4WD, low-range gearbox, rear differential lock, a new Rough Terrain Mode, hill descent and hill start assist, and underbody protection.
Rough Terrain Mode works alongside traction control to manage wheel slip more effectively in challenging conditions, while the rear diff lock ensures maximum traction when things get really difficult. It’s a system designed for people who actually use their vehicles off-road. While I didn’t truly experience its off-road capability, in the few instances where I was on very rural roads with standing water, mud, etc, the truck had no issues getting me where I needed to be.
Tony, the Bridge Classic Cars driver, put the V-Cross through its paces from a work vehicle perspective, so he definitely got to grips with its full capability! More on that below…
Safety
One of the biggest changes to the modern D-Max is its safety offering. Every version now comes with a comprehensive collection of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), and the V-Cross benefits from the full package.
This includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist and lane departure prevention
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert and braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Traffic jam assist
The D-Max also carries a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and features up to eight airbags in double-cab form, including a centre airbag, which is something still not universal in this segment.
While I obviously appreciate the high safety all of this brings with it, I did find all the beeping, warning lights, etc quite distracting and overwhelming. I turned a lot of them off to stop so many distractions, which clearly counteracts what they are designed to do.
I feel like this is one of those things where the purpose behind these features is exactly right, but in everyday use, they can become quite intrusive while driving.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
There’s no denying that the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross does all of the hard stuff you need this type of vehicle for brilliantly, but it now does everyday driving with a much higher level of comfort and confidence that earlier versions simply couldn’t.
It clearly won’t be the most powerful pick-up on the market, but it isn’t trying to be. From a lifestyle/family car perspective, it ticks a lot of boxes. From a full work vehicle perspective…that’s over to Tony.
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