Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X reveal new diesel engine

The Isuzu D-MAX ute and MU-X SUV have gained a more powerful 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel engine in Thailand, potentially previewing a successor to the long-running 3.0-litre turbo-diesel offered in Australia.

Unveiled in Thailand, where both models are built, the upgraded Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X introduce a bi-turbo version of Isuzu's newer 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

It develops 150kW and 500Nm, compared with 120kW and 400Nm for the single-turbo 2.2-litre currently offered in Australia.

Significantly, it also eclipses the familiar 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which produces 140kW and 450Nm in Australian-market D-MAX and MU-X models.

The new engine's outputs put it on par with the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel used by the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser Prado.

The bi-turbo system combines a variable-geometry low-pressure turbocharger with a high-pressure turbocharger, following an approach also used in rivals including the Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara.

It is paired with the same eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission as the single-turbo 2.2-litre, replacing the six-speed automatic associated with the 3.0-litre. A six-speed manual transmission is also available. 

Accordin to Isuzu, the new engine is eight per cent more fuel efficient at highway speeds than the 3.0-litre, although complete fuel-consumption figures have not been published.

The company also claims the bi-turbo engine is five per cent quicker from 0-100km/h and 12 per cent quicker from 80-100km/h than the 3.0-litre.

Its significance for Australia could extend beyond improved performance and efficiency.

The existing 3.0-litre engine only meets Euro 5 emissions requirements in its current form, while Australia is due to require Euro 6d compliance for all new light vehicles sold from July 1, 2028.

The single-turbo 2.2-litre already satisfies the stricter Euro 6e standard, potentially making the newly revealed bi-turbo version a candidate to replace the 3.0-litre locally.

However, Isuzu Ute Australia has stopped short of confirming such a move.

“Isuzu Ute Australia continually considers future product opportunities based on local customer needs, market conditions and regulatory requirements,” a spokesperson said.

“However, we have no announcements to make regarding this powertrain for Australia at this time.”

Alongside the powertrain changes, Thai-market D-MAX and MU-X models have received revised grille designs, while the MU-X RS gains lime-green accents and redesigned front seats.

For now, the 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel is specific to Thailand and its Australian introduction remains unconfirmed.

Nevertheless, Australia's looming Euro 6d requirements mean Isuzu will need an emissions-compliant solution beyond mid-2028 if the existing 3.0-litre cannot be upgraded to meet the new standard.

That makes the new 150kW/500Nm bi-turbo engine a logical potential successor, although Isuzu Ute Australia is yet to announce its future local powertrain plans.

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