New engine coming for 2025 Isuzu D-Max and MU-X

There’s a new powertrain on the horizon for the Isuzu D-Max and its MU-X wagon counterpart, one that will no-doubt help Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) cope with the inbound New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

Teased via Isuzu Thailand’s social media channels this afternoon, the new donk is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel based on the RZ-series 1.9-litre mill powering the entry-level D-Max SX and MU-X LS-M, and is said to deliver more power and better performance.

Isuzu hasn’t gone into any real detail as to the outputs or efficiency of what it’s calling the ‘MAXFORCE’, however it has promised “new powers” for its ute and off-road SUV duo which will be “getting stronger” in the near future.

Piecing all this marketing jargon together suggests the new powertrain could ultimately replace the lauded ‘4JJ3-TCX’ 3.0-litre Aussies know and love, almost certainly offsetting the reduced capacity with more boost pressure.

For reference, the current 3.0-litre D-Max and MU-X output 140kW/450Nm and consume between 8.0-8.2L/100km (combined cycle) depending on the model.

The smaller, lighter and more efficient 1.9-litre engine meantime is good for 110kW/350Nm and uses 6.9-7.4L/100km depending on the variant, however it’s only rated to tow 3000kg instead of the 3.0-litre’s 3500kg.

Downsized engines are far from a new concept in the light commercial and large SUV segments with Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Kia and LDV all offering sub-2500cc turbo-diesel engines in their respective portfolios that don’t give anything away to their 2.8-litre and 3.0-litre rivals.

Isuzu’s 4JJ3-TCX has endeared itself to 4x4 buyers all over the world with its lazy character, off-boost torque and rugged dependability, even though it’s now starting to fall behind the eight ball in terms of outright power and torque.

NVES meantime casts its efficiency and cleanliness into question, hence the convenient emergence of the smaller but no-doubt more boost-dependent MAXFORCE mill.

The extra 300cc or so of capacity will provide more torque than the RZ-series – especially off-boost – while the new turbo and expected intercooling system will add plenty of extra kilowatts and even more twisting force.

IUA stopped short of confirming the new engine for the local market but said it would be monitoring its reception closely.

“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,” IUA PR manager Mark Harman told carsales.

“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.

“That said, IUA remains 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.”

Reading between the lines then it would be safe to assume the new engine will be coming to Australia and could feasibly arrive in tandem with the facelifted MU-X early next year.

Whether or not it usurps the established 3.0-litre mill remains to be seen, though it’s highly unlikely the brand would offer three different turbo-diesel powertrains with overlapping capabilities when NVES is bearing down on it – something will have to give.

Isuzu Thailand has a history of fast turnarounds on its new product which means we don’t have long to wait to find out more.

Stay tuned.