Isuzu D-Max and MU-X 2026: New, more powerful drivetrain usurps 1.9-litre ’four to catch-up with Ford Ranger, Everest and Toyota Hilux, Prado rivals

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Isuzu has confirmed it will replace outgoing 1.9-litre diesel four-cylinder engines with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.2-litre unit in its 2026 D-Max and MU-X vehicles. 

The drivetrain change applies to all 1.9-litre Isuzu passenger vehicles, which will exchange current 110kW/350Nm units paired with a six-speed conventional automatic for a new 120kW/400Nm 2.2-litre diesel mated to a new eight-speed conventional auto.

Current 3.0-litre Isuzu models will remain unchanged, paired to a conventional six-speed automatic, and producing 140kW/450Nm. 

Fuel economy will also improve as part of the drivetrain exchange, decreasing by six-percent from 6.7L/100km to 6.3L/100km. Figures stated are subject to change depending on variant.

A decrease in fuel consumption will certainly aid Isuzu in sitting below 2026 NVES ‘Type 2’ large car CO2 emissions target of 180g/km. This will be crucial if Isuzu is to avoid paying fines for all future sales of D-Max and MU-X models when limits tighten in the future. 

Currently, the outgoing 1.9-litre unit produces from 200g/km. 

NVES emissions targets for Type 2 vehicles in 2027 is an even stricter 150g/km. In Thailand, Isuzu’s new 2.2-litre powertrain is paired with a mild-hybrid system, which will likely debut in Australia as fines for exceeding emissions targets become more intense. 

The new 2.2-litre unit additionally claims an improved braked towing capacity, increasing from 3000kg to 3500kg to align with the ongoing 3.0-litre powertrain. 

Isuzu has assured that despite fitting a new engine and transmission to its MY26 plated vehicles, ANCAP ratings will remain current and unchanged at five stars. 

MY26 Isuzu models will additionally exchange the option of Granite Grey external paint for a new Wolfram Grey metallic, with the full range of external colours listed as Mineral White, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Grey, Neptune Blue, Basalt Black, Magnetic Red, Moonstone White, Sunstone Orange, Wolfram Grey, and Slate Grey.

MY26 Isuzu D-Max and MU-X vs rivals

Isuzu’s base model D-Max SX 4×2, which starts from $32,700, will lose its six-speed manual transmission for MY26. The updated model, which retains the SX 4×2 model designation, now starts from $36,200, equipped with the new eight-speed automatic.

There is no shortage of competition for the updated D-Max, which contends segment leading dual-cab $43,530 Ford Ranger and $37,370 Toyota Hilux, as well as Japanese rivals $43,728 Nissan Navara, $46,610 Mazda BT-50, and $43,690 Mitsubishi Triton. 

Prices shown are before on-road costs, and reflect equivalent 4×2 dual-cab chassis competitor variants where available. 

Isuzu’s MU-X large seven-seat SUV will benefit from price reductions. That model started from $54,400 in base 1.9-litre LS-M 4×4, which will become $49,900 when MY26 drivetrain changes come into effect.

Rivals to Isuzu’s MU-X, which is built on the D-Max ute platform in an effort to improve off-road capability, maximum payload and a greater braked towing capacity, include the $59,490 Ford Everest, which shares the same design philosophy, and the $72,500 Toyota Prado. 

Prices above are before on-road costs. Rival MU-X variants are shown in equivalent base trim with 4×4 optioned, where applicable. 

2026 2.2L D-MAX and MU-X Pricing

Prices shown are before on-road costs

2026 Isuzu MU-X

• Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4×4: $49,900
• Isuzu MU-XLS-U 2.2L 4×4: $62,900
• Isuzu MU-X LS-T 2.2L 4×4: $71,400

2026 Isuzu D-Max

• Isuzu D-MAX SX 2.2L 4×2 single cab: $36,200
• Isuzu D-MAX SX 2.2L 4×4 crew cab: $42,700
• Isuzu D-MAX SX 2.2L 4×4 Ute: $50,700
• Isuzu D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L 4×4: $59,500

Promotional drive-away pricing for selected Isuzu models

Isuzu is offering limited time launch drive-away deals on selected MY26 D-Max and MU-X models, which will arrive at dealerships from September, and will officially go on sale from October first. These prices are shown below.

2026 Isuzu MU-X

• Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4×2: $48,990 
• Isuzu MU-X LS-T 2.2L 4×4: $69,990

2026 Isuzu D-MAX

• Isuzu D-MAX SX 2.2L 4×2 single cab: $36,990
• Isuzu D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L 4×4: $56,990