Isuzu is preparing the next generation of the D-Max, but the wait will be longer than expected. An engineer for the brand at the Tokyo motor show effectively confirmed an eight-year update cycle, pointing to a global debut in 2027. The current generation arrived in 2019, and six years on the model has fallen behind fresher rivals—Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara, and especially the hybrid BYD Shark, which has already surpassed 15,000 sales in Australia. With that timeline, the gap risks widening before it narrows.

Inside Isuzu, there is an acknowledgment that the lack of hybrids is becoming a problem. New NVES standards will hit a diesel-heavy lineup hard, especially without electric models to offset potential penalties. An electric D-Max for Europe does exist, but its 263 km range drops by half under load, which makes this version likely to remain a niche choice. For a pickup that often tows and hauls, that limitation is tough to overlook.

The future of the 3.0‑liter diesel developed specifically for Australia also remains unclear. To hold its position, the engine needs more power, and the transmission should move to a more modern eight-speed automatic. Improvements are also expected in the four-wheel-drive system, an area where the D-Max clearly trails the Ford Ranger and HiLux. An eight-speed and a more capable 4x4 setup would address the most obvious pain points.

The interior needs a leap too: rivals already offer paired 12-inch displays along with a broader suite of comfort and tech features. Yet on safety, Isuzu remains among the leaders—the model was the first in its class to adopt a central airbag and advanced AEB, and it retains its ANCAP rating until 2028. That safety head start gives the brand some breathing room while it works on the rest.