MODEL ON TEST: DOUBLE CAB V-CROSS AUTOMATIC – MILEAGE – 3,490

There is no doubt that the popularity of double-cab pick-up trucks has been fuelled by favourable taxation over the last few years, meaning those with a payload of one tonne or more were classified as commercial vehicles, and not cars for tax purposes. As a result, they benefitted from lower Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax, full VAT recovery, and generous capital allowance deductions.

Well, just after I took delivery of this D-Max, at the beginning of April 2026, the government changed those rules. Thankfully, VAT regulations remain unchanged, but our V-Cross Double Cab is now treated as a personal, rather than a commercial vehicle, in the eyes of the taxman. As a result, our Isuzu is in the highest 37% band, thanks to the lofty 235g/km emissions figure.Then there’s the rise in the price of diesel, which thanks to America’s conflict with Iran, has risen by between 16 and 20p per litre since the end of February. After four years behind the wheel of various different EVs, this has come as a bit of a shock.

Yet, despite what appears to be the perfect storm, the increased costs do not seem to have impacted demand. Well, it seems like that around my way in Hertfordshire, as it feels like every other vehicle is a double-cab pick-up! Although, they are mostly the D-Max’s key rival, the Ford Ranger, which I hope to compare with this Isuzu. So, is the range-topping V-Cross trim, despite the taxation and fuel cost changes, still deserving of the ‘Best Diesel Pick-Up’ award, which we gave it last year?

Despite its height and bulk, with the smooth six-speed automatic transmission, and light steering, so far the D-Max has proved to be easy to drive. Yes, there is some body roll in corners, but grip from the standard Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres is generally good. Finally, and most importantly, the brakes are strong. Where the D-Max falls down is in the engine department. The 161bhp unit dates back to 2017, when the performance and the 266lb ft of torque perhaps were enough against pick-up rivals. Performance is best described as adequate, but with its 13-second 0-62mph acceleration time, this Isuzu is slow to take off from junctions, which has caught me out a couple of times. The engine sounds ‘gruff’ when started from cold, and noisy until warmed up, when it gets noticeably smoother. The 1.9-litre engine is fine around town, however, and reasonably refined on motorways. Interestingly, a new 2.2-litre diesel engine was announced at the Commercial Vehicle show a few weeks ago and arrives in showrooms in July. We are looking forward to trying it out. Isuzu claims a 31.4mpg combined consumption figure, and even though most of my mileage so far has been local, I’ve still seen over 28.7mpg. I hope to improve on this, with the stop-start system cutting in more often, but I don’t think it’s too bad considering it’s a very capable off-roader. Again, I’d like to test this Isuzu’s off-road ability in due course.

Outside, the V-Cross is identified from lesser D-Max models by the dark exterior trim, grille, and alloy wheels, giving a sophisticated look. This is set off well against the Mercury Silver exterior finish (a £600 option). There are also quite a few optional extras, my current favourites being the Lazer Linear 6 Elite front bumper lamps, which are ridiculously bright considering their small size, and the Winbo electric roll top, covering the load bed. Inside, everything feels well-made and durable. This Isuzu is also well- equipped with niceties such as heated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and eight speakers. More importantly, there’s enough room for my two lanky teenagers in the back. That said, we’ll see if they’re still friends after our first long trip, which I’ll tell you all about in the next report. The D-Max has made a real impression in the short time I’ve spent behind the wheel, and I’m looking forward to the coming months.

MARTYN COLLINS

WHAT’S HOT: Off-road ability.

WHAT’S NOT: Rivals have more power and torque.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: 18-inch alloy wheels with Dunlop Grandtrek AT25 265/60 R18 tyres and full-size spare wheel, Adaptive cruise control, Alarm system, Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, Auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Automatic headlights Autonomous emergency braking, Blind spot warning system, DAB radio with 9-inch touchscreen and 8-speakers, USB-C sockets, voice control and steering wheel controls, Driver drowsiness detection Driver, passenger, centre, side, head and driver’s knee airbags with passenger side de-activation, Dual-zone climate control, Electric and heated mirrors with power folding, Electric driver’s seat ,Electric windows front and rear, Electronic stability programme with traction control, Emergency e-call system, Heated front seats, Hill descent control, Hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat, safety fasteners for rear outer seats, Keyless entry and start, Lane departure warning system, Lane keep assist, Leather steering wheel, Leather upholstery, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lights, LED headlights with high beam assist, LED rear lights, Parking sensors front and rear, Rain sensing windscreen wipers, Rear cross traffic alert system, Rear differential lock, Reversing camera, Traffic sign recognition, Trailer sway control, Tyre pressure monitors, Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth smartphone compatibility

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

13-pin towing electrics (£234.92) Bedrug (£637.50)

Black rear style sports bar (£580) Bonnet lift (£114.83)Heavy duty tow bar 4×4 (£423)

Lazer Linear 6 Elite front bumper lamps (£579) Mercury Silver metallic paint (£600)

Tailgate assist (£211.50)

Winbo electric roll top (£1,740)

Wireless charger (£133.50)

FACTS & FIGURES

PRICE: (NEW) £49,594

PRICE: (NOW) £54,848

COLOUR: Mercury Silver metallic

BUILT IN: Samrong-Samutprakan Province,Thailand

CODENAME: RG01

GENERATION: 3 Facelift

PLATFORM: Symmetric Mobility Platform

BODYSTYLE: 4-door double cab pick-up, 5-seats

LAYOUT: Four-wheel drive

POWERPLANT: 1,898cc,4-cylinder,16-valve, turbocharged diesel with stop/start functionality

GEARBOX: 6-speed automatic

MAX POWER: 120kW/161bhp/163ps @ 3,600rpm

MAX TORQUE: 266lb ft/360Nm @ 2,000-2,500rpm

TOP SPEED: 112mph

0-62mph: 13.0secs

CO2 EMISSIONS: 235g/km

ECONOMY: (COMBINED) 31.4mpg

ECONOMY: (ON TEST) 28.7mpg

FUEL TANK: 76 litres

RANGE: 525 miles

INSURANCE GROUP: 50

BIK RATE: (2026/2027 TAX YEAR) 37%

SIZE: (LENGTH/WIDTH WITHOUT MIRRORS/HEIGHT/WHEELBASE) 5,280/1,870/1,790/3,125mm

LOADBAY: (LENGTH/WIDTH) 1,520 x 1,530mm

KERB WEIGHT: 2,015kg

TOWING WEIGHT: 3,500kg

EURO NCAP RATING: Five stars

SPARE WHEEL: (FULL-SIZE/SPACESAVER/RUN-FLAT/ SELF-SEALING/REPAIR KIT) Yes/no/no/no/no

WARRANTY: 5 years/125,000 miles

DATE ARRIVED: 14th March 2026

COSTS: None

FAULTS: None