THE ISUZU D-MAX UTE AND MU-X seven-seater SUV have been a real success story, outselling some big-name competitors.

Now, Isuzu is offering Australian motorists the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X with a new 2.2L turbo-diesel engine.

The new four-cylinder 2.2L EURO5 RZ4F-TC engine with 120kW/400Nm will be available in showrooms from 1 October 2025, joining Isuzu’s four-cylinder 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX (140kW/450Nm).

With improved performance both off-the-line and at highway speeds, the inbound RZ4F engine delivers heightened engagement while returning a combined cycle fuel economy from just 6.3L/100km.

Providing a pragmatic option for motorists who value reliability, affordability, and driveability, all 2.2L Isuzu UTE models will feature a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The updated drivetrain will be available in SX and X-RIDER variants of the D-MAX, and in LS-M, LS-U and LS-T variants for the MU-X. Manual transmission will no longer be offered.

“Isuzu UTE Australia’s success has been built on listening to our customers, and understanding three crucial factors: value for money, durability, and performance,” said Isuzu UTE Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Junta Matsui.

“It’s vitally important that we maintain the strength of our product across the board, noting feedback, responding to the market, and ensuring the product we deliver resonates with Australians.”

“This dynamic new 2.2L engine helps to keep both Isuzu D-MAX and Isuzu MU-X vehicles in powerful positions.”

Combining robustness and refinement, the RZ4F engine generates a healthy 255Nm of torque from just 1000rpm – an increase of almost 60 percent over the previous 1.9L power plant. Peak torque of 400Nm arrives between 1600 and 2400rpm, while maximum 120kW power is achieved at 3600rpm. Isuzu UTE’s 1.9L engine (110kW @ 3600rpm/350Nm from 1800-2600rpm) will no longer be offered domestically.

The arrival of the new 2.2L engine means IUA now achieves 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity throughout the full range of D-MAX and MU-X models – a significant milestone in IUA’s commitment to suitability for Australian conditions – while all 2.2L variants retain a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Testament to Isuzu’s reputation for innovation and reliability, the 2.2L RZ4F is engineered to perform in a comprehensive range of conditions. This is achieved by delivering smooth, linear torque and power throughout the powerband, inspiring confidence in all conditions – a key advantage for both D-MAX and MU-X customers both on and off the road. The addition of the economical and smooth- shifting eight-speed transmission adds deftness and a higher level of refinement.

The updated 2.2L engine arrives alongside a distinctive new colour option, Wolfram Grey Metallic, available in the 25.5MY D-MAX X-RIDER specification and higher.

The new power plant follows a remarkable period of growth for IUA. The brand finished in the Top 10 for annual Australian vehicle sales for the third consecutive time in 2024, a year in which the D-MAX 1-Tonne Ute was Australia’s fourth best-selling vehicle overall.

“The new 2.2L engine is an important step in our evolution,” said Mr Matsui, “It is the perfect complement in our line-up to our proven 3.0L power plant, and will allow even more of our customers to unlock the best of the Australian lifestyle on their own terms, with complete confidence in their Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X.”

“We’re excited for both our loyal customers and those new to the brand to book a test drive, where they can experience both engines for themselves.”

25.5MY colour range

The updated Isuzu UTE 25.5MY model range features nine exterior colours for D-MAX and eight for MU-X, with Wolfram Grey metallic replacing Granite Grey as an option for selected 25.5MY D-MAX variants.

The full list of colour options now includes Mineral White, Mercury Silver metallic, Obsidian Grey mica, Neptune Blue mica, Basalt Black mica, Magnetic Red Mica, Moonstone White pearl, Sunstone Orange mica (BLADE and X-TERRAIN exclusive), Wolfram Grey metallic (available on D-MAX X-RIDER, LS-U, LS- U+, BLADE, and X-TERRAIN) and Slate Grey metallic (MU-X XT exclusive).

2.2L & 3L D-MAX and MU-X Pricing (all plus on-road costs): D-MAX

• 4 x 2 SINGLE Cab Chassis SX 2.2L AT $36,200
• 4 x 2 SINGLE Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $38,200
• 4 x 2 SPACE Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $41,700
• 4 x 2 CREW Cab Chassis SX 2.2L AT $42,700
• 4 x 2 CREW Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $44,700
• 4 x 2 CREW UTE SX 2.2L AT $44,200
• 4 x 2 CREW UTE SX 3.0L AT $46,200
• 4 x 2 CREW UTE LS-U 3.0L AT $57,000
• 4 x 4 SINGLE Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $46,200
• 4 x 4 SPACE Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $49,700
• 4 x 4 CREW Cab Chassis SX 2.2L AT $50,700
• 4 x 4 CREW Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $52,700
• 4 x 4 CREW Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT $53,200
• 4 x 4 CREW Cab Chassis LS-U 3.0L AT $63,500
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE SX 2.2L AT $52,200
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE SX 3.0L AT $54,200
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE LSM X-RIDER 2.2L AT $59,500
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE LSM X-RIDER 3.0L AT $61,500
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE LS-U 3.0L AT $65,000
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE LS-U+ 3.0L AT $68,000
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE X-TERRAIN 3.0L AT $73,000
• 4 x 4 CREW UTE BLADE 3.0L AT $80,900

 MU-X

• 4 x 2 LS-M 2.2L AT $49,900
• 4 x 4 LS-M 2.2L AT $55,900
• 4 x 4 LS-M 3.0L AT $57,900
• 4 x 4 LS-U 2.2L AT $62,900
• 4 x 4 LS-U 3.0L AT $64,900
• 4 x 4 LS-T 2.2L AT $71,400
• 4 x 4 LS-T 3.0L AT $73,400
• 4 x 4 X-TERRAIN 3.0L AT $77,100