17 hours ago
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A BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV competitor could join diesel power in the next-generation Isuzu D-Max range.
Isuzu has named the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV as top rivals for a potential plug-in hybrid version of the D-Max ute, now under consideration for showrooms.
It may not arrive until the next-generation D-Max launches overseas in 2027 – and, if the current model is a guide, in Australia a year later – by which time it would likely face competitors from Nissan, MG, and more.
A representative for the Japanese commercial-vehicle specialist told Drive at the Tokyo motor show that hybrid technology is one way to keep the ute alive under more stringent emissions rules.
"As a company, we are now studying PHEV, so we can't say the plan, but we are considering introducing [it] to D-Max," they said.
The representative said a plug-in hybrid system is also being studied for the related MU-X SUV which, if the latest version is a guide, would follow its ute sibling by a year in diesel form.
Petrol and diesel engines are being considered for the plug-in hybrid system, they said.
The brand does not sell the D-Max with a petrol engine, so a diesel plug-in hybrid is a more likely candidate.
Isuzu has already launched an electric version of the current D-Max, which offers a comparable 3500kg braked towing capacity and circa-1000kg payload to the diesel version.
However, it comes at a cost: driving range, rated for just 263km in European WLTP testing, and cost, as it is estimated to start from about $100,000 before on-road costs if it is sold in Australia, as forecast.
Ford has elected to retain the Ranger's tow rating and rough-road ability for the PHEV, at a cost: a $14,000 higher starting price than the BYD Shark 6, which can only tow 2500kg, carry about 800kg, and is limited off-road by a lack of differential locks and low-range.
Asked if Isuzu would look to retain the diesel's capabilities in a PHEV, the representative said they "can't say", but acknowledged: "We are watching Ford or BYD as our rivals.
"We are studying what is the best option – considering the price also."
Isuzu Ute Australia has expressed interest in a hybrid D-Max as far back as the current model's launch in 2020.
It preceded the onset of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in 2025, which sets CO2 targets for car brands to hit, should they wish to avoid hefty government fines.
The four-wheel-drive specialist is more vulnerable than most other car manufacturers, as its line-up exclusively consists of large, heavy-duty diesel four-wheel-drives that, as the CO2 targets get stricter each year, will begin to attract penalties.
Isuzu's new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is a reasonable candidate for a future D-Max PHEV, producing 120kW and 400Nm on its own, matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Its predecessor, a 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre turbo-diesel from the same engine family, was briefly offered in the Thai market with a mild-hybrid system capable of providing a tiny boost to the engine under acceleration.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
