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Isuzu has unveiled a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel for the D-Max and MU-X to replace the 1.9-litre base engine with more power and lower emissions – while the existing 3.0-litre continues unchanged.
The 2025 Isuzu D-Max ute and 2025 Isuzu MU-X off-road SUV have received a new turbo-diesel engine option for international markets.
Isuzu has unveiled its new 2.2-litre ‘MaxForce’ four-cylinder turbo-diesel for the D-Max and MU-X – matched with a new eight-speed auto – which appears to replace the existing 1.9-litre unit previously used in most variants in Thailand.
The venerable 3.0-litre ‘4JJ3-TCX’ four-cylinder diesel found in Isuzu-based vehicles since 2003 and last updated in 2020 remains available in top-of-the-line models in Thailand, while a 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the 1.9-litre launched in October 2024 continues in that market paired with rear-wheel-drive D-Max trims.
An Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson was unable to provide any further comment regarding the local line-up beyond a statement provided to Drive when the 2.2-litre engine was teased last week.
“While it is exciting to see that Isuzu continues to innovate with new powertrains, we currently are not in a position to comment on future product plans,” the statement said.
“While the 2.2L is expected to be a step in the right direction towards meeting lower emissions targets, at this point in time, details of the new powertrain are yet to be confirmed.
“That said, Isuzu Ute Australia [is] committed to working towards providing a choice of vehicles that are not only compliant with all local legislation, but are fit for purpose and meet the needs of Australians.”
Codenamed ‘RZ4F’, the 2.2-litre engine has been developed from the ‘RZ4E’ 1.9-litre diesel with several enhancements, including a new cylinder head, cylinder block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and low-friction pistons.
Power outputs are rated at 120kW and 400Nm – up 10kW and 50Nm over the 1.9-litre, but down 20kW and 50Nm compared to the 3.0-litre.
Entry-level versions of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux have similar outputs with the the 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel in the Ranger XL developing 125kW/405Nm and the 2.4-litre HiLux Workmate having 110kW/400Nm.
However most four-cylinder four-wheel-drive dual-cab versions of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux offer around 150kW and 500Nm, more than the 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre versions of the D-Max.
The Isuzu 2.2-litre engine is paired with a newly-developed eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission in the D-Max and MU-X, replacing the six-speed unit found in 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre models.
“In response to market demand, the new powerful RZ4F engine combined with eight-speed [automatic transmission] brings significant improvements to start-up capability, acceleration, and fuel efficiency compared to existing models,” said Isuzu in an international media release.
Isuzu claims the 2.2-litre diesel has 56 per cent more “start up torque” and a 10 per cent fuel efficiency improvement over the 1.9-litre unit it is based on.
As an example, the claimed 10 per cent fuel efficiency improvement would see the two-wheel-drive D-Max SX high-ride dual-cab pick-up – rated as the most efficient diesel ute sold in Australia – move from 6.7L/100km to around 6.0L/100km if it switches from the 1.9-litre to the 2.2-litre locally.
The RZ4E 1.9-litre diesel was launched in 2017 and has been available in Australia since 2021 in lower-spec Isuzu D-Max and MU-X models.
Fuel efficiency improvements delivered by the 2.2-litre diesel will be crucial for Isuzu to meet the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) when it is implemented in Australia with penalties from 1 July 2025.
A four-wheel-drive 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max SX dual-cab is currently rated to emit 207 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre while an equivalent 1.9-litre model is rated at 180g/km against an un-weighted target of 210g/km for many light-commercial vehicles in 2025, which then falls to 180g/km in 2026.
Isuzu has not announced a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the 2.2-litre engine – but it is possible this could eventuate to deliver further fuel savings, with the company currently offering a mild-hybrid version of the 1.9-litre in Thailand.
The D-Max’s Mazda BT-50 twin currently offers the 1.9-litre engine in base XS variants in Australia.
A Mazda Australia spokesperson said the brand could not comment on the new 2.2-litre engine.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
