Isuzu-Mazda utes share new diesel

0 0 September 29, 2025 Edit this post

by Chris Riley

Well, that's embarrassing.

Mazda and Isuzu have both announced on the same day that they are adding a new diesel option to their utilities.

But here's the thing . . . it's the same engine.

To explain Isuzu D-Max is the donor vehicle for the current Mazda BT-50 and usually it is good manners to put some space between such announcements.

Sharing of development costs has become commonplace these days as the BT-50 was in turn the basis for the previous Ford Ranger -- which is itself now the mother of the current VW Amarok.

Confusing isn't it?

Regardless BT-50 and the D-Max are about to get a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel as a replacement for the smaller 1.9-litre unit introduced at the beginning of 2022.

The 2.2 brings a bump in power from by 10kW to 120kW and torque by 50Nm to 400Nm.

It joins Isuzu's highly regarded four-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel which is good for 140kW and 450Nm.

A boost in performance comes from a new eight-speed transmission, which also contributes to a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 0.7 litres per 100km -- and as much as 17g/km of CO2.

Isuzu says their new diesel provides a pragmatic option for motorists who value reliability, affordability, and driveability.

It also increases towing capacity to 3500kg across the board.

Like the BT-50 all 2.2-litre D-Max utes 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.

Mazda says the engine will be available exclusively with its XS spec in Single Cab Chassis, Dual Cab Chassis or Dual Cab Pickup configuration.

Prices for the 2.2-lire D-Max kick off at $36,200 for the 4x2 Single Cab Chassis SX, $2000 less than the 3.0-litre version.

Mazda opens its card with the Single Cab Chassis XS from $37,900 -- $2500 less than the 3.0-litre.

Sounds like a real win-win for the consumer.