Back in September 2023, it was reported that both the Isuzu D-Max and Mu-X will get a new engine. At the time, it was unconfirmed, and these two models soldiered on with the 1.9-liter Bluepower diesel and the familiar, tried and tested 3.0-liter.
Now, we can say for certainty that it’s coming. Isuzu Thailand recently rolled out a teaser for the new engine. With that, we can expect something new under the hoods of these Isuzu models.
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The new engine now carries a displacement of 2.2-liters. The block is based on the RZ4E engine but enlarged and fitted with a new turbocharger. With that, it’s Isuzu’s newest engine in nearly a decade. About time too, given that most of its competitors have either new engines or heavily updated powertrains.
Isuzu isn’t giving out the official power figures just yet. That said, the Japanese automaker said that it will be more powerful than both the 1.9-liter and 3.0-liter engines. For reference, the 1.9-liter makes 148hp and 350Nm, while the 3.0-liter puts out 189hp and 450Nm.
The new name of this engine is now called the Maxforce. With that, there’s a good chance that the new 2.2-liter will replace both engines and offer it in at least two power and torque guises. It’s a move that’s now common among the D-Max’s and Mu-X’s competitors.
We'll find out more once Isuzu officially unveils the 2.2 Ddi Maxforce. Given the way the pickup market is moving, we could see at least 170hp and 400Nm from the base tune, and about 200hp and over 450Nm for the higher specification variants.
