In September 2025, the Department of Energy held a fuel-economy run, which was joined by around 70 vehicles of varying powertrains. Among the participants was the diesel-engined Isuzu D-Max, and its SUV counterpart, the MU-X.
Powered by the same 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-liter turbodiesel mill, the D-Max LS-A 4x2 AT returned 20.63km per Liter of gasoline equivalent (Lge), while the MU-X LS-A 4x2 AT posted 17.11km/Lge after about 155km of driving. Both share a six-speed automatic transmission, but the MU-X adds a sequential shift.
Isuzu Philippines sales division head Robert Carlos attributed the stellar performance to not just the new engine, but also the aerodynamic design of the vehicles. For Carlos, these numbers are not surprising, as many customers have already experienced great efficiency with Isuzu.
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“These results reflect what our customers have long experienced with Isuzu vehicles. The
exceptional performance of the D-Max and MU-X comes as no surprise, as the Isuzu brand is
globally renowned for fuel efficiency,” said Carlos.
In our time with the D-Max, we experienced similar returns through highway driving. Top Gear Philippines contributing editor Niky Tamayo wrote: “Fuel economy hovers in the 18-19km/L range, touching 20km/L on flatter portions of the highway system, thanks to the long gearing on that six-speed automatic transmission, which keeps revs down to around 1,500rpm over a wide range from 70-120kph.”
