New Isuzu D-Max - 4x4 Testing (cross-axle, dune sand, diff lock test)

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Watch our comprehensive on-road review of the 2022 Isuzu D-Max here:
• 2022 New Isuzu D-Max R...
Following the above review, we began planning an off-road test of the new Isuzu D-Max, and luckily we had just the man for the job. Dieter Pey is one of our filmmakers here at Cars.co.za and he is a proper offroad enthusiast.
And so our usual video journalist, Ciro De Siena, handed over the keys to the new Isuzu and Dieter headed out to the Honingklip 4x4 trails, about an hour and a half from Cape Town, outside Hermanus.
In this video, watch the new Isuzu D-Max tackle a cross-axle obstacle, cruise over some dunes and soft sand, and tackle some steep inclines. Dieter discusses the D-Max's approach and departure angles, the diff-lock, and tries not to beat up the running boards.
We hope you find this review useful, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Follow Dieter's other adventures:
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Chapters:
0:00 - New Isuzu Dmax
0:20 - Cars.co.za
0:28 - Budget Insurance
0:35 - Dieter Pey
1:03 - Full Isuzu Dmax Review
1:47 - Isuzu Dmax Traction Control
2:40 - Isuzu Dmax Difflock Test
3:44 - Isuzu Dmax Offroad Specs
4:58 - Isuzu Dmax Cross Axle Test
6:49 - Isuzu Dmax Sand Driving
8:16 - How good is the Isuzu Dmax at Off-Roading
9:21 - Cars.co.za App

[@michaelridgway1628]

Try using low range more and you wont get stuck so often. Also puts less strain on the torque converter.

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

wait what who....lol this guy is the go to for some 4x4 content in RSA so love that his taking the D to the MAX.

[@Carscoza]

😂 Thanks!

[@uwepey1165]

Great review of soft 4x4ing - SA has so many 4wd Bakkies & 90% only get used for the Big 5 ( N1, Tyger Vally, Canal Walk, Water Front, Blue Route, etc shopping malls) or the school runs. We have sooooo much land too see most only accesible by 4x4. Well done Cars a new market to explore & Dieter the right guy for this job.

[@ryansmithza]

My first 4X4 took me on a great holiday to the wild coast. Hopefully they'll be another 4X4 in the not too distant future to take me to similar places.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Besides crossing a lake or a river, what exactly can a 4x4 do that a Tazz or Polo cannot do?

[@ryansmithza]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior it can do everything a Tazz or Polo can, as well as crossing a river or lake. They can cross beaches too or tow a big boat or caravan. I used my first 4x4 to go on holiday to a place on the wild coast that no Polo or Taz will ever get unless they are dropped from an aeroplane. This is exactly why I want another 4x4, so that I don't have to spend time with the masses in their Polo and Tazz appliances. Unfortunately for me, those people who prefer a Tazz or Polo will be all too happy when a massive road is bulldozed to the areas I prefer to go to, and they won't bat an eyelid about the ecological impact that will have. The cattle that sleep on the beaches will be replaced by the cattle driving a Tazz or Polo.

[@anthonytromp6265]

So you have to drive of road if you buy one.They also highly practical cars thats the main reason people buy them.

[@mufg1000]

​@@angrysocialjusticewarriortow

[@PerformanceWithPage]

THE PEEEEEERFECT PERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nice one Dieter!

[@DieterPey]

Thanks Man!

[@mrhowmuch]

I think we should have more of these off-roading videos every now and then…

[@Carscoza]

We shall do our best to do so

[@sizweshongwe331]

I like how you show the ranger behind the DMax towards the end of the video 🤣

[@Carscoza]

The shot of the Ford Raptor was just too good to not include!

[@bronnybaloyi5421]

You should do more of these off road test videos

[@Carscoza]

We shall do our best to do so 😁

[@travelmates1]

Great review!

[@NRVan]

Awesome to see Dieter infront of the camera for a change, hope to see more episodes presented by him!

[@siphoernest2278]

Impressed..by the diff lock

[@namtrader9674]

The way the Raptor showed up was so cool...as though it was saying 'I'll show you how it's done'!!

[@War_R3gul8r]

Can we please get more content like this from Dieter doing off roady things like this?

[@Carscoza]

We shall try our best :)

[@PerformanceWithPage]

THANKS for this! super informative! Which mode or aid to use is quite confusing with different conditions

[@Carscoza]

Glad we could help! 😁

[@moonwalk6404]

Page what's up, can't wait for you to post again!!!!

[@markfm5]

for sand driving, 4low and traction control off and diff lock when needed

[@gerhardstols396]

Love his as 'n presenter

[@whatever_12]

Would love to see what the Tritons and P-series can do there.. Maybe try setting up an standard test track going forward

[@Carscoza]

You are correct, we are working on a standardised track to make the testing more consistent 😁

[@nX3lemZ]

Great Video! Recommendation: MEGA TEST this track with the Hilux 2.8 GD6, Outgoing Ranger FX4, Outgoing Amarok, Nissan PRO 4X: Non-modified standard from factory as was the DMAX. Also I would recommend you give the TCS more punch and time to bite to really see how capable it is before engaging low range and diff lock. Lastly if you somehow you manage to get all these cars at the same time, DRAG RACE!

[@Carscoza]

We did a mega test a while ago on our channel where we took 6 bakkies and drag raced them on a salt pan, you will love that episode :)

[@Isexwayiso]

Nice 👍

[@mypictureisisorrowproducti3710]

5:01 Perfect for driving on Durban roads

[@steven_mkn]

Did they over manufacture grills?

[@tshenollomaunye4463]

That Raptor is lurking.

[@francoisrossouw1656]

7:56 “ all it needed was some more left foot” is the accelerator pedal on the left side of the Isuzu?🤣🤣🤣

[@Carscoza]

My right foot got tired, so I used my left foot :D (I did mean right foot) :)

[@catamircea8885]

my friend, pressure drop is not an off-road thing in general, it is for certain off-road situations. on sand, on snow, on ice, it helps, on hard and uneven terrain it confuses. first of all, you lose ground clearance. after that you lose the angles, which are weak in a pickup anyway

[@chandamusonda6883]

When are you gonna do a review on the Lexus LX 500d

[@Getouttahere78]

It all comes down to this. No matter how good the vehicle, if the driver doesn't know what he's doing he/she will get stuck. And most likely blame the vehicle 😂 I've seen guys in Namibia buggering about in the dunes with a 1400 Nissan bakkie where Landies got stuck 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DieterPey]

100% True - Most vehicles are pretty capable. In 4x4-ing there are many factors which play a role, so it is difficult to do a "review", but we do what we can and atleast visually show what the car can do and the features it has. We took some VW Beetels up the sandy West Coast once and we think we traumatized some 4x4 oaks cruising past there big bakkies in our little Beetels! 🤣

[@Getouttahere78]

@@DieterPey that's why I want to get a Baja Bug again. Just to peeve off the guys with the fancy 4x4's 🤣

[@DieterPey]

@@Getouttahere78 Love it! 🤣

[@alexbromley]

Ja this guy clearly doesn't know where the Low range switch is...

[@alexemergineer3202]

Please do other bakkies too.

[@Carscoza]

We will do our best 😁

[@alexemergineer3202]

Where is this obstacle road located

[@Carscoza]

The 4x4 Route is called Honingklip and it is near Hermanus.

[@liphangoqo373]

You should try doing this challenge with a Gwm p series

[@Carscoza]

When we get our hands on one, we shall do so. We would also love to see what the P-Series is capable of.

[@patshes1951]

Please do a test of the 1.7 litre 4x4 . thanks for this one .

[@Getouttahere78]

Isn't it a 1.9 liter?

[@Carscoza]

When we get our hands on anything that looks like it can go offroad, then we shall test it! 👏

[@seraajroomaney3148]

In the meantime you might find reviews of the 2.9 on some of the uk or aussie channels

[@ggungor2005]

Great video. But you need a difflock for your watch strap bro

[@DieterPey]

🤣 It was annoying me so much, both bands broke at the same time, but I got it fixed!

[@francoisrossouw1656]

Where was the sandy bit shot?

[@Carscoza]

Everything was filmed at Honingklip 4x4 Route

[@baneletwayi8036]

The presenter must buy a phone🤣, that cover also needs to go🤣 - I am kidding guys.

[@DieterPey]

I did actually change phones since, but I am rough on my phones and covers :D They always end up in the mud and dirt! 😂

[@baneletwayi8036]

@@DieterPey Thank you, Please keep up the great work 🤣

[@cassiem1858]

Do the P series next 🤔

[@BuksSaayman]

Where was this shot? Ou Trekpad?

[@Carscoza]

This was filmed at Honingklip 4x4 Route near Hermanus.

[@BuksSaayman]

@@Carscoza thank you for replying. I'm definitely going to go visit Honingklip soon then.

[@garethluxford5839]

doesn't the hills have more torque? 500nm instead of the Isuzus 45

[@Carscoza]

Good Day - Yes I had the incorrect figures there, sorry. The Isuzu has 450nm and the Hilux 500nm.

[@ryansmithza]

That was fun, I'd like to see the top spec P Series put through its paces here,

[@Carscoza]

We did take the P-Series in the dunes and it was interesting to see how that 4x4 systems works. When we get our hands on one again, we shall do a good 4x4 test with it. We are also very curious to see how it'll cope!

[@kieronmoodley7526]

more left foot?

[@Carscoza]

Using the clutch in an Auto... joking, I meant right :)

[@siphamandladaniel1524]

Great review, please do more 4x4 reviews for other manufacturers.....

[@Carscoza]

We shall do our best :)

[@udodedekind7292]

Like the original journalist alot more

[@wilderness4x4adventure]

Morning Mr. Thanks for that good review on the new d max. But Mr. i think you got it all wrong, the dmax doesnt have more Nm than the hilux. the Hilux got 150 kw and 500 nm.

[@Carscoza]

Good Day - Yes I had the incorrect figures there, sorry. The Isuzu has 450nm and the Hilux 500nm.

[@troothhertz6297]

So when you engage the rear diff locker you lose traction on front wheels yes ?

[@malumnator2763]

Going down the comments and shocked 😱😲😮😳 that no one saw at 8:57 they told us what to buy with our hard earned money

[@kalomboC]

'More torque than the Hilux...' did I hear right? 👂🏿

[@AmzK]

Dude, did anyone ever tell you, you should exactly like James from Throttle House (YT channel)? Like almost uncanny 😅

[@luyanda7367]

I've seen this bakkie, I dont like how the loadbin rattles on uneven corrugated roads. Trallies would tear it up quick

[@lusapongcwabe8605]

Raptor lurking in the background

[@Carscoza]

The shot was just too cool to not include!

[@mathysdupreez602]

It actually has less torque than the 2.8 Hilux, which has 500Nm.

[@pover5825]

I think he meant it has more torque than his d4d hilux

[@mathysdupreez602]

@@pover5825 Ahh, you are right, that may be it.

[@alexfrankl7861]

@@pover5825 the D Max has a way flatter torque curve than the Toyota 2.8 which is why it still outpulls it and doesn't suffer toyotas engine problems

[@AlvinoHorn]

@@alexfrankl7861 Hi Alex, which engine problems, the 2.4 or the 2.8 GD6? Haven't heard any problems from Toyota owners

[@dannypabilonia8250]

just remap it for more tourgue and power. remember its 3.0L engine bigger than 2.8L hilux

[@tman1591]

My bakkie won't be for these kinds of off-roading shame sorry 😂.

[@Carscoza]

At least you'll know what it is capable of 😁

[@waynepettitt2000]

What do you do with your left foot in sand driving @ 07:56😂

[@Carscoza]

My left foot is Flinstoning the Isuzu up the hill 😂... I meant right just to be clear 🙈

[@waynepettitt2000]

@@Carscoza you brought a smile to my face anyway😂

[@ishaqthkr]

Did i hear more torque than Hilux which is false?

[@Carscoza]

Good Day - Yes I had the incorrect figures there, sorry. The Isuzu has 450nm and the Hilux 500nm.

[@bhyat]

Why in the Cirro is he talking soo fastly?

[@garybloom7445]

Yeahx, don't install any aftermarket stuff on your Isuzu as the dealers will use any excuse to void any warrantee..

[@alexfrankl7861]

Isuzu will fit ARB gear from new, everything is covered 😉

[@Carscoza]

Good point, thanks for the comment.

[@tman1591]

First

[@tonesX7170]

THis guys does not know enough about 4 wheel driving. Firstly, some traction control systems operate differently when in low range. You didn't even have it in 4Low! Shocking. So now we do not know for sure how well the TC works on this D-Max. You had it in 4x4 Hi so that is suited to sand but not always. For the crawling you need to have it in Low then test the TC and if need be engage Diff-lock. Secondly, which Hi-Lux were you referring to? The new one has MORE torque than the D-Max. Just facts is all we need not some rookie please. So many are now uninformed by this video and I am left with the question about D-Max TC??

[@Ndumixo]

Put this Isuzu up against a Suzuki Jimny.. Because why not?

[@Carscoza]

Those Suzuki's are very capable!

[@gertbotha9980]

04:30....this car has more torque than the Toyota hilux.... Dmax = 450Nm. Hilux = 500Nm. What are you talking about???

[@bravestarr1797]

Hilux 420

[@mathysdupreez602]

@@bravestarr1797 Yes, but only the manual, the auto has 500Nm.

[@gertbotha9980]

@@mathysdupreez602 Correct. The DMax is also a auto, thus a fair comparison

[@yissibiiyte]

Basically all bakkies can do this. They all have low range plus rear locker

[@siphoernest2278]

Agree

[@Carscoza]

Not all bakkies have low range, the VW Amarok doesn't have to name one. The first gear acts as a low range in the Amarok. You aren't wrong though, most 4x4's will be able to do this with easy, the main difference is the tires they come with and the approach, departure and ground clearance.

[@oratilekapinga3603]

More torque than a Hilux? 🤔 🤥😹

[@Carscoza]

Good Day - Yes I had the incorrect figures there, sorry. The Isuzu has 450nm and the Hilux 500nm.

[@dannypabilonia8250]

on papers

[@brucekendall52]

No ground clearance.How to ruin a car.

[@moonwalk6404]

Amarok always better!!!!

[@alexbromley]

This guy doesn't know what is he doing, 4H for a 4x4 obstacle course what on earth. Choose Low-range next time bud.

[@Carscoza]

We did use 4L, however 4L is best to use on obstacles where you need to go slow. In dunes for example 4L is not the best, sometimes you need higher speeds for big dunes and driving too much in 4L will heat up your diff and damage it.

[@alexbromley]

@@Carscoza You can do up to 40km/h in 5th low range, that is plenty speed. You put a lot more strain on your torque converter and transmission if you are going too slow in 4H for your torque converter to lock up where it locks up in 4L producing less heat in the transmission. If you were in a manual in 4h trying to pull away in sand like the guy did you would just stall. But each to their own I wasn't there so maybe you right, but I only use 4H for high speed gravel or long sand roads but not dunes. Cheers and thanks for the Vid!

[@nyathi777]

So many mistakes, not the bakkies fault.