Isuzu D-Max Review
2017-2023
The Isuzu D-Max (RT50 and RG01 series) is Kenya's benchmark commercial and lifestyle double-cab pickup. Imported from Thailand and Japan as well as assembled locally, it combines bulletproof 1.9L RZ4E and 3.0L 4JJ3 turbo-diesel engines with high 235 mm ground clearance, Terrain Command 4WD, and heavy-duty 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-2,000 cc customs tax advantage: 1.9L RZ4E engine triggers Kenya's 25% excise duty bracket.
- High 235 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles rocky off-road terrain, deep mud tracks, and estate speed bumps.
- Proven commercial durability: Heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis and leaf spring rear suspension built for heavy payloads.
- Bulletproof 4JJ3 / RZ4E engines: Renowned across East Africa for 500,000+ km longevity and widespread spare parts availability.
What’s not so good
- Firm rear leaf-spring ride: Unladen rear bed transmits stiff vibrations over corrugated gravel roads.
- Utilitarian interior on base trims: Entry-level L and LS grades feature basic hard plastic dashboards.
Most popular: D-Max 1.9 Ddi V-Cross / 3.0 V-Cross 4x4
42 doorsDieselAutomatic, Manual
At a glance
- Model
- Isuzu D-Max (RT50 / RG01 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- Double Cab / Single Cab Pickup
- Seating capacity
- 5 (Double Cab) / 2 (Single Cab)
- Fuel types
- Clean Diesel
- Engine sizes
- 1,898 cc (1.9L) / 2,499 cc (2.5L) / 2,999 cc (3.0L)
- Transmission
- 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Aisin Automatic
- Drivetrain
- 2WD or Terrain Command Part-Time 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 235 mm
- Source market
- Thailand / Japan / UK (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 13.5 km/L (1.9L) / 11.2 km/L (3.0L). Tank: 76 L (about 1026 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,071 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,469 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 16,871
- Full tank (76 L)
- KES 17,310
Based on diesel at KES 227.76/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
L / LS / LSE / V-Cross
- Setup
1.9L 4-cylinder turbo diesel producing 150 hp and 350 Nm, 6-speed manual or Aisin automatic, 2WD or 4WD, returning 13.5 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
The ultimate tax-saver pickup, delivering strong pull with sub-2.0L import duty savings.
- Local consideration
Highly sought after by farm owners and fleet operators across Nakuru, Eldoret, and Nanyuki.
Package tiers
D-Max packages range from utilitarian commercial workhorses to luxury V-Cross lifestyle trucks.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| L / LS | Workhorse | 17-inch steel/alloy wheels, heavy-duty vinyl/fabric seats, manual AC, rear diff lock. |
| LSE | Executive | 18-inch dark alloys, bi-LED headlights, 9-inch touchscreen with CarPlay, leather seats. |
| V-Cross | Flagship Lifestyle | Gunmetal exterior trim, orange-stitched leather interior, ADAS safety suite, 8-speaker audio. |
About the Isuzu D-Max
Kenya strictly enforces a right-hand drive mandate and an 8-year age limit from the month of manufacture. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Isuzu D-Max models sit comfortably inside the legal import window, 2018 units face month-by-month cutoff deadlines, while earlier models are widely traded locally.
A major financial advantage of importing the 1.9L RZ4E D-Max (1,898 cc) or 2.5L 4JK1 D-Max (2,499 cc) is their engine displacement. Both sit strictly under the Kenya Revenue Authority 2,500 cc threshold, qualifying for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty rate and saving over KSh 600,000 in import taxes compared to 3.0L variants.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
