Isuzu D-Max 2.2 diesel spotted in Japan

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) is poised to shake up the local bakkie market with the potential introduction of a new, highly efficient diesel engine for its popular D-Max line-up.

Sean Nurse

29 Oct 2025 · 07:39Automotive News2 min read

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We spotted the D-Max sporting a new 2.2-litre Maxforce DDI engine, signalling a strategic move to offer South African buyers a powerful yet more economical alternative to the current engine range. This new engine, identified by the accompanying vehicle specs as the RZ4F-TC with a displacement of 2 164cc.

Key Specs

Specification	Detail
Engine code	RZ4F
Engine type	Inline 4-Cylinder, turbodiesel
Displacement	$2,164\text{ cc}$
Max power	$120\text{ kW}$
Max torque	$400\text{ Nm}$
Transmission	8-speed Automatic (8AT)
Towing capacity	$3,500\text{ kg}$ (braked)
Key features	Improved combustion, optimised turbo settings, Engine Start-Stop (in some models)

The display vehicle also showcased a modern interior with a large central infotainment screen, a contemporary steering wheel design, and an automatic gear selector, indicating a premium specification level. The exterior features a refreshed front fascia and a distinct taillight design. This much-awaited D-Max refresh is set to reach local shores in 2026!

Fresh taillights are sure to divide opinion!

Context for the South African market

The current Isuzu D-Max in South Africa is primarily powered by the 1.9-litre (RZ4E) and 3.0-litre (4JJ3) turbo-diesel engines. Depending on the specific market, introducing a 2.2-litre option could replace either engine.

• Against the 1.9L RZ4E: The new 2.2L Maxforce engine offers a significant power boost. The current 1.9L engine in South Africa produces around 110kW and 350Nm of torque. The new 2.2-litre 120kW and 400Nm would represent a notable step up in pulling power and acceleration, which is crucial for towing and hauling.

• Against the 3.0L 4JJ3: While the 3.0L engine remains the performance king with 140kW and 450Nm, the 2.2-litre offers competitive torque output at a lower displacement. This positions the 2.2L as a highly efficient alternative for buyers who want strong utility but are mindful of fuel consumption and potentially lower vehicle pricing and running costs associated with a smaller engine.

The takeaway

The 2.2-litre Maxforce DDI is a promising addition for the South African market, which demands reliability and efficiency from its bakkies. It represents Isuzu's commitment to optimising its engine range to meet stringent modern standards while delivering the robust performance expected from a D-Max. Should IMSA greenlight this engine for local production or importation, it will significantly strengthen the D-Max's competitive stance against key rivals in the highly contested double-cab segment.

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more