Everything you need to know about the Isuzu KB
Take a closer look at the Isuzu KB range (before the name changed to Isuzu D-Max) to see what sort of features and refinement you can expect from this South African favourite. Will it work for your family and is it a good first car? We answer all of these questions and more.
In this article:
Who is the Isuzu KB a good car for?
What is the Isuzu KB like to drive?
Is the Isuzu KB a good car?
The Isuzu KB series officially no longer exists. In keeping with global formats, the KB-name was replaced by the D-Max name and while the D-Max is essentially the same line of vehicles, we're only looking at the ranges that preceded the 2018 name change. But a name is only that, a name. The Isuzu KB has proven itself to be a robust, dependable vehicle and capable of running for many years without major intervention.
Who is the Isuzu KB a good car for?
The Isuzu KB range was rather extensive, ranging from single cab workhorses to higher-level double cabs with 4x4 and automatic gearboxes. It's always been the go-to for the person that is looking for a hard-working, reliable bakkie, in either Single, Extended, or Double Cab formats. It's for the person that doesn't mind a slightly more mechanical approach to the Double Cab segment.
Isuzu KB vs. new D-MAX: Top 5 differences
Is the Isuzu KB a good first car?
While easy enough to drive, especially when equipped with an automatic gearbox, the sheer size and proportions of the KB will be rather daunting for inexperienced drivers. They may struggle to park and manoeuvre the KB in tighter confines.
Handover day: Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ double cab LX
Is the Isuzu KB a good family car?
Single and Extended Cab Isuzu KBs are less than ideal for families. If you opt for the Double Cab model, it will serve as a respectable family vehicle for most purposes. As there is no enclosed boot, any luggage will be exposed to the elements and miscreants and a roller shutter or tonneau cover is recommended for the load bin.
Is there a Hybrid Isuzu KB?
There was no hybrid or electric version produced. All models in the sixth generation were powered by diesel engines in either 2.5 or 3.0-litre format.
View the latest used Isuzu KB for sale in South Africa
What’s it like to drive?
A hardier, more agricultural drive awaits you in the Isuzu KB - everything is made to feel like it was hewn from cast iron and designed to go the distance. The controls are inherently heavier than those you will find in a similar Hilux or Ranger and the manual gearboxes do require more effort than one would be accustomed to in a hatchback or similar. It's not to say that there are no creature comforts, in fact, the KB is rather well-trimmed and higher-end models will offer leather upholstery and controls.
Reviewer's opinion.
We easily switched from 2H (front-wheel drive) to 4H (all-wheel drive) via the Isuzu’s rotary knob below the automatic gear lever (you can do so “on the fly”), and it was not an overly uncomfortable ride, given the tremendously rocky road surface - here the Isuzu’s heavy-duty all-terrain tyres were of great help, while its long-proven suspension settings seemed to cherish every metre of our little detour. Smoother dirt or gravel feels like the Isuzu’s natural habitat, and traction control further enhances that sure-footed feeling. - Ané Albertse, AutoTrader
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Isuzu KB like inside?
Keeping with the robust, durable theme, the interior of the KB series is not nearly as soft and plush as some of its contemporaries who have positioned themselves as lifestyle or luxury offerings. Harder plastics abound in the interior. LX models will get the best trimmings with late models receiving a touchscreen infotainment system as well as additional airbags and creature comforts. X-Rider models have to make do with a simple radio system.
Space is generous and one gets the feeling that the ergonomics were designed with the larger South African build in mind.
Style
The 2016 facelift saw numerous changes to the exterior and with it came a more sporty, athletic look. sharper angles on the headlights and black front bumper trims gave the 2016 facelift models a rugged, off-road-ready look, blending function and form. The rear tailgate was also redesigned and new rear taillights were fitted on either side of it.
LX models received 18-inch wheels while X-Rider models rode on slightly smaller 16-inch items.
Tech features
- 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen infotainment system*
- Passive Entry and Start System (PESS)*
- Satellite Navigation*
- Reverse Camera*
- WiFi Hotspot functionality*
*LX model
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest Isuzu KB?
When new in 2016, the Isuzu KB started from as little as R235 000 for a KB 250 Base single cab and topped out with the KB 300 4x4 Double Cab LX (Auto) at R563 500. The used market will see a 2016 model range from R170 000 to R420 000 depending on model and mileage.
The replacement D-Max starts from R318 800 and tops out at R906 900 for the D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab 4x4 LX Arctic Trucks AT 35.
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How much does it cost?
The Isuzu D-Max model range is extensive and we've only listed Double Cab models below.
| Model | Price |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab | R416 500 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab Hi-Ride | R470 400 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab Hi-Ride auto | R490 100 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab LE auto | R511 600 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab Hi-Ride auto | R517 300 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab X-Rider | R518 300 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab 4x4 Hi-Ride | R533 500 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab X-Rider auto | R538 000 |
| Isuzu D-Max 250 double cab 4x4 X-Rider | R576 600 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab X-Rider | R590 300 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab LX | R629 600 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab LX auto | R647 700 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab 4x4 LX | R710 800 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab 4x4 LX auto | R728 200 |
| Isuzu D-Max 300 3.0TD double cab 4x4 LX Arctic Trucks AT 35 | R906 900 |
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