Driven: 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 Extended cab Hi-Ride Auto
The Isuzu D-Max is perhaps one most beloved bakkies in South Africa. It's practical, down to earth, and can handle itself pretty dam well when it comes to off-road work. It may not always be as aesthetically appealing as its competitors, but either way, you will rest easy at night, knowing that its value for money cannot be beaten.
Sticking to its guns
The D-Max 250 sticks to its roots by keeping its 2.5 diesel engine. The power output also remains the same at 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque. The D-Max 250 is by no means a bakkie built for power but rather one for practicality. On the road, it does not offer as smooth of a drive as one would hope. The D-Max 250 is work focused, so a smooth riding was not part of its agenda. At the end of the day, the D-Max 250 feels strong and sturdy, making an excellent offering for those looking to do heavy lifting.
Rugged exterior
Isuzu’s have always had a reputation for being tough and the D-Max 250 certainly lives up to this. The D-Max 250 keeps all the ruggedness of its classic predecessor, with little appeal to its modern market. Changes to the D-Max 250 are very minimal, it still in many ways looks outdated. The biggest highlight to take away from it must be its exceptional towing capacity which can offer up to 2100kg. The front design is not as appealing as its X-Rider brother and in our humble opinion could have gotten more a modern design.
Old interior
Stepping inside the cabin of the D-Max 250 may feel very dated but at the end of the day, it offers all the comfort you need to get work done. Its front seats did prove to be comfortable, but some extra cushioning at the rear would certainly help. There is not much to say about the inside because truth be told, there isn’t much to talk about. It comes standard with a radio, air conditioning, and a USB socket. It seems that its rugged appeal is brought inside too.
Verdict
Overall, the D-Max 250 Extended is built to endure harsh working environments, making the perfect offering for those who like to do heavy lifting. Sure, it's not the most comfortable bakkie out there but at the end day its engine is more than likely to outlive you. It's built tough and fuel-efficient, which is all one really needs from an extended cab bakkie. Isuzu seems to be sticking to its ‘tough’ slogan and in doing so, they have built one of the sturdiest bakkies on the market.
Pricing
Isuzu D-Max 250 Extended cab Hi-Ride Auto R401 500
Also worth a look: the Isuzu D Max and the Isuzu D Max.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 Extended cab Hi-Ride Auto cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 Extended cab Hi-Ride Auto has a starting price of around R455,900 in South Africa, making it one of the more affordable work-focused bakkies on the market.
Q: Is the 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 worth buying?
The D-Max 250 is absolutely worth buying if you prioritise practicality and value for money over luxury features, especially with its impressive 2100kg towing capacity and proven reliability record.
Q: What engine does the Isuzu D-Max 250 have?
The D-Max 250 runs a 2.5-litre diesel engine producing 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque, which delivers solid performance for work applications rather than outright speed.
Q: How much can the Isuzu D-Max 250 tow?
The D-Max 250 can tow up to 2100kg, making it an excellent choice for hauling trailers, boats, or heavy equipment without breaking a sweat.
Q: What are the main problems with the Isuzu D-Max 250?
The main drawbacks include an outdated interior design, a rougher ride quality compared to competitors, and styling that feels dated rather than modern, though these issues don't affect its core work capabilities.
Should You Buy It?
The best work-focused bakkie under R460,000 in South Africa is definitely the 2020 Isuzu D-Max 250 Extended cab Hi-Ride Auto at R455,900. If you need a reliable workhorse that can tow 2100kg and won't leave you stranded on a job site, this is your bakkie. Yes, the interior feels like it's stuck in 2015 and the ride is rougher than a Joburg pothole, but you're buying proven reliability and exceptional value for money. Skip it if you want something pretty for the school run, but grab it if you actually need to get work done.
