Isuzu introduces lower-priced D-Max AT

Isuzu Philippines has introduced the D-Max LS 4x2 AT, a new variant that gives pickup buyers a more affordable automatic transmission option without having to step up to the more expensive 3.0-liter models.

The new version carries a regular price of P1.699 million, although buyers can get it for P1.549 million under an introductory offer that runs until 31 December 2026. The P150,000 discount makes it the least expensive automatic D-Max currently available in the country.

The addition fills a gap between Isuzu’s basic utility pickups, which come with manual transmissions, and the higher-priced LS-A and LS-E variants. It also brings back the LS designation to the Philippine D-Max lineup.

Power comes from Isuzu’s familiar 1.9-liter RZ4E Blue Power turbodiesel engine, which produces 150 PS or approximately 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

The engine is already available in other D-Max variants, although those models use manual gearboxes. Buyers who prefer an automatic can now choose the smaller diesel engine without paying extra for the 3.0-liter unit.

This combination should appeal to owners who spend much of their time on paved roads and need a pickup for both personal transport and occasional business use.

The LS also benefits from the exterior updates introduced to the D-Max earlier this year. It receives the revised front grille and bumpers, along with halogen headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-profile tires.

The cabin has a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A 4.2-inch multi-information display provides driving information, including fuel consumption data, while rear air-conditioning vents help keep second-row passengers comfortable.

A reversing camera is also standard, a useful addition for drivers who regularly park in tight spaces or maneuver through crowded streets.

Isuzu has retained several important safety features despite the LS being positioned below the more expensive automatic variants.

Electronic Stability Control helps reduce the risk of losing control when the vehicle encounters slippery surfaces or sudden changes in direction. Hill Start Assist helps prevent the pickup from rolling backward on an incline, while Hill Descent Control assists the driver on downhill sections.

The safety package also includes an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation president Mikio Tsukui said the company recognizes that customers often use their vehicles for more than one purpose, particularly those who manage businesses alongside their family responsibilities.