Isuzu reveals 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel for D-Max and MU-X in Thailand, Australia unconfirmed

What has been announced

Isuzu has revealed updated 2027 model-year D-Max and MU-X in Thailand, headlined by a new 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel for higher-grade variants of both vehicles. The reveal took place over the weekend, with Thai showrooms set to receive the updated range from the end of October 2026, as reported by CarExpert via 7NEWS. ⁵²

The engine is officially called the 2.2 Ddi MaxForce Biturbo, internally designated RZ4F-TCX. According to paultan.org, it effectively replaces the 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre turbodiesel in several, but not all, D-Max and MU-X variants in Thailand. The MU-X line-up there no longer includes any 3.0-litre variant, while the D-Max still offers the 3.0-litre in a limited number of grades alongside the single-turbo and bi-turbo 2.2-litre engines. ³

The bi-turbo builds on the single-turbo 2.2-litre Ddi Maxforce, which 7NEWS/CarExpert says was launched globally in late 2024 and which Torquecafe reports debuted in 2024 before arriving in Australia last year in the D-Max and MU-X. The bi-turbo adds a second turbocharger plus revised lubrication and cooling systems, ultra-low-friction pistons and strengthened cylinder sleeves. ³⁴⁵

The Citizen notes the engine was previewed at last year's Bangkok International Motor Show in the Dragon Max concept, a modernised 1988 TFR Spacecab, where it was rated at 162kW/550Nm before production outputs were set at 150kW/500Nm. It joins the single-turbo 2.2 as part of Isuzu's internally named RZ4F engine family, seen as the eventual successor to the 3.0-litre that has been updated since 2002. ¹

Specifications and claimed performance

The bi-turbo produces 150kW at 3600rpm and 500Nm between 1600 and 2600rpm, matching the power and torque delivery characteristics of the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX. That represents an increase of 30kW/100Nm over the single-turbo 2.2-litre and 10kW/50Nm over the 3.0-litre. CAR magazine reports it is the most powerful engine ever offered in a D-Max or MU-X worldwide. ²⁴³⁵

Isuzu's claimed improvements over the 3.0-litre are five per cent faster 0–100km/h acceleration, 12 per cent stronger response when overtaking from 80–100km/h, and eight per cent better extra-urban fuel efficiency. These are manufacturer claims, not independently verified results. ³⁶¹

Technical detail reported by paultan.org includes a two-stage forced induction setup with a variable geometry low-pressure turbo and a high-pressure turbo, and Gi-Boost (Genius Injector Boosted Output and Optimised Spray Technology) injection at 250MPa through a 10-hole injector. Transmissions are an eight-speed torque-converter automatic and a six-speed manual, with 7NEWS/CarExpert describing the automatic as retuned and the Southeast Asia Economic News reporting it as the REV TRONIC unit. ³⁵⁷

The Southeast Asia Economic News, citing Prachachat Turakij, adds that the engine supports B20 biodiesel and that Thai local-parts content across the vehicle reaches 90 per cent. ⁷

Torquecafe notes the bi-turbo matches the outputs of Toyota's 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre single-turbo diesel in the HiLux despite the smaller capacity, while paultan.org places it against rivals such as Ford's 2.0-litre bi-turbo Ranger diesel (210PS/500Nm) and Mitsubishi's 2.4-litre single-turbo (204PS/480Nm). These comparisons are on published output figures and do not by themselves establish a superiority claim. ⁴³

Thai market grades and pricing

According to the Southeast Asia Economic News, Thai distributor Tripet Isuzu Sales launched six sub-models with the new engine: D-Max V-Cross (M and Z grades, 4WD), D-Max Hi-Lander (four-door, M grade), and MU-X Elegant (2WD) plus MU-X RS (2WD and 4WD). ⁷

Thai pricing runs from 1,064,000 baht for the D-Max V-Cross to 1,774,000 baht for the MU-X RS 4WD, per the same report. These are Thai-market list prices and do not translate to Australian pricing; no Australian prices exist because the vehicle is not confirmed here. ⁷

Tripet Isuzu Sales chief executive Hiroyasu Sato said the engine was developed to deliver the performance, durability and fuel economy Thai consumers demand while also meeting the needs of overseas customers, the Southeast Asia Economic News reports. ⁷

Facelift styling changes

The new engine arrives alongside a facelift for both models. 7NEWS, via CarExpert, describes revised D-Max front fascias with new grille insert designs, some including a colour-coded fog light surround blade and slightly smaller grilles, plus a design with three rectangular ports near the front edge of the bonnet. ⁵

On the MU-X, most variants gain a new grille insert with closely spaced twin horizontal bars and redesigned rear diffusers, 7NEWS/CarExpert reports. The Thai-market range-topping RS adds a gloss-black fog light surround, a 'Supreme Onyx Grille' and a lime green highlight colour applied to wheel caps, badges, interior stitching and a new arrow blade in the headlights; 7NEWS notes the RS is the model on which the Australian X-Terrain variant is based. ⁵

Torquecafe similarly describes the styling changes as light tweaks centring on new grille inserts for the D-Max and, on the MU-X, fog light surrounds as well. ⁴

Australian availability remains unconfirmed

Isuzu Ute Australia has told Torquecafe the newly announced 2.2-litre bi-turbo engine is currently specific to the Thai market, adding that it continually considers future product opportunities based on local customer needs, market conditions and regulatory requirements, but has no announcements on this powertrain for Australia at this time. ⁴

4X4 Australia reports that Isuzu Ute Australia has not confirmed plans for the new engine or the facelifted models locally, and that no discontinuation of the 3.0-litre has been announced, leaving that engine in the Australian range for now. ⁶

In Australia, the current D-Max and MU-X offer the 3.0-litre (140kW/450Nm) and the single-turbo 2.2-litre (120kW/400Nm), per 4X4 Australia and Torquecafe. South Africa, meanwhile, has approved neither 2.2-litre version; The Citizen quotes Isuzu South Africa executive Dominic Rimmer saying in February that the engine would need local testing before introduction there. ⁶⁴¹

4X4 Australia notes the engine could offer Isuzu another option as Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard tightens, though any fleet-emissions benefit would depend on its real-world efficiency and whether it joins the local range. The announcement follows Isuzu's decision, reported by 4X4 Australia in October 2026, to cancel plans for the all-electric D-Max EV in Australia, leaving diesel as the brand's only local powertrain for now. Whether the bi-turbo reaches Australian showrooms remains an open question. ⁶