Updated 2027 Isuzu D-Max 2.2 debuts in Thailand, now with 204 PS, 500 Nm, 3.0L dropped, Malaysia when?

The 2027 Isuzu D-Max has debuted in Thailand with a uprated 2.2-litre Ddi MaxForce Bi-Turbo diesel, now producing 204 PS and 500 Nm. 

The new engine replaces the 3.0-litre in the Thai-spec Hi-Lander range, although the larger diesel has not disappeared entirely, as some variants of the 3.0-litre still remain. 

Smaller engine, more powerful than the 3.0-litre

The new RZ4F-TCX is a 2,164 cc four-cylinder diesel with two turbochargers. Its arrangement combines a variable-geometry low-pressure turbo with a high-pressure turbo.

Its maximum 204 PS arrives at 3,600 rpm, while the full 500 Nm is available from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm.

Here’s how the outputs compare:

The Bi-Turbo gains 41 PS and 100 Nm over the existing 2.2-litre, while bettering the 3.0-litre by 14 PS and 50 Nm.

An eight-speed Rev Tronic automatic handles transmission duties in the Hi-Lander M Bi-Turbo, complete with paddle shifters. The V-Cross range also offers a six-speed manual Bi-Turbo variant.

Faster acceleration, claimed improvement in fuel economy

Thailand's Headlightmag reports claimed improvements of 5% in the 0–100 km/h acceleration and 12% in 80–100 km/h acceleration for the replacement powertrain.

Isuzu also claims an 8% improvement in fuel economy over the 3.0-litre.

Those figures remain manufacturer claims, but the combination of higher output and improved claimed efficiency gives the smaller engine a strong case on paper.

The existing 163 PS, 400 Nm single-turbo 2.2-litre remains available, so the Bi-Turbo does not replace every 2.2-litre variant. At least for the Thai market, which is ASEAN's largest pick-up truck market.

Thai Hi-Lander Bi-Turbo priced at approximately RM 145,100

The Hi-Lander M 2.2 Bi-Turbo 8AT is priced at THB 1,194,000 (~RM 145k).

For comparison, the single-turbo Hi-Lander M 2.2 8AT costs THB 1,160,000 (approximately RM 140,900). The upgrade therefore adds THB 34,000 (approximately RM 4,100).

What about Malaysia?

Malaysia introduced the current 2.2-litre Ddi MaxForce on 31 March 2026, roughly 16 months since its debut in Thailand. 

With Malaysian-spec trucks supplied from Thailand, a similar delay would put this Bi-Turbo update around early 2028. A quicker, roughly one-year turnaround could bring it here in late 2027.