Isuzu has pulled the covers off a new 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel that makes 150kW and 500Nm. That is more than the brand's long-serving 3.0-litre four-cylinder, which produces 140kW and 450Nm today, and well clear of the current single-turbo 2.2-litre on 120kW and 400Nm.
What Isuzu claims
The new engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Isuzu says it is about 8 per cent more efficient at highway speed than the 3.0-litre, roughly 5 per cent quicker from 0 to 100km/h and about 12 per cent quicker from 80 to 100km/h. Full fuel economy figures have not been published. Crucially for buyers here, none of this is confirmed for Australia. Isuzu Ute Australia says the unit is currently a Thai-market engine and that it has no powertrain announcement to make for the Isuzu D-Max or the Isuzu MU-X.
Cartell Assessment
Take the local caveat seriously, because a Thai-market reveal is not a local launch. Even so, this is the strongest sign yet that the familiar 3.0-litre has a thriftier, torquier successor in the pipeline, and on paper the smaller engine beats the bigger one on both outputs and economy. That is exactly the combination ute and large-SUV buyers keep asking for.
AU Outlook
Tighter Euro 6d emissions rules apply to all new light vehicles sold in Australia from July 1, 2028, which gives Isuzu a clear reason to bring a cleaner diesel here before then. Nothing is locked in, and we will update if Isuzu Ute Australia confirms a local plan.
