Isuzu D-Max, MU-X to gain new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel possible to replace 3.0-litre

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The Isuzu D-Max ute – and likely the Isuzu MU-X – will soon gain a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine in Thailand.

Expected to debut in the D-Max and MU-X imminently, the new engine is reportedly built on the foundations of the 1.9-litre 'RZ4E-TC' diesel which launched in 2017 – and has been available in Australia since 2021 in lower-spec Isuzu models.

Titled 'MaxForce', the 2.2-litre diesel engine will be "more powerful" and "faster", but it is unclear if Isuzu is comparing the 2.2-litre unit to the 1.9-litre – or the Australian customer-favourite 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.

Along with its increased capacity, Thai publication Headlight Mag reports the engine will fit an upgraded turbocharger over the existing 1.9-litre – potentially allowing it to match or exceed the power outputs of the larger 3.0-litre mill.

"While it is exciting to see that Isuzu continues to innovate with new powertrains, we currently are not in a position to comment on future product plans," said an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson in a media statement provided to Drive.

"While the 2.2L is expected to be a step in the right direction towards meeting lower emissions targets, at this point in time, details of the new powertrain are yet to be confirmed.

"That said, Isuzu Ute Australia [is] committed to working towards providing a choice of vehicles that are not only compliant with all local legislation, but are fit for purpose and meet the needs of Australians."

The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X are available in Australia with a 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre diesel and a 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre diesel, with the smaller engine saving about a litre of fuel per 100 kilometres on average, according to lab testing.

Crucially, fuel savings also translate to reduced CO2 emissions, which will be enforced from 1 July 2025 when the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is implemented in Australia.

A four-wheel-drive 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max SX dual-cab currently emits 207 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre while an equivalent 1.9-litre model is rated at 180g/km against an un-weighted target of 210g/km for many light-commercial vehicles in 2025, which then falls to 180g/km in 2026.

It is unlikely the 2.2-litre engine would become the third powertrain option in the D-Max and MU-X line-ups, meaning it is expected to succeed one or both of these engines with the need to meet tighter emissions regulations.

The '4JJ' 3.0-litre has been in service in Isuzu vehicles since 2004 and was heavily updated under the '4JJ3' code with the launch of the current D-Max in 2020.

A 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the 2.2-litre could eventuate after Isuzu recently added the technology to certain 1.9-litre D-Max models in Thailand, but additional details on the new engine remain scarce.

The post Isuzu D-Max, MU-X to gain new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel possible to replace 3.0-litre appeared first on Drive.