The Isuzu D-Max has long been lauded as one of the toughest, most reliable pickup trucks in the industry, and Isuzu has just breathed new life into the 3.0-liter LS 4x2 automatic and manual transmission variants with the introduction of the D-Max Boondock.
The D-Max Boondock gets several new accessories that distinctly change its exterior appearance. Steel honeycomb sidesteps, with the “Boondock” logo clearly visible, give the D-Max some added ruggedness. It's backed up by 265/70 R17 all-terrain Yokohama Geolandar G015 tires on black alloy-finished wheels and over fenders for its wheel arches. In addition, the D-Max Boondock also gets cargo bed extenders, black roof rails, and new rocker panels, enhancing its styling.
More than just looks, however, the D-Max Boondock receives a performance upgrade as well, in the form of Nitrogen-charged performance monotube shock absorbers, increasing its ground clearance by 12mm to an impressive 247mm.
The Boondock’s interior remains largely unchanged, with an eight-inch touchscreen monitor with navigation powering a six-speaker setup and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Its perforated-leather seats now come with contrasting stitching, adding some life to the otherwise predominantly dark-themed cabin.
Both variants of the Isuzu D-Max Boondock are still powered by the time-tested 3.0-liter, four-cylinder 4JJ1-TCX turbocharged diesel engine, producing 177-hp and 380-Nm of torque, mated to either an MVL-6N six-speed manual transmission with a gear shift indicator, or an AWR6B45-II six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting.
The Isuzu D-Max 3.0 LS always had an impressive safety suite, and this continues with the Boondock edition, with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Brake Override System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Contol, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, dual SRS airbags, and a reverse camera as standard.
From Left: Joseph Bautista, IPC Sales Division Head; Shojiro Sakoda, IPC Executive Vice President; Yasuhiko Oyama, IPC Vice President For Sales; and Hiroto Nakaguro, IPC Sales Assistant Division Head.
The Isuzu D-Max Boondock comes in two colors, Galena Gray, and Cosmic Black, with the 3.0L LS 4x2 MT variant priced at P1,390,000, and the 3.0 LS 4x2 AT variant priced at P1,455,000.
Text and photos by Chris Van Hoven