BACK to basics: ISUZU D-Max X-Rider Black Edition review

· The South African

First things first, the Struandale-based manufacturer is producing just 150 units of the ISUZU D-Max X-Rider Black Edition. Not only does this make it exceedingly rare, but it’s still decently priced, like a D-Max should be. Sold exclusively with the four cylinder 1.9TD turbodiesel engine, prices start at just R664 100 for the 4×2 6-speed manual.

However, the ISUZU D-Max X-Rider Black Edition we have on test is the 4×4 6-speed auto, priced at R770 400. This represents a R12 600 premium over the bog-standard X-Rider. So, how did we get on with the black-on-black, back-to-basics limited-edition bakkie?

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ISUZU D-MAX X-RIDER BLACK EDITION

On and off road, the standard-fit General Tire Grabbers do an excellent job. Image: Ray Leathern

Sadly, the local manufacturer has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2026. Earlier this month, a payroll employee was arrested for an elaborate fraud that the company says cost them R10.5 million. Nevertheless, we’re sure the bad seeds were contained to just that department. Because ever since ISUZU split from General Motors (GM), it’s been on a path of transformation.

Key to its brilliant commercial success is the high level of locally sourced content in its cars. As a result, the D-Max bakkie is a regular top performer in the NAAMSA monthly sales report, going toe-to-toe with the mighty Ford Ranger. Now, without a massive corporate overlord like GM to answer to, it can shorten lead times, make smarter business decisions and build an end product that’s more locally relevant and commercially viable.

ESSENCE OF DOUBLE CAB

Apple CarPlay comes standard on the D-Max. Cabin sturdily built, too. Image: Ray Leathern

Therefore, the ISUZU D-Max X-Rider Black Edition has this kind of essence of a true South African double cab going for it. Beneath the black wheels and paint, it’s still the simple, pared down bakkie that we truly appreciate. As a result, it feels up for anything, like a proper adventurer. It’s strongly built, too. In the cabin, there’s not so much as a sqwink or judder from the dashboard. A little bit of rough South African gravel track barely registers on its dial.

However, there are some unwanted vibrations from the 1.9-litre turbodiesel motor, pared here to an automatic. 110 kW and350 Nm of torque is your lot. And truthfully, it is a bit underpowered in everyday situations. It’s fine when you’re in the correct torque band. However, that window is still fairly narrow, which leaves the gearbox hunting up and down for the ideal sweet spot. As a result, we believe the simpler six-speed manual might be the way to go for total simplicity.

ISUZU D-MAX X-RIDER BLACK EDITION PERFORMANCE

Bakkie purists will love the easy-going, no-frills, no-fuss drivability. Image: Ray Leathern

What the D-Max does have going for it is its workhorse feel. This double cab won’t mind toiling away all day doing hard labour. And thanking you for it later. It has a 2 100 kg braked towing capacity. And ISUZU claims it’ll consume 6.9 l/100 km on the combined cycle. However, ours settled on 9.0 l/100 km, which is still pretty good for a double cab, and didn’t shift from there no matter how we drove.

Zero to 100 km/h comes up in a leisurely 13 seconds. But the ISUZU D-Max X-Rider Black Edition has broader talents than speed. It feels reassuringly light and nimble. And it soaks up the roughest roads you can imagine. The standard-fit General Tire all-terrain Grabbers show surprising sophistication (and quiet) for rubber that’s built to excel on mixed surfaces. When you go off-piste to explore, simply flick the on-the-fly drive selector into 4H and the bakkie’s useful 225 mm ground clearance comes to the fore.

THE VERDICT

Although we didn’t test it to the extreme, the D-Max’s axle articulation has always been one of the best. Image: Ray Leathern

On paper you might expect the ISUZU D-Max X-Rider Black Edition to be outgunned by more powerful, hi-tech double cabs. But, as ever, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The firm’s Black Edition adds eye-catching styling to what was already a sweet deal for bakkie purists. And beyond the enhanced aesthetics, there is still the bakkie’s innate toughness, excellent build quality, comfy cabin and infinite off-road capability. The choice is yours, but you could do a lot worse than this tough truck from Struandale …  

FIGURES: ISUZU D-MAX X-RIDER BLACK EDITION

  • Engine: 1 898 cc 4-cyl turbodiesel
  • Power: 110 kW, 350 Nm
  • Performance: 13.00 sec 0-100 km/h (tested)
  • Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
  • Economy: 9.0 l/100 km (tested), 6.9 l/100 km (claimed/combined)
  • Tyres: General Tire 265/60/R18
  • Price: R770 400

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