Isuzu in Thailand has revealed a new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel engine for the D-Max and MU-X – and it outpunches the current 3.0-litre powerplant. Here’s what we know…
- New 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel powerplant detailed
- Debuts in updated D-Max and MU-X in Thailand
- No word yet on plans for South African market
Isuzu’s Thailand division has released initial details about a new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel, 4-cylinder engine – which outpunches the Japanese brand’s 3.0-litre oil-burning motor – for updated versions of the D-Max bakkie and MU-X adventure SUV.
As a reminder, both the D-Max and MU-X are produced in Thailand. The versions offered in that market has now received not only minor styling updates but also the option of a new bi-turbodiesel mill (featuring an internal desgination of “RZ4F-TCX”) for high-spec derivatives.
While the current 3.0-litre motor (4JJ3-TCX) offers peak outputs of 140 kW and 450 Nm, the new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel unit – closely related to the 120 kW/400 Nm single-turbo 2.2-litre engine (RZ4F-TC) that was rolled out in Thailand late in 2024 – generates 150 kW (at 3 600 rpm) and 500 Nm (from 1 600 rpm to 2 600 rpm).
That sees it match the outputs of the Toyota Hilux‘s 2.8-litre GD-6 engine (1GD-FTV). According to Isuzu Thailand, the new twin-turbo 2 164 cc motor delivers a 5% faster 0-100 kph sprint and 12% stronger in-gear acceleration (from 80-100 kph) compared to the 3.0-litre engine, while also offering an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic transmission, this MaxForce-badged powerplant has thus far been confirmed only for the Thai market. As a reminder, the D-Max available in South Africa is produced at the Japanese firm’s Struandale plant rather than imported from Thailand.
In addition, it worth noting the aforementioned single-turbo version of the 2.2-litre oil-burning motor has yet to launch in Mzansi (despite being available in Thailand for nearly 2 years), with the current D-Max and MU-X line-up instead sticking with the 110 kW/350 Nm 1.9-litre 4-cylinder and the older 3.0-litre motor.
Considering Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Struandale facility imports its D-Max engines and transmissions (and indeed the fully built-up MU-X) from Thailand rather than producing powertrains locally, there’s certainly a chance our market will eventually gain the option of this new bi-turbodiesel unit. But history would suggest the local market is in for a bit of a wait, what with the facelifted D-Max having launched here only earlier this year…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the specs of Isuzu’s new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel engine?
A: The new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine (RZ4F-TCX) produces 150 kW at 3 600 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1 600 and 2 600 rpm, outpowering the brand’s existing 3.0-litre motor while offering a claimed 8% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Q: How does the new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel compare to Isuzu’s 3.0-litre engine?
A: The 2.2-litre bi-turbo unit delivers 10 kW more power (150 kW vs 140 kW) and 50 Nm more torque (500 Nm vs 450 Nm) than the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX engine, resulting in claimed 5% faster 0–100 km/h acceleration and 12% stronger in-gear response.
Q: Is the new 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel engine coming to the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X in South Africa?
A: Isuzu Motors South Africa has not confirmed plans to introduce the 2.2-litre bi-turbodiesel locally. The SA-built D-Max line-up continues to utilise the established 1.9-litre (110 kW/350 Nm) and 3.0-litre (140 kW/450 Nm) turbodiesel powerplants.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
