Known across farms for its toughness and reliability, the D-Max has long been a favourite with rural workers.
Now, with the V-Cross model, Isuzu has added a healthy dose of refinement without surrendering any of the rugged appeal.
The Scottish Farmer’s Kate Fisher recently took the striking black V-Cross, supplied by AF Noble, Penicuik, for a thorough test drive. Here’s how it measured up.
Exterior
Finished in Onyx Black, the pick-up cuts a bold and purposeful figure - tough enough for a day at the steading, but smart enough to turn heads when out and about.
From the front, it’s a striking sight. The broad blacked-out grille, with chunky hexagonal mesh detailing, sits proudly between sharply angled LED headlights that give it a modern, aggressive stance.
The Isuzu badge stands out clearly across the top of the grille, and sculpted lines on the bonnet add to the sense of muscularity.
From the side, the 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 275/35 R20 XL General Grabber AT3 tyres, providing tough all-terrain grip without sacrificing on-road comfort and handling. Despite a little extra road noise, they add a sense of purposeful style.
At the rear, the soft-release tailgate wears a large ‘V-CROSS’ graphic, along with Isuzu D-Max badging and a towbar set-up ready for hauling. The canopy finish was excellent — streamlined, well-fitted and tough enough for farm life.
Dimension-wise, the D-Max is practical but substantial: over five metres long, with 230mm of ground clearance for tricky farm tracks, river crossings, or soggy fields. It also measures 1870mm in width and 1790mm in height, without feeling unnecessarily bulky
At the back, the tough lined load bed, handy reversing camera and practical rear step bumper all underline the D-Max’s serious working credentials.
Interior
Climb inside and the V-Cross feels a world away from the bare-bones pick-ups of old.
The electric leather seats - heated in the front - offer comfort and support with lumbar support, especially appreciated after a long day’s work or a few hours of towing.
The cabin layout is logical, with big, easy-to-use controls designed with gloved hands in mind.
The centrepiece is the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard.
Navigation, music and calls are all handled easily, and Isuzu has kept physical buttons for key functions like climate control - a real bonus when conditions are less than ideal.
However, the high-gloss panelling in parts of the cabin may look sharp, but it could prove impractical over time, as it is prone to scratches and scuffs, which may become more apparent in a working environment.
Rear seat passengers aren’t forgotten either. There’s plenty of space in the back, with ISOFIX, decent legroom and a comfortable seating angle.
There’s also no shortage of storage, with deep door bins, a dual-layer glovebox, and a large centre console cubby.
Drivetrain and performance
Powering the V-Cross is Isuzu’s tried-and-tested 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine, delivering 164PS and 360Nm of torque.
It’s mated in this case to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, though a manual option is available for those who prefer it.
Performance on the road is steady and assured.
The D-Max doesn’t pretend to be a sports car, but it accelerates cleanly and holds its own on A-roads and motorways.
The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, and cruise control takes the strain out of longer journeys.
Perhaps most importantly for farming conditions, the V-Cross really shines when the going gets tough.
With its shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, rear differential lock and hill descent control, it feels confident and composed across wet grass, rough tracks and muddy fields.
With a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of over 1000kg, the V-Cross is more than capable of hauling livestock trailers, heavy kit or feed pallets.
Key specifications
(as tested):
Engine: 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 164PS (161bhp)
Torque: 360Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Switchable 2WD / 4WD, rear differential lock
Towing capacity: 3500kg
Payload: 1085kg (approx)
Fuel economy: 30–35mpg combined
Ground clearance: 230mm
Wading depth: 800mm
Approach angle: 30.5 degrees
Departure angle: 24.2 degrees
Practicality and comfort
While many pick-ups can feel compromised - either too workmanlike or too soft - the V-Cross manages to find a sweet spot.
On tarmac, the ride is firm but not uncomfortable.
It smooths out at speed, soaking up potholes and rough patches with surprising ease.
Unladen, it can feel a little bouncy (as most pick-ups do), but throw some weight in the bed or hook up a trailer and the suspension settles.
Noise levels are generally low, though the engine clatter can be noticeable. Wind noise remains minimal, thanks to good aerodynamics and soundproofing
Verdict
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a tough, reliable pick-up that offers a solid mix of practicality and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for farmers who need a hardworking vehicle during the week but still want something more refined for the weekend.
Performance-wise, the V-Cross delivers steady handling, but it can feel lacking in power when accelerating, especially on steeper inclines or when loaded. While the engine is generally smooth, engine noise can be noticeable, particularly under load. However, the 4WD system and towing capabilities ensure it performs admirably in tough conditions, with good off-road handling and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
The striking black finish from AF Noble, Penicuik, adds a stylish edge and certainly turns heads. However, it may not be the most practical choice for keeping clean, as it can show dirt and marks more easily, especially in farming environments.
While the V-Cross excels in performance and overall comfort, the occasional lack of power when accelerating and engine noise may be a consideration for some. Despite these drawbacks, the V-Cross remains a reliable and capable pick-up, making it a great option for those looking for a rugged, comfortable and stylish vehicle.
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