2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross: Which Variant Should you Buy?

After a year’s break, Isuzu D-Max V-Cross has finally made its comeback in BS6 avatar. Priced between Rs 16.98 lakh and Rs 24.49 lakh, the Isuzu D-Max is available in a total of three variants, including the all-new Hi-Lander. Here’s a quick look at what the lifestyle pickup truck has to offer: – 

Powertrain

The D-Max V-Cross continues to employ the 1.9-liter diesel engine, albeit with necessary upgrades to meet BS6 emission norms. Interestingly, it now develops 13PS/10Nm more output than its BS4 iteration. However, the brand has discontinued the older 2.5-liter diesel engine. Here are the complete engine specifications: – 

Also Read: 2021 Isuzu mu-X Vs Rivals: Price, Features, And Specifications Comparison

Colors Options

With the 2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, the brand has introduced three new color options. With this, it is now available in a total of eight color options. 

• Nautilus Blue (New)
• Red Spinal Mica (New)
• Silky White Pearl (Only available with V-Cross)
• Sapphire Blue Mica
• Galena Grey (New)
• Silver Metallic
• Black Mica
• White Solid

2021 Isuzu D-Max V-Cross – Variant-wise pricing & key features details 

1. Isuzu D-Max Hi-Lander

Features: – 

• Exterior – Dark grey metallic finished grille & side mirrors, body-colored door handles, chrome finishing on tailgate handle, center-mounted roof antenna. 
• Wheel Size – 245/70 R16 steel wheels.
• Seating Capacity – 5 (including driver)

• Interior – All-black interior, flexible rear seats with 60:40 tip-up, fabric seats, glossy black finished AC vents.
• Safety – Dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Brake override system (BOS), steel underbody protection, front seatbelts reminder, ISOFIX child seat anchors, pre-tensioner with load limiter for front seat belts, rear door child lock. 
• Comfort & Convenience – 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, dual glove box, adjustable headrests, central locking, auto down power windows, 3 USB ports, power outlets in front & second row, tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, 3D electro-luminescent meters with multi-info display (MID), multiple storage compartments & cup holders. 
• Infotainment / Entertainment – 4-speakers. 

Verdict: – Though this is the base variant of the D-Max, it is decently equipped. So, if you really want this pickup truck, and have budget restrictions, the Hi-Lander will be a perfect variant for you. However, you'll be required to spend some money on the music system as it misses out on this feature. 

2. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Z

Features:- 

• Exterior – Bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, LED taillamps, turn indicators on outside mirrors, roof rails, side steps, chrome highlights (on the grille, outside mirrors, door & tailgate handles), shark-fin antenna, 
• Wheel Size – 255/60 R18 Alloy wheels. 
• Seating Capacity – 5 (including driver)
• Interior – All-black interior with piano black accent, sporty black fabric seats, glossy black finished AC vents, flexible rear seats with 60:40 tip-up,
• Safety – Dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Brake override system (BOS), steel underbody protection, front seatbelts reminder, ISOFIX child seat anchors, pre-tensioner with load limiter for front seat belts, rear door child lock, a rearview camera with sensors. 
• Comfort & Convenience – Passive entry & start system (PESS), automatic climate control with pollen filter, 3D electro-luminescent meters with multi-info display (MID), 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, power-adjustable & foldable outside mirrors (ORVMs), dual glove box, adjustable headrests, central locking, auto down power windows, 3 USB ports, power outlets in front & second row, tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, multiple storage compartments & cup holders. 
• Infotainment / Entertainment – 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 4-speakers. 

Verdict: – The lifestyle-oriented Z automatic trim demands a premium of around Rs 3 lakh over the D-Max Hi-Lander. For this added premium, you get an automatic gearbox along with several other comforts and convenience features but still the added price it demands over the previous trim is not fully justified. Also, if you are fond of off-roading and want a 4×4 drivetrain, you will have to pay Rs 1 lakh extra.

2. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Z Prestige

Features (over Z variant): – 

• Exterior – front fog lamps with chrome bezel.
• Interior – chrome finishing on AC vents adjustment knob.
• Safety – side & curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill descent control. 
• Comfort & Convenience – 6-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, dual-tone brown & grey leather seats, cruise control, steering mounted controls, anti-pinch function for auto-down power windows.

Verdict: – The Z-Prestige feels absurdly overpriced and misses out on various modern-day features such as connected car tech, wireless charger, ventilated seats, android auto & apple carplay, sunroof, rear AC vents, and much more. It seems like an incomplete package and extremely unfit for this price range.