Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has rolled out a frugal new 2.2-litre powertrain across its D-Max and MU-X models, which replaces the not-too-hot 1.9-litre, and while the mighty 3.0-litre 4JJ3 remains prices have been hiked by up to $2500.

The new Euro 5 RZ4F engine produces 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm from a relatively low 1600rpm, offering more capacity, power and greater fuel savings than the 1.9-litre unit it’s based on, courtesy of some smart technology and a new Aisin eight-speed auto.

Not only is power up over the asthmatic 1.9-litre, which produced 110kW/350Nm and made a racket doing so, the 2.2-litre also capable of pulling a full 3500kg compared to its predecessor’s 3000kg rating – significantly enhancing its touring appeal.

While the new engine is based on the 1.9, IUA explains that it’s been redesigned from the block up, with the same durability focus as the 4JJ3 scoring features like a steel timing chain and hydraulic valve lash adjusters. 

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“It’s the same architecture as the 1.9-litre, but heavily reworked, so the block’s been strengthened and bored, the connecting rods are thicker, it’s got different coatings,” IUA Senior Product Manager, Aaron Carty told 4×4 Australia.

“What we intend with the 2.2 is that there were good points with the 1.9, but I think people got scared because it started with a ‘one – plus the 3.0-litre was so punchy compared. We’re hoping that the 2.2-litre engine bridges that gap now.”

Fuel use for the new engine comes in as low as 6.6l/100km in the D-Max and 6.9l/100km in the MU-X, beating out the 1.9-litre’s drinking habits by 0.3-0.9l/100km, achieved largely through the use of an Idle Stop Start (ISS) system and additional cogs in the new ‘box.

IUA has also managed to get the Co2 emissions as low as 174 grams per kilometre in the D-Max and 177 g/km in the MU-X, keeping the models well below the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) threshold of 210g/km for 2025, although as the emissions regulations ramp up in the coming years, the manufacturer will need to reduce these figures further or face fines.

While the venerable 3.0-litre remains, it too will gain the ISS system, switching off at lights to save fuel, amounting to claimed fuel use of 7.1l/100km in the D-Max and 7.6l/100km in the MU-X, based on figures shared with 4×4 Australia.

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With the added technology comes a price hike for the 3.0-litre models, amounting to between $1500 to $2,500 across the range, while the 2.2-litre models offer a saving of around $2,000 but the smaller engine isn’t offered in top-spec D-Max models like the LS-U, LS-U+, X-Terrain and Blade, or the top-spec MU-X X-Terrain.

Whether the eight-speed ‘box will find its way onto the back of the 4JJ3 is anyone’s guess, but a conversation with executives at the launch event revealed that in its current form the bolt pattern doesn’t match up, so it would require a significant engineering effort.

On the topic of transmissions, the manual gearbox has been dropped from the D-Max lineup completely, so it’s an auto or nothing for buyers of the third-best selling ute in the country.

While down on power compared to other pint-sized diesel engines, like Ford’s 2.0-litre BiTurbo which produces 157kW/500Nm, IUA remains confident that its 2.2-litre engine will appeal to fuel-conscious customers.

“The new 2.2L engine is an important step in our evolution,” said IUA Managing Director, Junta Matsui.

“It is the perfect complement in our line-up to our proven 3.0L power plant, and will allow even more of our customers to unlock the best of the Australian lifestyle on their own terms, with complete confidence in their Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X.”

The 2.2-litre models will land in dealerships from October 1, with deliveries to commence shortly after.

We were thrown the keys to the new 2.2-litre models in Queensland this week, for a play on and off-road, but we aren’t allowed to share our thoughts until October 3 so stay tuned.

2026 Isuzu D-MAX pricing

  • 4×2 Single Cab Chassis SX 2.2L AT: $36,200
  • 4×2 Single Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $38,200
  • 4×2 Space Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $41,700
  • 4×2 Crew Cab Chassis SX 2.2L AT: $42,700
  • 4×2 Crew Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $44,700
  • 4×2 Crew Ute SX 2.2L AT: $44,200
  • 4×2 Crew Ute SX 3.0L AT: $46,200
  • 4×2 Crew Ute LS-U 3.0L AT: $57,000
  • 4×4 Single Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $46,200
  • 4×4 Space Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $49,700
  • 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis SX 2.2L AT: $50,700
  • 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $52,700
  • 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis SX 3.0L AT: $53,200
  • 4×4 Crew Cab Chassis LS-U 3.0L AT: $63,500
  • 4×4 Crew Ute SX 2.2L AT: $52,200
  • 4×4 Crew Ute SX 3.0L AT: $54,200
  • 4×4 Crew Ute LSM X-RIDER 2.2L AT: $59,500
  • 4×4 Crew Ute LSM X-RIDER 3.0L AT: $61,500
  • 4×4 Crew Ute LS-U 3.0L AT: $65,000
  • 4×4 Crew Ute LS-U+ 3.0L AT: $68,000
  • 4×4 Crew Ute X-TERRAIN 3.0L AT: $73,000
  • 4×4 Crew Ute BLADE 3.0L AT: $80,900

2026 Isuzu MU-X pricing

  • 4×2 LS-M 2.2L AT: $49,900
  • 4×4 LS-M 2.2L AT: $55,900
  • 4×4 LS-M 3.0L AT: $57,900
  • 4×4 LS-U 2.2L AT: $62,900
  • 4×4 LS-U 3.0L AT: $64,900
  • 4×4 LS-T 2.2L AT: $71,400
  • 4×4 LS-T 3.0L AT: $73,400
  • 4×4 X-TERRAIN 3.0L AT: $77,100
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