Isuzu has revealed a more powerful 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel for the D-Max and MU-X in Thailand, but Australian buyers will have to wait. Isuzu Ute Australia says the engine is currently specific to the Thai market and it has no announcement to make about it for Australia.
The new engine matters because it makes more power and torque than the 3.0-litre diesel Australians currently buy, while using less fuel. That could make it a strong candidate for the local range as emissions rules tighten, even if no plan exists yet.
What Isuzu has announced in Thailand
The engine, coded RZ4F-TCX, is a twin-turbo version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel already sold here. In Thailand it makes 150kW at 3600rpm and 500Nm between 1600 and 2600rpm. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic, with a six-speed manual in some D-Max variants, and is compatible with B20 biodiesel.
Isuzu claims around 8 per cent better extra-urban fuel economy than the larger engine it replaces, along with 5 per cent quicker 0 to 100km/h acceleration and 12 per cent quicker 80 to 100km/h overtaking. In Thailand it has replaced the 3.0-litre in the facelifted MU-X, with updated models reaching Thai dealers from late October.
How it compares with Australian engines
| Engine | Power | Torque | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 bi-turbo diesel RZ4F-TCX | 150kW | 500Nm | Thailand only |
| 3.0 turbo-diesel 4JJ3-TCX | 140kW | 450Nm | Australia |
| 2.2 turbo-diesel RZ4F | 120kW | 400Nm | Australia |
Australian figures are from Isuzu Ute Australia. Both local engines are rated to tow 3500kg. Isuzu has not published Australian towing, fuel use or emissions figures for the bi-turbo because it is not offered here.
What Isuzu Ute Australia says
Isuzu Ute Australia said the newly announced 2.2-litre bi-turbo engine is currently specific to the Thai market. It added that it continually considers future product opportunities based on local customer needs, market conditions and regulatory requirements, but has no announcements to make regarding this powertrain for Australia at this time.
That is not a rejection, but it is also far from a commitment. Australia's Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu MU-X continue with the 2.2 and 3.0 single-turbo diesels for now.
Why it could still come here
Two regulatory pressures point in its favour. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard limits for utes and heavier SUVs fall from 180g/km in 2026 to 150g/km in 2027, then 122g/km in 2028. A diesel that uses less fuel than the 3.0 while making more power would help Isuzu reduce its fleet average without giving up towing appeal. Our explainer on how NVES could affect ute and 4WD prices covers that pressure in more detail.
Isuzu has also moved away from a battery-electric D-Max for Australia, as we reported when it scrapped the D-Max EV plans, which leaves more efficient diesels and future electrified utes as its main tools.
What buyers should do
If you are shopping for a D-Max or MU-X now, base the decision on the engines actually on sale. The 3.0 remains the choice for heavy towing, and the 2.2 single-turbo offers a cheaper entry with the same 3500kg rating. There is no confirmed timing for the bi-turbo, so waiting for it is a gamble.