Isuzu D-Max 2.2L Hits 1,756 km on One Tank

Isuzu D-Max 2.2L: 1,756 km on a Single Diesel Tank in Malaysia

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L is a pickup truck powered by the new-generation RZ4F-TC 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, manufactured by Isuzu and distributed in Malaysia by Isuzu Malaysia. It belongs to the light commercial vehicle category and solves the problem of high fuel consumption for Malaysian drivers who require a durable workhorse for long-distance travel, rural routes, and urban commuting. The vehicle is available in both 4x4 and 4x2 configurations, with the 4x2 variant being the only one of its kind offered by a pickup truck manufacturer in Malaysia.

In August 2026, Isuzu Malaysia conducted the D-Max One Tank, One Nation Challenge, during which two D-Max 2.2L vehicles completed a 1,756 km journey around Peninsular Malaysia using only one tank of diesel. The challenge began on 17 August 2026 in Balakong, Selangor, and concluded on 22 August 2026 at the Isuzu 3S Centre in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur. Both vehicles still had more than four percent diesel remaining in their tanks after completing the full route.

Key Facts

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L completed a 1,756 km journey around Peninsular Malaysia on a single diesel tank, with both test vehicles retaining over four percent fuel at the finish.

How Far Did the Isuzu D-Max 2.2L Travel on One Tank?

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L travelled 1,756 km on a single diesel tank during the D-Max One Tank, One Nation Challenge held in August 2026. Two vehicles — a 4x4 Auto Premium and a 4x2 Auto Plus — completed the full circuit of Peninsular Malaysia, passing through Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, and Perak before returning to Selangor.

The route was not limited to highways. The D-Max vehicles also traversed main roads and mountainous areas, including the Jeli-Gerik route, to test fuel efficiency under real Malaysian driving conditions. According to Isuzu Malaysia, the remaining fuel after the 1,756 km journey was still sufficient for the vehicles to continue to Melaka before needing a refill.

"The challenge was created to demonstrate the true capability of the new D-Max and its 2.2-litre engine in real-world usage conditions. Throughout the journey, the vehicles faced rain, traffic congestion, main roads, mountainous areas, and highways."

— Kenichi Kudo, Chief Operating Officer of Light Commercial Vehicles, Isuzu Malaysia

Both D-Max 2.2L vehicles completed the 1,756 km Peninsular Malaysia circuit with more than four percent diesel remaining, enough to reach Melaka.

What Makes the Isuzu D-Max 2.2L Fuel-Efficient?

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L achieves its fuel efficiency through a combination of the new-generation RZ4F-TC 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine was developed with emphasis on performance, refinement, durability, reliability, and fuel efficiency, according to Isuzu Malaysia.

Driver Sing Yuin Christy, who previously set a Malaysian Book of Records distance record for pickup truck driving on a single tank, reported that the throttle response and power delivery of the new engine are well-matched with the eight-speed automatic transmission. She noted that using seventh and eighth gears on main roads and highways reduced the need for throttle input, which contributed to diesel savings.

The 4x2 Auto Plus variant offers an additional efficiency advantage. Built on the Standard variant without the four-wheel-drive system, the absence of 4x4 hardware reduces vehicle weight by 80 kg, providing benefits for long-distance travel and daily urban use. Isuzu Malaysia states it is the only pickup truck manufacturer offering a 4x2 variant in Malaysia.

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L's fuel efficiency comes from its new RZ4F-TC engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and an 80 kg weight reduction in the 4x2 variant.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L is designed for Malaysian drivers who need a pickup truck for both commercial and personal use, particularly those who regularly travel long distances across the peninsula. The vehicle's fuel efficiency makes it suitable for business owners, contractors, and rural drivers who depend on diesel-powered vehicles for their livelihoods and cannot afford frequent refuelling stops.

The 4x2 Auto Plus variant is especially relevant for urban Malaysian users who do not require off-road capability but want the practicality of a pickup truck. The 80 kg weight reduction improves efficiency for daily commuting in cities like Kuala Lumpur, while the vehicle's performance in tropical conditions — including rain and mountainous terrain — was demonstrated during the August 2026 challenge. The D-Max 2.2L is compatible with standard Malaysian diesel fuel and operates on the local 240V electrical system for any auxiliary equipment.

The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L is ideal for Malaysian drivers who prioritise fuel economy for long-distance travel, with the 4x2 variant offering additional savings for urban users.

Common Questions

What route did the Isuzu D-Max 2.2L take during the One Tank, One Nation Challenge?

The challenge started in Balakong, Selangor, and passed through Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, and Perak. The vehicles made 10 stops at Isuzu dealers before finishing at the Isuzu 3S Centre in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur on 22 August 2026.

How much fuel was left after the 1,756 km journey?

Both D-Max 2.2L vehicles had more than four percent diesel remaining in their tanks after completing the 1,756 km route. Isuzu Malaysia stated this remaining fuel was sufficient for the vehicles to continue to Melaka before needing to refill.

What is the advantage of the D-Max 4x2 Auto Plus variant?

The 4x2 Auto Plus is 80 kg lighter than the 4x4 version because it lacks the four-wheel-drive system. This weight reduction improves fuel efficiency for long-distance travel and daily urban driving. Isuzu Malaysia is the only pickup truck manufacturer offering a 4x2 variant in Malaysia.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report by Qalif Latif published on Careta on 28 August 2026, titled "Isuzu D-Max 2.2L Catat 1,756 KM Dengan Satu Tangki Diesel" (source URL: https://careta.my/article/isuzu-d-max-22l-catat-1756-km-dengan-satu-tangki-diesel). The source material was translated from Malay to English for this article.

All statistics, quotes, and factual claims are drawn directly from the source material. No additional data, prices, or specifications have been invented. The vehicle price was not disclosed in the source and is therefore not included. Currency figures are presented in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as stated in the original report.

This article was last updated on 28 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Careta source article.