Isuzu’s Facelift D-Max AT35: Arctic Trucks’ Off-Road Beast Challenges Hilux GR Sport & Navara Warrior

Isuzu has officially pulled the covers off the latest evolution of its rugged D-Max AT35, a product of its ongoing partnership with Arctic Trucks. Unveiled in the United Kingdom, this third-generation AT35 combines aggressive design, formidable off-road hardware, and updated tech to challenge the likes of Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport and Nissan’s Navara Warrior.

Arctic Trucks Muscle Meets Facelift Design

Following the debut of its first all-electric bakkie earlier this year, Isuzu has now introduced the facelifted D-Max AT35, based on the updated D-Max that launched globally in Thailand nearly two years ago. The modified version benefits from Arctic Trucks’ signature enhancements while retaining the facelift’s core design elements.

Signature Off-Road Enhancements

Although not available in South Africa yet, the UK-spec D-Max AT35 receives the full suite of Arctic Trucks upgrades. These include:

• Extended wheel arches to house 35-inch all-terrain tyres
• A 40 mm suspension lift
• Bilstein dampers
• Special 17-inch matte black alloy wheels with red AT centre caps
• AT branding on the front wings and side steps
• Arctic Trucks mudflaps
• Custom tyre pressure graphics on the front arches

It also comes fitted with a standard sports bar, tonneau cover, roof rails, and a tow bar.

Improved Off-Road Geometry

Thanks to its widened track and raised stance, the AT35 boasts improved approach, breakover, and departure angles 35°, 34°, and 29° respectively. Despite the lifted suspension, the bakkie maintains its 3,500 kg towing capacity and 1,000 kg payload.

Inside, the AT35 largely mirrors the standard D-Max’s premium cabin but features exclusive AT branding on the headrests and full leather upholstery. Front seats are heated, and the cabin includes:

• Eight-speaker sound system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Seven-inch digital instrument cluster
• Nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Rough Terrain driving mode selector

Advanced Safety Suite

The AT35 comes loaded with modern safety and driver-assist tech such as:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Driver Attention Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reverse camera

Unlike the Thai-market version, which recently received a new 2.2-litre MaxForce engine, the UK AT35 continues with Isuzu’s trusted 1.9-litre BluePower turbodiesel. It delivers 110 kW and 360 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a part-time 4WD system, with a rear diff-lock included as standard.

South African Market Outlook

While the facelifted AT35 has yet to be confirmed for the South African market, Isuzu currently sells the pre-facelift version based on the V-Cross variant for R1,182,100. That model uses the 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel, delivering a more powerful 140 kW and 450 Nm, paired to a six-speed auto gearbox.

The UK model carries a price tag of £57,005, around R1,376,167 at current exchange rates and is available in eight distinct colours including Spinel Red Mica and Dolomite White Pearl.

With its aggressive styling, serious off-road credentials, and robust build, the facelifted D-Max AT35 is clearly engineered to compete with Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport and Nissan’s Navara Warrior in the performance bakkie segment. Should it arrive in South Africa, it would offer buyers a compelling alternative that blends capability with Arctic flair.

Key Features Table: Isuzu D-Max AT35 (UK Version)

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