2025 Isuzu D-Max mild-hybrid ute revealed for lower CO2 emissions push

48-volt mild-hybrid and EV variants of the Isuzu D-Max are on the way, with Australian arrival expected by 2026.

In a recent statement, following on from earlier speculation, Isuzu Thailand has revealed MHEV and EV variants of the D-Max Ute, which Australians should be able to buy in 2026.

The 2025 Isuzu D-Max High-Lander MHEV is powered by a 1.9 litre “DDi Blue Power” turbo-diesel engine, combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrain.

Isuzu Thailand states that this setup is designed “to reduce the engine workload during startup, reducing vibration and helping to reduce CO2.”, with no power, range or technical figures speculated yet.

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Hybrid not scratching that electric itch?

There’s also a full-electric D-Max EV Concept, featuring a 66.9kWh lithium-ion battery system and full-time four-wheel drive through a dual "eAxle" electric motor setup with a 130kW and 325Nm total output. Driving range and charging speeds have not been confirmed.

Ensuring the key capability of a good ute is catered to, the electric D-Max concept features a De Dion rear suspension design and promises a one-tonne payload, along with a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity – although it should be noted that any EV towing its full rated capacity will generally lose around half its claimed driving range.

According to Isuzu, "The D-Max BEV [battery electric vehicle] has been developed to meet a broad range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs while retaining the tough underlying performance expected of pickup trucks."

Isuzu says the D-Max EV variant has a maximum speed of “over 130km/h”.

Isuzu says it plans "to produce electric pickup trucks for export, which will start from countries in the European zone in 2025 and will gradually launch in other countries,” and that “it depends on market demand and the availability of electric vehicle charging station utilities."

Will the D-Max mild hybrid come to Australia?

For now, it's a 'no comment' proposition.

Speaking with Wheels Media, a spokesperson for Isuzu Ute Australia said: "At this point in time, we are unable to comment on any future model plans or powertrain developments. That said, as part of our due diligence, IUA will continue to monitor local market requirements to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs."

Both new D-Max models form part of a recently revealed line-up of electric and hybrid vehicles that Isuzu have developed “with Multi-pathways to carbon neutrality.”

With the D-Max EV destined for Australia and the mild-hybrid model looking likely (given ongoing progress with upcoming emissions regulations), would you buy one? Let us know below!