The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross promises toughness and diesel efficiency, but how does it really perform on Indian roads? Here’s my 6-month hands-on experience with mileage, comfort, and driving thrills.
✨ AI Overview
D-Max V-Cross: Rugged Image vs. Real-World Ride
Summary generated by AI · Reviewed by Gear Choice Team
The reviewer tested the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross for six months, noting a gap between its rugged image and actual on-road performance.
The 3.0-litre diesel engine performs smoothly, but gear shifts felt heavy, particularly when driving uphill.
Despite claims of a smooth ride and improved dampers, the vehicle still experienced body shake over small bumps.
As a ways as I’m concerned, the name Isuzu D-Max V-Cross right away brings to mind a rugged, nearly bulletproof pickup. But to be sincere, there’s a noticeable gap between what the brochure guarantees and what you truely get on the street. I’ve been trying out this truck for the past six months, and yeah, a few moments were memorable, and a few were a touch disturbing.
Engine and Ride Feel
The 3.0-litre diesel engine of the D-Max right away indicates its presence after you sit inside the riding seat. The first wonder came once I took it to a hill station the engine became jogging easily, however the gear shifts felt a chunk heavy. The agency claims that the V-Cross gives a easy trip, however I bear in mind every other pickup (from a preceding brand) made similar claims, and actually, even small bumps made the body shake. Here, the same thing came about, though Isuzu has equipped barely higher dampers.
Photo : Rugged D-Max V-Cross on the road.
I additionally examined it inside the metropolis. In forestall-and-cross traffic, the rapid sometimes suggests a moderate put off. And yes, in the future the supplier advised me after a test drive Sir for better diesel efficiency you’ll need to modify your using style. Straightforward, proper? Basically, you need to pressure a piece conservatively to maintain mileage.
Real-World Mileage
Now, let’s speak approximately mileage. The brochure says thirteen-14 km/l, but my revel in in each town and toll road using turned into mixed. In the town, it effortlessly gave 10-11 km/l, even as on the toll road, at a consistent 80-90 km/h, it lower back 12-thirteen km/l. And if you push the throttle a piece aggressively to revel in the turbo, it could drop to nine-10 km/l. Bottom line: the mileage claim is barely optimistic, however honest, given it’s a heavy pickup.
I take into account a journey from Hyderabad to Bangalore with the truck completely loaded, AC on full, and driving at ninety-one hundred km/h the mileage came out to 12 km/l. And sure, there has been a petroleum truck claiming 15 km/l, however in reality, it barely crossed 10. So, the D-Max’s claim is practical, but a few making plans and persistence are wished.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin design is straightforward and sturdy. Soft-touch substances are minimal, but seat comfort is pretty suitable. On lengthy drives, lumbar help is a bit missing, however ordinary fatigue is low. And yes, as soon as my buddy sat in it and said Dude, the truck feels difficult, however the seat is so hard that your again begins hurting after some time. I answered Yeah, buddy, it’s a pickup, now not a sedan.
Photo : Driver-focused D-Max V-Cross cabin.
The infotainment system is a piece primary. Touch reaction feels gradual from time to time. I attempted a software update as soon as, however there was a small worm Bluetooth calls had been disconnecting. Called the supplier, and that they stated Sir next patch will restoration it. Annoying, however attainable.
On-Road Presence and Handling
The V-Cross has solid road presence. Overtaking on the dual carriageway feels confident, and the suspension absorbs bumpy roads quite properly. But in sharp turns, you could experience a bit of body roll, that's anticipated for a pickup. And yes, one time I drove it in rain on a slippery street ABS and traction manage helped lots; in any other case, it could have slipped.
To positioned it straight, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a truck that’s perfect for a rugged life-style and coffee adventures. Mileage is sensible, using experience is gratifying, and the cabin is a piece tough around the rims however long lasting. There are minor software and comfort problems, but normal, for pickup fans, it’s a solid choice. In my 10 years of enjoy, the V-Cross is one of those vehicles that gives both self belief and thrill while driving.
And yes, if you want diesel efficiency and real-world performance along with a reliable pickup, the V-Cross is a decent choice just adjust your expectations a little.