2024 Isuzu D-Max facelift caught on camera ahead of imminent unveiling

The 2024 Isuzu D-Max ute is about to receive its first major styling update since the current model arrived in Australian showrooms three years ago.

Images posted by Kurdistan Automotive Blog on Instagram overnight show the D-Max is in line for a restyled front fascia – with a tougher look to the front bumper and reshaped headlights – and revised tail-lights.

Reports out of Thailand claim the facelifted Isuzu D-Max may be unveiled within days. Australian showroom arrival timing is yet to be confirmed as the updated model is yet to be announced globally.

These photos appear to be taken in a holding yard – and on a transport truck – near the factory in Thailand, suggesting production has commenced, and a launch in Thailand and neighbouring countries is around the corner.

It's unclear if or when a similar update is planned for the Isuzu D-Max's twin, the Mazda BT-50, which is built on the same production line in Thailand – or the related Isuzu MU-X four-wheel-drive SUV.

The orange vehicle in the photos – which appears to be South-East Asia's equivalent to Australia's X-Terrain flagship – wears new-design black wheel-arch flares, and features a dark grey finish on its bumper.

Tweaked tail-lights – with three extruded elements instead of two on today's model – are visible in the second image.

A mild styling update for the D-Max was introduced late last year, with a subtle tweak to the grille pattern, and new wheel designs – but the latest facelift is far more significant.

For now it is unclear if there are any changes planned to the interior, to bring the Isuzu D-Max up to pace with the portrait infotainment screens and widescreen instrument displays of the latest Ford Ranger and VW Amarok twins.

Media reports out of Thailand claim there are no plans to upgrade the 1.9-litre (110kW/350Nm) and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder (140kW/450Nm) engines with more power.

However Isuzu is reportedly working on a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine to replace the 1.9-litre unit, due in 2025. If the report is accurate, it remains to be seen if the 3.0-litre engine – which was substantially upgraded for the latest model – is also replaced by the new engine.

The current Isuzu D-Max was unveiled in Thailand almost four years ago to the day – mid-October 2019 – and arrived in Australia 12 months later.

It sits sixth in the year-to-date new-car sales race in 2023 – and third on the ute leaderboard, behind the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, posting record sales.

The update will need to keep the Isuzu D-Max – which is approaching the mid-way point in its life cycle – fresh alongside a wave of new competitors due over the next two years.

A new Mitsubishi Triton is due early next year, new-generation Nissan Navara and LDV T60 utes are due in late 2024 or early 2025, and an all-new Toyota HiLux is scheduled for 2025.