Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 2025MY Review Update
It’s a couple of years since my previous test of the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 – not a great deal has changed since then apart from some exterior styling changes at the front and some additional LED lights including some above the cab roof. So – this review should be read in conjunction with the more detailed previous effort which you can find here – this one will just give a top level overview of my latest impressions.
Firstly – the AT35 looks great, and everyone I spoke to commented on that aspect positively. The huge, 35”, 315/70 offroad tyres, flared arches and the raised body give it a presence that few other standard pickups can compete with. The test truck was finished in Valencia Orange metallic, which looks fabulous in the sunshine. Black sidesteps and roof bars together with black alloy wheels all combine to give the Isuzu a head-turning appearance.
Although insurance restrictions meant that I was unable to take the truck off-road, there’s no doubt that it would excel. The standard D-Max is one of the best pickups to take off the beaten track and the Bilstein suspension, increased ground clearance and those tyres on the AT35 mean that its only likely competitor in this aspect will be the Ranger Raptor.
Somehow, Isuzu and Arctic Trucks have managed to retain a 1000kg payload on the vehicle meaning that, unlike the Raptor and the new, electric Maxus eTerron9, business users will usually be able to reclaim the VAT on either purchase or lease rentals. In addition, 3500kg of towing capacity is on offer meaning that the AT35 isn’t just a pretty face, it’ll do a days work in a tax friendly manner.
Inside, the cab is comfortable with leather seats but, when compared to some of the competition it perhaps lacks something and is a little dated, especially in the dash and instrument panel area. The 9” multimedia screen in particular is clunky with dated graphics, light years behind the likes of the SYNC4 unit fitted to the Ranger.
If I had to highlight one single Achilles Heel, it’s the drivetrain. The 1.9 litre diesel engine, rated at 162hp feels agricultural. It’s noisy, and the 0-60mph time of 13 seconds falls way behind the competition. The truck is underpowered and the automatic transmission feels like it was designed 20 or so years ago, hunting slowly for the ratio of choice. Other vehicles now have almost seamless, imperceptible changes of gear. Not so in the Isuzu, it carries out the process loudly, almost strenuous in operation. Fuel consumption whilst in my possession was an indicated 29mpg which doesn’t seem too unreasonable.
On the road, despite the huge, knobbly tyres, the AT35 is quiet, and apart from the engine / gearbox woes, it’s pleasant to drive, the steering being light and reasonably positive. The unladen ride is a little harsh but, this is a truck designed with challenging, off-road surfaces in mind, not smooth roads.
If you want a truck that looks good, that turns heads, and that is impeccable off road but can still carry that all-important 1000kgs, then the AT35 is well worthy of consideration. But if you also like plenty of power delivered quietly and smoothly, then you may wish to look at the Raptor or its closely related cousin, the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura. Give the Isuzu a decent drivetrain and it would be a much tougher call.
