[7] This location was chosen because GM-Isuzu had recently decided to close their small truck assembly plant in Japan and move their joint operation to Thailand.

The first engine to appear was the 3.0 4JJ1-TC 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp), however, since then, a mid-cycle refresh brought many models fitted with a new front bumper that incorporated an "instant spoiler" underneath.

During the first quarter of 2005, a 2.5 4JK1-TC 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp), the second DDi iTEQ engine, was introduced and offered as an economical choice to replace its aging predecessor (4JA1-T was concurrently available for that year only).

During the middle of the first quarter of 2008, the Rodeo LS and Hi-Lander SpaceCab were also fitted with the 3.0-litre VGS Turbodiesel engine to fill all the remaining gaps in the lineup.

In the early fourth quarter of 2008, Isuzu introduced D-Max Platinum models for 2009 to replace the outgoing Gold Series.

Highline SLX 4x2 models received same fascia and front bumper as Hi-Lander / LS 4x4 style, new 16" wheels and newer styles of alloy wheels for SLX / Hi-Lander / LS 4x4, newer rear bumper, and new "Super Platinum" marque at the tailgate.

LS 4x4 models received skid plate attached under the bumper in brighter silver, newer sidestep.

Highline Hi-Lander / LS 4x4 models have newer style blind spot rear view mirrors, and new short-plot antenna.

This edition modifies SpaceCab 4x2 2.5 by special white pearl exterior colour and optional equipment such as immobilizer key.

In 2009, a sport version of the D-Max named the X-Series was introduced, aimed especially for a target group of young people normally not interested in using pickup trucks.

It was marketed as a "Lifestyle Pickup" and equipped with additional skirts and prominent red Isuzu letters at front grille.

It featured a frontal camera, usually found in luxury cars, first time ever in a Thai pickup, and are the last model in this generation.

As with previous models, the D-Max shares its ladder chassis platform, body construction, mechanical componentry and interior design (dash, centre stack, steering wheel and doors) with the Colorado.

The model features different front and rear end styling treatments as well as bespoke body panels.

The Space Extra Cab has laterally opening doors to give easier access to the rear seat.

The D-Max is also equipped with safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), emergency brake assist, a number of airbags and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

The front fascia was changed with a larger grille and new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC turbodiesel engine debuted, replacing the 2.5-litre from the outgoing model.

[48][49][50] All-new Isuzu D-Max for European market use 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel that make 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) power and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) of torque, 5-speed manual replaced with 6-speed one.

In August 2012, Euro NCAP crash test result for Isuzu D-Max is 4 out from 5 stars and 83% of adult protection.

Also available is the four-cylinder 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TC iTEQ common-rail diesel engine with VGS Turbo which now produces 132 kW (177 hp) with 380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) of torque.

Engines performance have been upgraded with variable geometry turbocharger (VGS Turbo) and are compliant with Euro V emission standard.

To improve weight distribution, the engine has been moved slightly behind the front axle, resulting in a "semi-midship" layout.

Later in 2021, the updated D-Max was launched in Thailand, with the pick-up gaining new enhancements followed by a slight price increase.

[66][67][68] The third-generation D-Max was launched in Australia on 1 September 2020, with four trim levels: SX, LS-M, LS-U and X-Terrain, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with the option between 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) and 4x4 (four-wheel-drive).

[69][70] In April 2024, the facelifted D-Max was launched in Australia with five trim levels: SX, LS-M, X-Rider, LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain, powered by either 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines.

[72] The third-generation D-MAX was launched in New Zealand on 18 November 2020, with four trim levels: LX, LS-M, LS and X-Terrain, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with the option between 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) and 4x4 (four-wheel-drive).

[87] On 17 June 2022, the flagship 3.0 4x4 AT X-Terrain trim received some new feature upgraded levels including two new colour option, a 360-degree view monitor and wireless charging.

[88] In February 2023, the Malaysian-market D-Max gets a refresh for the 2023 model year, with revisions applied inside and out bringing updates in terms of aesthetics as well as equipment.

[91] The third-generation D-Max was launched in South Africa on 7 April 2022, with a total of twenty-three variants; it is available with either 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines with the option between 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) and 4x4 (four-wheel-drive).

[94] The facelifted D-Max debuted on 6 October 2023 in Thailand, with a new front end design, new headlights, a new tailgate, updated graphics for taillights and a few interior changes.