Isuzu PH brings back 4WD D-Max Boondock

When Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) brought back the Boondock name almost a year ago, some were happy to see it make its return on the D-Max (as well as it availability on the mu-X). However, there were some that were disappointed with its release. That's because unlike the first-ever Boondock that was revealed over a decade ago, the most recent iteration was only available as a 4x2 pick-up truck.

Now, IPC intends to please the 4WD crowd as well with the release of D-Max Boondock in 4x4 trim. Just like the 4x2 model released nearly a year ago, the D-Max Boondock 4x4 features similar upgrades in both the manual and automatic versions, along with cooler body graphics.

Using the D-Max LS-A as a base, the Boondock 4x4 gets the new front grill and bumper design finished in gray. Also present are the new graphics on the hood and doors which give it a flashier appearance. But perhaps serving as the most important upgrades on this particular D-Max are the unique stepboards that feature the 'Boondock' name, the 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in 265/70 tires, and the monotube nitrogen-charged performance dampers.

Thanks to the new wheels and tires, along with the upgraded dampers, the D-Max Boondock 4x4 has a ground clearance of 247mm. It is also similar in height to the D-Max Boondock 4x2 at 1900mm. Other key exterior upgrades present on the Boondock are the cargo bed extender, roof rails, rocker panels, overfenders, bedliner, and a front skid plate.

If the exterior received a noticeable upgrade, the inside of the D-Max Boondock relatively remains the same. This means it still comes with the following standard features: leather upholstery, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with CD/DVD, Bluetooth, USB and Aux, navigation system, multi-function steering wheel, six-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, and push-button start.

Under the hood, the Boondock 4x4 is powered by the 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TCX turbo-diesel inline-four with BluePower technology. It puts out 177 PS at 3600 rpm along with 380 Nm of torque at 1800 – 2800 rpm. Power is then sent to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. As mentioned earlier, this Boondock comes with 4WD and Terrain Command Select Dial.

Since this Boondock is based on the top-spec D-Max, it comes with a plethora of standard safety features. These include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and a reverse camera with rear parking sensors.

Pricing of the Isuzu D-Max Boondock 4x4 is as follows:

3.0-liter 4x4 M/T – PhP 1,725,000

3.0-liter 4x4 A/T – PhP 1,795,000