Isuzu reveals all-new 2.2L turbo-diesel for 2025 mu-X, D-Max

Remember when Isuzu Motors Thailand teased a new turbo-diesel engine called Ddi MaxForce? The upcoming engine is apparently based on the 1.9L RZ4E turbo-diesel but has a bigger displacement of 2.2L. No exact output figures were revealed then, but we won't be surprised if it makes more power than the RZ4E.

Fast forward to the present day, Isuzu Motors Thailand has officially revealed the 2.2L Ddi MaxForce engine for the 2025 mu-X and D-Max. Dubbed the RZ4F-TC, the new 2.2L engine has an exact displacement of 2164cc, a compression ratio of 15.9:1, and an electronic variable geometry turbo (E-VGS). The result is a total system output of 163 PS at 3600 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1600 – 2600 rpm.

The new 2.2L Ddi MaxForce engine also comes with pistons coated with ultra-low friction material while the piston heads were designed with a high-swirl shape that increases combustion efficiency. Other changes include new fuel injectors with higher pressure (180 MPa to 250 MPa), a new turbo with a larger inlet and turbine blades, an electronic wastegate, and an improved engine lubrication system.

A new 8-speed automatic transmission is available for the 2.2L RZ4F-TC including a 6-speed manual gearbox. The automatic version comes with manual select on the gear selector and paddle shifters on the steering wheel for quicker gear changes. Combined with the new 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, Isuzu says the Ddi MaxForce engine delivers 10% better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions of only 165 grams per kilometer.

With Isuzu introducing the new 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, what will happen to the 1.9L RZ4E engine? According to our friends at headlightmag, stocks of 1.9L RZ4E models will continue to be sold until they run out. This only affects the standard 1.9L RZ4E as there was no mention of the D-Max MHEV which has a mild-hybrid version of the 1.9L engine.

The new 2.2L RZ4F-TC will sit alongside the 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX and will be available for the 2025 mu-X and D-Max. The only question now is, when can we expect the new engine to arrive in the Philippines?