This is the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 LS-A 4x2, the 3rd Child in the D-MAX Family

So yeah, the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-MAX is finally in the Philippines and we had the chance to take it out for a spin around Tagaytay Highlands a few weeks ago during an exclusive preview for select members of the motoring media.

A total of six units were available for use and five of those were of the top-spec 3.0 LS-E 4×4 variant which is on our write-up on the launch of the new model. One unit which seemed to stay in the parking lot for a longer time than other units was the 3.0 LS-A 4×2 so we took the chance to see what it has to offer versus the top-spec 4×4 variant.

The 3.0 LS-A 4×2 variant is the 3rd among the 9 variants of the all-new D-MAX. It is essentially the top-spec variant for those who are looking for a D-MAX with a 4×2 drivetrain and automatic transmission. For those who aren’t so familiar, the LS-A was originally the top-of-the-line variant of the previous generation, not counting the Boondock 4×4. We also think that most buyers will be going for this variant. With that in mind, let’s see what differentiates it from the 3.0 LS-E 4×4 and other variants.

Looking at the 2021 D-MAX’s spec-sheet, the LS-A is like an upgraded version of the LS variants with most if not all differences found on the exterior. It gets some bits and pieces from the LS-E combined with those of the LS.

Exterior

First, on the outside, the headlights of the LS-A just like all variants below it are multi-reflector halogen units. It also gets halogen daytime running lights, sharing its location with the halogen fog lights. It does not get the full LED setup on the LS 4×4 and LS-E 4×4. The front grille and other trims around the vehicle get the same gunmetal look from the LS-E. Even the 18-inch matte dark gray alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires are shared with the top-spec variant.

The rear is pretty much the same except the LS-A lacks a rear fog lamp on the left-hand taillight. The taillights are still LED units by the way and they look really good at night. Also to add, the LS-A is the most affordable variant with power-folding side mirrors. That pretty much wraps-up what’s on the outside. How about the interior?

Interior

Inside, the 2021 D-MAX LS-A stays the same as the LS variants. The dashboard is covered in hard-touch plastics unlike on the LS-E which gets brown leather. It is expected from a pick-up truck though. The seats are also wrapped in a black fabric material unlike the LS-E with brown leather but seat comfort remains pretty much the same and the material is of high quality. The steering wheel is wrapped in polyurethane just like all lower variants. Climate control is also manually errr…controlled via dials below the infotainment system.

Other than that, everything else remains the same from the top-spec LS-E such as the large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear climate vents and USB port, and even some Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which are very uncommon at the LS-A’s price point. The RCTA feature works in tandem with the standard reverse camera by the way.

Engine and Safety

Under the hood of the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX LS-A 4×2 is still the same 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX Inline-4 Blue Power Turbodiesel that produces 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. That means it still performs as the top-spec LS-E 4×4 would on the road.

Also, standard safety features remain the same with Dual Front Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, and Hill-Descent Control, plus Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which were mentioned earlier.

Pricing

The 2021 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 LS-A 4×2 variant is priced at Php 1,390,000, a large Php 435,000 more affordable than the 3.0 LS-E 4×4 which is priced at Php 1,825,000.

With all that in mind, is the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 LS-A 4×2 a good deal for a 4×2 pick-up truck and is it also a good deal versus other variants in the all-new D-MAX lineup?