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The Isuzu D-Max is yet, another pickup not available in the US. Honestly, we didn’t care about that, until we saw what it is getting ready to produce. This is the Arctic D-Max AT35 pickup, and it sure looks like it can kick the Ranger Raptor’s ass. 

The 2022 Isuzu D-Max gets the Arctic Trucks magic touch

2022 Arctic CT35 Isuzu D-Max pickup
2022 Arctic CT35 Isuzu D-Max pickup | AT

Arctic Trucks does conversions in Europe out of its home base in Warwick, UK. It specializes in off-road vehicles for extreme environments but also cranks out limited edition production trucks. It recently applied its magic on another pickup we don’t get, the Toyota HiLux. 

If you’ve seen images from the Middle East of armed fighters with guns then you’ve seen Toyota’s HiLux. Anyway, now Arctic has turned its attention on the D-Max. And while it looks awesome, this is not an all-show, no-go poseur. 

Arctic starts off by reinforcing a 2022 D-Max double-cab chassis, which is body-on-frame construction. Then it adds a raised Bilstein performance suspension for the exclusive all-terrain wheels mounting 35-inch tall tires. Aggressive wheel arches help protect the body. In addition, the AT35 features extended running boards to ease egress and ingress. 

The AT35 D-Max includes the premium Isuzu V-Cross leather interiors

2022 Arctic CT35 Isuzu D-Max pickup
2022 Arctic CT35 Isuzu D-Max pickup | AT

Inside, there are Arctic-branded headrests, floor mats, and sill covers. All AT35 trucks start with the top-of-the-line Isuzu V-Cross trim. So, these cabs are fully loaded including leather and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen. There is even an HDMI port to plug in a laptop or your PlayStation 5

Arctic leaves the powertrain unmodified, so it is the standard 1.9-liter diesel with 162 hp. An optional 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is also available from Isuzu, but not for the AT35. Of course, four-wheel drive is also part of the package, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. And a rear diff lock is also offered. 

The S-Max gets top safety ratings in Europe

2022 Arctic CT35 Isuzu D-Max pickup
2022 Arctic CT35 Isuzu D-Max pickup | AT

With the safety features for the all-new 2021 D-Max, it has earned a Euro NCAP five-star rating. This includes lane assist, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. Single-, extended-, and double-cab models are all offered in Europe, along with four trim levels for the factory versions. 

While pricing has yet to be revealed a D-Max V-Cross pickup goes for around $55,500 in Europe. The Ranger Raptor in Australia is pushing $80,000, so the AT35’s price, though expensive, is quite a bit cheaper. And again, it is a new truck just released this year.

This third iteration of the D-Max now shares its platform with Mazda’s BT-50. The earlier version was a reworked Chevy Colorado. Isuzu began production of the D-Max at its Thailand plant in 2019 but only introduced it to Europe this year. 

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Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.