IndiaAIFounders — Isuzu gives the Maxforce 2.2-liter engine a bi-turbo power boost in Thailand

Isuzu has refreshed its lineup in Thailand for the 2027 model year by introducing a new engine—the 2.2 Ddi Maxforce bi-turbo. As the name suggests, Isuzu has iterated on the original 2.2 Ddi Maxforce it introduced back in 2024, adding a second turbocharger to minimize turbo lag. Power output from the new bi-turbo engine (also known as the RZ4F-TCX) is a hearty 204hp and 500Nm of torque.

For reference, the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX powering the range-topping variants of the D-Max and MU-X in the Philippines makes 187hp and 450Nm of torque. In practice, Isuzu claims that this means the RZ4F-TCX can go from 0 to 100kph 5% faster and from 80 to 100kph 12% quicker than the larger-displacement engine. All this while reportedly being 8% more fuel-efficient, quoted between 15.3 to 16.6km/L depending on the vehicle.

PHOTO BY Isuzu

Isuzu Thailand offers the RZ4F-TCX as an engine option in select model trims. This includes the off-road-oriented D-Max V-Cross and the top-of-the-line MU-X RS. With the 2027 Thailand lineup refresh, the RZ4F-TC single-turbo 2.2-liter turbodiesel (161hp, 400Nm of torque) has fully replaced the RZ4E 1.9-liter engine, while the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX carries on as an option for workhorse variants of the D-Max.

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Isuzu’s Philippine lineup still uses the 1.9-liter RZ4E and 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX. The smaller mill drives base variants of the MU-X and D-Max, while the larger unit powers the LS-A and LS-E lifestyle trims. The 2.2-liter Maxforce in either single- or bi-turbo configuration has yet to be introduced locally.

Watch: Isuzu Thailand tests the 2.2 Ddi Maxforce bi-turbo

The Isuzu lineup refresh in Thailand also introduced a minor facelift for the MU-X. The two vents segmenting the grille have been pushed closer together, while the grille pattern itself has been updated to a new geometric design.

The newly-introduced range-topping RS variant introduces additional changes: metal color accents and RS badging on the grille, neon green inserts in the headlight units, neon green ‘bi-turbo’ badging along the sides, and new 20-inch two-tone alloys. More neon green accents continue throughout the interior.

PHOTO BY Isuzu

Should Isuzu Philippines transition to a lineup driven by the 2.2-liter turbodiesels? Did Isuzu do enough with its visual refresh of the MU-X? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

More photos of the 2027 Isuzu MU-X RS:

PHOTO BY Isuzu

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