2021 Isuzu D-MAX first pickup to get a 5-star ANCAP rating against new criteria

The all-new 2021 Isuzu D-MAX is the first pickup that is on sale in Australia to earn a 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating. Getting such a high score isn’t an easy feat especially in 2020 as the rules and regulations for testing have become more stringent with more factors being considered. The D-MAX, however, passed each of the testing criteria with flying colors as the Japanese pickup had an ace up its sleeve when it comes to safety. That secret weapon is the inclusion of a new center airbag as standard for all models. The addition and purpose for the new center airbag are to help prevent occupants from bumping their heads in the event of a severe side impact. It is also important to note that the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX at least for the Australian market comes with 8 airbags total ensuring occupant safety when hit from the sides, the front, or from the rear.

Adding to its near-perfect score the Isuzu D-MAX was also able to score well in terms of testing its autonomous emergency braking system, lane-keeping assistance, blind zone warning, and rear cross-traffic alert systems at least in a controlled environment. 

The tests results from the cash safety testing showed that the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX scored 83% for adult occupancy protection (an 80% score or higher is needed to meet the 5-star rating), an 89 % percent for child occupant protection ( 80% or higher is needed for a 5-star rating),  69% for pedestrian and cyclist protection (60% score or higher is needed to get a 5-star rating), and 81% for safety assistance technology (70% score or higher is needed to get a 5-star rating). This goes to show that the all-new Isuzu pickup is definitely one of the safest vehicles on the road today as well as a vast improvement over its predecessor. 

With such great test scores, ANCAP states that the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX resets the benchmark for light commercial vehicle safety in Australia due to the tests being even tougher than they were before. The question still remains, when will Isuzu Philippines finally bring in the next generation of the Isuzu D-MAX into the country.