The first generation Isuzu KB bakkie was the first to be manufactured in South Africa at the Kempston Road plant in Port Elizabeth. The first vehicle was produced in July 1978 and has been relied upon by countless South Africans ever since.

The second generation of Isuzu KB bakkies (1980 – 1988) followed in the tracks of the successful original generation. It was South Africa’s top-selling 1-tonner bakkie for two years, a record it held until the fourth generation Isuzu KB bakkie equalled it a few years later.

The KB body design of the third generation (1988 – 2002) is where everything started. All subsequent Isuzu KB bakkies for sale were based on this design which remains one of the most iconic. Due to its rugged design and reliability, this generation is popular with many used Isuzu bakkie buyers today.

As you would imagine with new automotive design and technologies, the 4th, 5th and 6th generation (2002 – 2018) of the Isuzu KB range were more modern and luxurious but without sacrificing ruggedness and ability.

The 4th generation Isuzu KB bakkie outsold all other one-tonners in the country by some margin. They introduced new powertrains, transmission systems and loads of convenience features, not to mention improved safety ratings.

In 2017, the KB era came to an end as the last Isuzu KB rolled off the production floor. The good news is there are still many different year models available. If you are looking for a used Isuzu bakkie, you are spoiled for choice as every generation has something special to offer. Here is a more detailed look at the history of the Isuzu KB bakkie range through all generations.

Used Isuzu Bakkie Range

If you want one of the most reliable and affordable bakkies in South Africa, then look no further than the toughest one there is – the Isuzu KB!

Available in 4 Model variants and various trim levels, you can choose from Single Cab, Extended Cab and Double Cab versions with the following variations and trim levels:

• KB 250
• KB 280
• KB 300
• BASE CHASSIS CAB
• FLEETSIDE CHASSIS CAB
• BASE
• FLEETSIDE
• FLEETSIDE LE
• HI-RIDER
• LX

Drive configurations include:

• 4×2
• 4×4

Don’t be fooled by the rugged looks of the Isuzu KB Range as although it might not have as much “bling” as some of its competitors, it is the bakkie which made a name for the Isuzu brand amongst farmers, fleet managers and families looking for adventure.

It’s at home on gravel and backwood roads as it is delivering light loads in the city or dropping the kids off at school. This is what makes any used Isuzu bakkie ideal for someone who is looking for a versatile workhorse that can double up as a family transporter.

Power Train

Engine

• 2.5 L diesel (2002-2005)
• 3.0 L petrol (2002-2004)
• 2.5 L diesel (2005-2011)
• 3.0 L diesel (2004-2011)
• 3.0 L diesel (2006-2011)
• 2.0 L petrol
• 2.2 L petrol
• 2.4 L petrol
• 2.5 L diesel
• 1.9 L turbo diesel
• 2.8 L turbo diesel
• 2.8 L diesel
• 3.0 L turbo diesel

Transmission

• 5 speed manual
• 4 speed automatic

Wheelbase

• 2,680 mm – 3,025 mm

Length

• 4,425 mm – 4,940 mm

Height

• 1,690 mm – 1,785 mm

Width

• 1,600 mm – 1,860 mm

The third-generation Isuzu D-MAX took the beloved light commercial vehicle (LCV) to new heights with upgrades in refinement, quality, technology, and efficiency. This leap forward followed a significant R1.2 billion investment in Isuzu’s Port Elizabeth plant in 2019, positioning the D-Max as a top contender in both the South African and Sub-Saharan African markets.

This generation of the D-Max offers 24 variants, featuring two engine options, six trim levels (Standard, L, LS, LSE, V-Cross, X-Rider), manual and automatic transmissions, with the choice of 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains.

Isuzu’s 1.9-litre Ddi power plant comes standard on all single cab models, with availability on extended cab and double cab versions. Meanwhile, the upgraded 3.0-litre Ddi engine offered on mid to high-series extended cab and double cab models delivers more torque at lower speeds, smoother acceleration, quieter operation, and improved fuel efficiency.

In January 2024, the rugged X-Rider trim made a return to the D-Max lineup, powered by the 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine. February 2024 saw the LS trim, equipped with the robust 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, becoming available in the single cab bodystyle.

Did You Know? To celebrate 45 years of building bakkies in South Africa, Isuzu unveiled the D-Max 45 Limited Edition double-cab. Only 105 units, crafted at the Struandale plant in the Eastern Cape were to be available locally starting at the end of July 2024.

Power Train

Engine

• 1.9 L turbo diesel
• 3.0 L turbo diesel

Transmission

• 6-speed manual
• 6-speed automatic

Body Style

• Single cab
• Extended Cab
• Double Cab

Length

• 5,230 mm – 5,333 mm

Width

• 1,870 mm – 1,870 mm mm

Wheelbase

• 3,125 mm

Following the success of the international D-Max range since the initial launch in 2002 in Thailand, and the 1st generation in South Africa, the Isuzu D-Max continues to impress. Not only as a reliable and tough workhorse but also as a luxury family car capable of going just about anywhere in style and comfort.

The Isuzu D-Max range offers various models built to handle the demanding conditions in South Africa. Every Isuzu D-MAX for sale has a reputation of being reliable, durable and capable thanks to decades of experience manufacturing locally-engineered bakkies.

The latest generation features the latest in automotive design, technology, comfort, and safety. For the price and long list of features, it will be difficult to find a better bakkie than a used Isuzu D-Max for sale. Here are the latest models:

• D-MAX 1.9 Ddi L
• D-MAX 1.9 Ddi L A/T
• D-MAX 1.9 Ddi 4X4 L
• D-MAX 1.9 Ddi LS
• D-MAX 1.9 Ddi LS A/T
• D-MAX 1.9 Ddi 4X4 LS A/T

Please note that drive configurations for the Isuzu D-Max Pickups in South Africa include both 4×2 and 4×4 options. Most models are available as a single cab, extended cab or double cab.

Power Train

Engine

• 1.9 L turbo diesel
• 3.0 L turbo diesel

Transmission

• 6-speed manual
• 6-speed automatic

Body Style

• Single cab
• Extended Cab
• Double Cab

Length

• 5,230 mm – 5,333 mm

Width

• 1,870 mm – 1,880 mm mm

Wheelbase

• 3,125 mm

After General Motors withdrew from the South African market in 2017, Isuzu took the opportunity to stand on their own in South Africa. What better way to celebrate their independence than by launching a revised model in 2018, the Isuzu D-Max which replaced the KB name?

Luxury and functionality meet in the Isuzu D-Max Series of Bakkies, which come in a wide number of model variants and trim levels. These include older model Isuzu D-Max Models such as the:

• 250 HO STANDARD
• 250 HO HI-RIDER
• 250 HO X-RIDER
• 250 HO LE
• 300 LX M/T
• 300 LX A/T

Here are some of the latest models of Isuzu D-Max Bakkies:

• D-Max 250 Extended Cab Hi-Rider with Automatic Transmission
• D-Max 250 Double Cab Hi-Rider with Automatic Transmission
• D-Max 250 Double Cab LE with Automatic Transmission
• D-Max 300 Double Cab Hi-Rider with Automatic Transmission
• D-Max 250 Double Cab X-Rider with Automatic Transmission

Please note that drive configurations for the Isuzu D-Max Pickups in South Africa include both 4×2 and 4×4 options.

Remember that the Isuzu Double Cab is a Luxury Leisure Vehicle, but don’t be fooled by its stylishly rugged good looks, because it is still just as tough as its workhorse cousins in the rest of the Isuzu Bakkie Range!

Power Train

Engine

• 1.9 L turbo diesel
• 2.8 L turbo diesel
• 2.8 L diesel
• 3.0 L turbo diesel

Transmission

• 5 speed manual
• 4 speed automatic

Wheelbase

• 3,095 mm

Length

• 5,215 mm – 5,295 mm

Height

• 1,690 mm – 1,785 mm

Width

• 1,775 – 1,860 mm