Plug-in hybrid pickup trucks have already been making their strides in both the global and local automotive industry. Ford has its challenger with the Ranger PHEV, while BYD has its own in the form of the Shark 6 DMO. Both trucks come with a gasoline engine, with the latter being equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and is currently included in BYD Philippines’ model lineup.
Isuzu is also reportedly planning to produce a plug-in hybrid D-Max, and according to an Australian publication, Drive, a representative for Isuzu shared that a hybrid D-Max is now up for consideration. The reason for this is more than just following its competitors, but also to allow the D-Max to keep up with the more stringent emission standards.
The Isuzu representative allegedly added that the car brand is now studying how the D-Max can have a plug-in hybrid setup. The car brand is also reportedly on the fence as to what engine will be paired to the hybrid D-Max, whether it still be diesel or gasoline, which is similar to what Ford and BYD did to their respective pickup trucks.
It seems that Isuzu is on a wait-and-see approach as to how its competitors, like Ford and BYD, would perform with their plug-in hybrid trucks. This strategy is similar to what Mitsubishi is doing, as it previously expressed that it isn’t rushing to introduce a plug-in hybrid Triton.
Mitsubishi plans to observe how its rivals perform before giving the green light to offering pickup trucks with a hybrid powertrain. The Japanese car brand is reportedly holding back from offering the Triton hybrid, as most pickup truck buyers are not interested in the vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. This insight came from Mitsubishi Australia Product Strategy Manager Bruce Hampel, according to CarSales.
Aside from the D-Max, Isuzu is reportedly mulling introducing a plug-in hybrid mu-X, which is the car brand’s seven-seater midsize SUV. It is also worth noting that Isuzu already has the D-Max with an electric powertrain. In fact, Isuzu Philippines confirmed back in November 2025 that the all-new D-Max EV will soon be introduced to the local market.
Autocar’s Take
The pickup truck segment, similar to other vehicle types, is adapting to new energy, whether utilizing a hybrid powertrain or an all-electric setup. This trend can be seen with how Ford did with the Ranger, BYD with the Shark, Nissan with the Frontier Pro, and even Toyota with the all-new Hilux.
As such, other automakers are looking to launch their respective challengers. Car brands such as Isuzu might not outright reveal the launch date of its D-Max hybrid, but the possibility of it happening is very high. Aside from the more stringent emission standards, a car brand needs to adapt and launch its counterpunch, especially when its rivals have already introduced theirs.
