As Isuzu looks to capitalize on the growing pickup truck lifestyle market, the brand has been exploring different ways to show what the D-Max range is capable of. Using its top of the line Arctic Trucks AT35 model, Isuzu had the vehicle kitted out with a range of accessories from ARB and Lazer Lamp lighting to create the ultimate 4×4 overlander.
Among the practical answers included, the Basecamp edition includes a rooftop tent, a slide-out kitchen, and a fridge/freezer. Elsewhere, the AT35 styling has been updated with off-road features in the form of a bonnet protector, traditional grille and Bilstein Pershapeance suspension. The entire facility is designed to showcase other tactics consumers can use to customize their trucks into weekend adventure vehicles.
Sitting in the cab, the truck looks a lot like the rest of the D-Max line. Since the Basecamp uses the AT35 edition, the ride height is significantly high, even compared to the D-Max V-Cross edition, which in comparison looks more like a small SUV. The crew cab configuration means plenty of room to take passengers on an adventure with you or somewhere for extra storage.
The truck is where the Basecamp styling particularly deviates from the D-Max. The covered shipping area includes a raised platform, under which are two crates. One offers flexible space for storing appliances, while the other slides into an L-shaped kitchen. The kitchen includes a prep countertop, sink, and three-burner fuel stove, so you can enjoy a cooked meal on the go.
Inside, the load space is covered in a hardwearing carpet material and a fridge/freezer is fastened down. When you’re not on camping trips, this could be taken out and stored in a garage or it could be a welcome feature for cold drinks on long road trips or on site. While the bed is limited compared to the standard D-Max, payload and towing capacity stay the same at more than one tonne and 3.5-tonne respectively.
On the road, the AT35’s wide stance is very visible. The maximum ride height, however, makes adaptation less difficult and gives the impression of authority in traffic. In tight alleys or tight spaces it may seem oversized, but it’s not designed to live your life running weekly errands. It’s no longer than the popular D-Max, but the rearview camera helps rear visibility, as the hard bed canopy creates rear blind spots.
In the automatic edition I tested, it seemed to have little power for road driving compared to models like the Ford Ranger Raptor. Again, this is because the Isuzu’s setup focuses on low torque and compound off-road handling rather than straight-line functionality on asphalt. With this in mind, the Basecamp edition is inevitable. There don’t seem to be any obstacles, terrain, or weather situations that could slow down base camp. Even if you have to prevent it for some reason, you have a position to shelter and a position to cook.
Since the Basecamp is an example of the D-Max’s potential, Isuzu doesn’t offer the model as a package from stock. Instead, the brand invites its customers to specify the equipment and accessories that best suit their lifestyle. As a starting point, the Isuzu D-Max AT35 Arctic Trucks model starts from around £63,000 ($79,000) with a manual transmission or £66,000 ($83,000) for an automatic gearbox.
The Isuzu range is currently not available in the US. Its closest competitor is the Ford Ranger Raptor which starts from £59,000 ($74,000) with a 2.0-liter 208 bhp diesel engine or from £62,000 ($78,000) with the 288 bhp 3.0-liter petrol V6 engine.
To kit the AT35 model out with Basecamp specification equipment, Isuzu recommends working with the 4×4 accessories company ARB. As well as camping equipment, ARB supplies recovery equipment, roof racks, bumpers, storage solutions, snorkels and fuel tanks.
Price: From $82,900 (£65,916) Changes to base camp
Engine: 1. 9-litre diesel
Power: 162 HP at 3,600 rpm
Torque: 266 lb-ft at 2000 – 2500 rpm
0-62 mph: 13.0 secs
Maximum speed: km/h
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