The ISUZU X-Rider is renowned for its bold character and distinctive style, matched to exceptional all-round capability and efficiency. These attributes have contributed to the D-MAX’s ongoing popularity and its status among the top contenders in South Africa’s highly competitive bakkie segment.
Already standing out from the crowd thanks to its eye-catching design, ISUZU Motors South Africa is elevating the appeal of the X-Rider range to even greater heights with the introduction of the 2025 X-Rider Black limited-edition model.
Confirming its exclusive status, a total of only 150 X-Rider Black units will be produced at ISUZU’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha this year. These will be available to South African customers as well as those in other African markets.
Each X-Rider Black will be numbered, with a special plaque fitted on the left-side inner fender that reinforces its unique status. Furthermore, it gains several key styling enhancements that further enhance this unique variant’s assertive demeanour and confident presence.
As with the existing X-Rider range, Double Cab customers have the choice of three derivatives, with the option of a six-speed manual or automatic in 4×2 guise, or the 4×4 automatic that is capable of taking you and your family well off the beaten track with confidence. All three derivatives are powered by ISUZU’s venerable and extremely frugal 110kW 1.9-litre Ddi turbodiesel engine.
“Each evolution of the X-Rider has been met with exceptional customer interest and satisfaction, and this is especially true of our current seventh-generation D-MAX range, which is more popular than ever,” says Kevin Fouché, Department Executive, Product Planning, ISUZU Motors South Africa. “The X-Rider embodies our customers’ desires to express their adventurous spirit and unique persona by the vehicle they drive, and the addition of the X-Rider Black simply elevates these attributes to an even more desirable level.
“The exterior changes and enhancements on the 2025 X-Rider Black add that extra touch of exclusivity, combined with the added appeal of the limited production of only 150 numbered units. This ensures that the X-Rider Black is a truly special offering, while building on the core values that have consistently made the D-MAX one of South Africa’s most popular vehicles,” Fouché says.
Bold character, real charm
The ISUZU X-Rider already turns heads thanks to its muscular design and extensive range of eye-catching design elements compared to the standard models. This is confidently matched to the D-MAX range’s proven rugged durability, outstanding reliability, exceptional fuel economy, wide range of creature comforts and impressive safety features.
And now, the X-Rider Black lifts the bar higher with its even bolder stand-out character. As the name implies, black dominates the aesthetic character of this special-value model – it is the only X-Rider variant available in Onyx Black, whereas the existing X-Rider range can be ordered in Splash White, Mercury Silver, Red Spinel or Islay Grey.
The X-Rider Black’s dark theme carries through the rest of the exterior appointments, with the adoption of striking 18-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels with red ‘ISUZU’ lettering on the black centre caps, and a muscular tubular black sports bar that features a black plate spanning the vertical spars that is laser cut to reveal the ‘X’ emblem in red for added flair.
Gun Metallic treatment for the front fascia and grille surround echoes the range-topping design featured on the luxurious D-MAX V-Cross, while patterned body side decals on the doors impart a sense of dynamic athleticism to the overall package. This is complemented by a black ISUZU tailgate decal that is elegantly brought to life by a silver outline, exuding status and timeless appeal.
Carried over from the existing X-Rider is the bold red ‘ISUZU’ lettering that adorns the front grille, framed by powerful LED headlamps and LED fog lamps up front, along with LED lights at the rear. The door handles, B-pillars, side-mirror covers and tailgate handle are all finished in black, while standard dark grey roof rails are provided, facilitating the easy fitment of roof racks for added load-hauling versatility.
X-Rider appeal
The ISUZU X-Rider Black matches the existing X-Rider models when it comes to interior appointments and the combination of black and red design themes – with the emphasis on comfort, refinement and a splash of sportiness to boot. The form-hugging leather seats are adorned with red contrast stitching and embroidered red ‘X’ logos on the headrests.
Graduated red accents on the dashboard and door handle surrounds contrast smartly with the upmarket piano black trim finishes, with the same distinctive colour combination carried through to the leather-trimmed steering wheel, which features red stitching and the red ‘ISUZU’ logo taking pride of place in the centre. Red stitching is also featured on the gear shift boot and parking brake, along with rugged X-Rider-specific floor mats.
The impressive list of standard features across the X-Rider range includes cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi compatibility and a rear USB port, plus rear park assist and a rear-view camera.
An extensive list of active and passive safety features is standard fare too, incorporating Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) on the 4×4 model, along with ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS) for optimal stopping performance in emergency situations.
Occupants are protected in the event of a collision with driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags, as well as a driver’s knee airbag.
Efficient power
The ISUZU X-Rider was credited with the lowest cost of ownership in the 2024 South African Bakkie of the Year competition, building on its outstanding reputation for fuel economy, reliability and durability.
All X-Rider models, including the new Black series, are equipped with ISUZU’s revered 1.9 Ddi four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine that balances performance with efficiency. The 1.9 Ddi produces a maximum 110 kW of power at 3 600 r/min and peak torque of 350 Nm from 1 800 to 2 600 r/min.
This is the same engine that achieved an exceptional fuel economy figure of 5.58 l/100 km during the 2023 ISUZU One Tank Challenge – driving 1 452 km from Midrand to Cape Town without refuelling.
Customers can choose between two 4×2 models with a selection of a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. For those with more adventurous off-the-beaten-track aspirations, a 4×4 version with shift-on-the-fly engagement is also available in combination with the six-speed automatic gearbox. All models are equipped with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres for sure-footed grip and durability, whether tackling gravel roads or taking on more challenging terrain.
The D-MAX range is credited with a maximum wading depth of 800 mm. A towbar is included as a factory fitment, and the vehicle has a tow rating of 2.1 tons.
Pricing including VAT:
1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-RIDER BLACK: R664.100.00
1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-RIDER BLACK AT: R685 600.00
1.9 Ddi D/Cab 4×4 X-RIDER BLACK AT RHD: R770 400.00
The ISUZU D-MAX range is sold with ISUZU’s standard five-year/90 000 km service plan, five-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and five-year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.
ISUZU Adds Exclusive Edge to D-MAX with Limited-Edition 2025 X-Rider Blackhttps://t.co/A9gTmF0Sk2#ArriveAlive #XRider @isuzusa @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/eraFQadzeF
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 28, 2025
