Isuzu D-Max

The design and styling of the Hi-Lander echos that of the V-Cross though it misses out on lot of the latter’s more upmarket cosmetic elements. The front sports a large black grille with simple halogen headlights. The nose lacks any notable use of chrome. The side profile showcases 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and tall-profile tires, lacking any footstep or side cladding. The rear sports a spacious deck capable of accommodating loads of up to 225 kg. The Hi-Lander also misses out on bits such as foof rails, fog lamps, and body-colored door handles and mirror covers.

The Hi-Lander's interior mirrors its no-frills ethos with minimalistic features and comfort elements. The dashboard follows a straightforward design with manual AC controls, and there's no stereo system or touchscreen infotainment. While the instrument cluster is the same as the V-Cross, it lacks steering-mounted controls and cruise control. The seats are fabric-upholstered and manually adjustable, with no armrest or cup holders for rear passengers. The limited features available on the Hi-Lander include power windows for all doors, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.

The Hi-Lander's safety features are quite basic compared to the V-Cross or other rivals in the segment. It lacks advanced driver assistance systems, including traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic stability control, brake assist, or lane departure warning. Passive safety features like side or curtain airbags, seat belt pretensioners, or ISOFIX child seat anchors are also missing. The sole safety features of the Hi-Lander encompass dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and an engine immobilizer.

The Hi-Lander's engine and performance align with the V-Cross, as they share the same 1.9-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, producing 161 bhp at 3600 rpm and 360 Nm of torque at 2000-2500 rpm. The engine pairs with a six-speed manual gearbox that drives power to the rear wheels. The engine offers refined and responsive performance, particularly with strong low-end torque and mid-range capability. However, it loses some steam at higher revs and lacks a punchy top-end. The gearbox is well-spaced and smooth, but the clutch feels heavy with a long travel.