If the Isuzu D-Max mid-size pickup doesn’t sound familiar, don’t fret. Launched in 2002, the D-Max shared a platform with Chevrolet’s global Colorado pickup. The partnership lasted until 2011. For a brief time, from 2005 to 2008, Isuzu marketed its i-Series trucks in the United States with the i-280, i-290, i-350, and i-370 being sold alongside the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Sales were never fabulous in the U.S., with Isuzu’s i-Series garnering fewer than 1,400 sales in its first year.

Photos: Andreas Kokkvold (@andreas.kokkvold)

That said, globally Isuzu remains a pickup powerhouse. A new generation of Isuzu D-Max launched in 2011, this time based on the Mazda BT-50 platform. In 2016, the company partnered with extreme exploration outfitters Arctic Trucks International to craft the D-Max AT35 and recently launched a second-generation of the modified pickup.

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is no ordinary mid-size pickup. Built to conquer the most rugged terrain, the D-Max AT35 features a lifted suspension that is 50 mm (2 inches) taller than factory. Bilstein dampers are found at all four corners, replacing the former Fox shocks. The truck rides on 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 off-road tires. This combination produces a 35 degree approach angle, 22 degree departure angle, and 34 degree breakover angle. Ground clearance ranges from 10.4 inches to 11.4 inches.

Dramatically widened wheel arches give the Isuzu D-Max AT35 its signature Arctic Trucks look. Robust extended-profile side steps with heavy-duty rubber tread provide safe and easy access to the lifted pickup while also adding to the rugged styling. AT35 branding is smattered throughout the truck’s exterior.

Inside, the Isuzu D-Max AT35 receives Arctic Trucks branded door entry guards, floor mats, and sculpted leather upholstery. The AT35 also come standard with loads of safety and security features, including a 9.0-inch center color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium eight-speaker sound system, and wireless phone charging.

While most of the truck has received heavy modifications, one thing that hasn’t been touched is the truck’s drivetrain. Powering the Isuzu D-Max is a 1.9-liter inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The engine is capable of churning out 164 hp (162 bhp) with 266 lb-ft of torque. The AT35 comes with the choice of either an automatic or six-speed manual transmission. In testing performed by TopGear, the AT35 did 0 to 62 mph in about 13 seconds. Top speed is 112 mph.

The Isuzu D-Max AT35 is capable of towing more than 7,700 pounds and can haul up to 2,200 pounds of payload. Ever with all the hardcore modifications, the truck still comes rated between 30 and 33 mpg combined. With a 20-gallon fuel tank, the AT35 offers a range greater than 500 miles.

If this sounds too good to be true, well, it is; we have some bad news. While yes, you can waltz onto an Isuzu dealer lot and purchase a brand-new D-Max AT35 today, you’ll need to be in the United Kingdom to do so. The AT35 doesn’t come cheap, either, ranging between $78,287 and $82,020 at today’s conversion rates.