Yep, it’s time to get behind the wheel of another truck. This time, an Isuzu – a brand known for its trucks. Previously, I’ve driven the equivalent offerings from Ford and Toyota, companies known for their cars as well as their more commercial offerings, so how would a more single-minded brand stack up?

Unsurprisingly, as a pickup, it performs admirably. A big load bed, properly chunky tyres and a rugged look that clearly states its intentions. But can it pull off the ultimate trick of being a contender for a family vehicle too? We shall see.

Let’s start with the interior and the gadgets. This is the top spec (apart from the extreme Arctic version) so I feel safe in assuming that the equipment on this test vehicle is pretty much as good as it gets. What you get for that level is in some ways a little disappointing. Yes, you have the driver aids – lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera – but you miss a built-in sat nav.

A missing element for a top-spec truck

That particular shortfall is bypassed by the inclusion of Apple and Android car play systems, but I feel this is a missing element for a top-spec truck that wants to be considered for serious road use too. I also found the lane keeping assistant a little erratic – Isuzu is not alone in this, but it’s always something that I feel has to be spot on if it’s included.

The low-speed aids – parking sensors front and rear, and the rear-view camera – are a necessity because this thing is huge. If you park at the very front of a parking space, you will be hanging a few feet out of the back. I parked in a pub car park once and had no more than 5mm between the towbar and the wall and was still more than 18 inches out of the front of the space.

It scored well on comfort

So it has Bluetooth, parking aids and (one way or another) sat nav. So far so good. That should cover most needs for entertainment. Next up is comfort. This is one place that the Isuzu did score well for me.

The seats were comfortable, supporting and finished in a good quality leather. The steering wheel was not padded as some competitors’ are, but as a utility vehicle, this is probably a good move as the interior, while quality and comfortable, still gives the impression of being easy to clean and maintain. An important thing for a working truck.

It drives well and handles itself on the motorway very competently, and the only close call was entering a multistorey car park, where I had to fold down the optional roll-bar-mounted Lazer lights. The engine and gearbox were strong and, at tick-over, very quiet. I did feel the gearbox could have been a little more refined, but perhaps I’m being a bit harsh there.

Capable of pretty much anything I threw at it

So, rugged, adequately specced, and capable of pretty much anything I threw at it. The verdict? I think if you need something predominantly for a workhorse, then this is the truck for you. If you’re going to use it more as a family vehicle, perhaps the Ranger is a softer choice, but the looks of the D-Max are strong, so it’s definitely a close call.

On balance, I think I’d take the Ford, but it’s a very, very close-run thing.