You’re Isuzu’s top-selling automobile in Australia, and there’s a great cause it holds that distinction.
For one, the Isuzu D-Max is constructed on a tried and examined system. Now in its third technology, it obtained an replace earlier in 2024 that introduced refinements to issues like its entrance fascia, bonnet, and headlights.
On the within it obtained a tweaked instrument cluster and new touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto.
Moreover, off-road functionality has been improved with the addition of a Tough Terrain mode on 4×4 fashions, which works alongside the rear differential lock for max traction.
There have been additionally some security updates that improved the operate of techniques that have been already current.
In 2023 the D-Max was the third best-selling 4×4 ute within the nation, behind solely the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. It’s fairly sharply priced towards no less than a type of two, and is among the many extra inexpensive ute lineups accessible right here proper now.
To prime all of it off, Isuzu claims to have mounted the bump steer difficulty from earlier fashions that led to untimely and uneven tyre put on.
On take a look at right here is the 2024 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+, which affords some additional inside conveniences over the remainder of the vary and the beefier of the 2 powertrains on supply.
It’s ranked one rung down from the height of the D-Max pecking order, and is available in for simply over $65,000 earlier than on-road prices. That’s lower than most of its rivals, together with the equal Ranger Wildtrak BiTurbo.
How does the Isuzu D-Max evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Isuzu D-Max towards equally sized automobiles.
Isuzu
D-Max
How a lot does the Isuzu D-Max value?
A complete of 25 variants are provided, with pricing elevated by as much as $3000 on the yr prior.
D-Max 4×2
Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
---|---|
SX Single Cab Chassis 1.9L handbook | $32,700 ($32,490 D/A) |
SX Single Cab Chassis 1.9L auto | $34,700 |
SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L handbook | $34,700 |
SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $36,700 |
SX House Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $40,200 |
SX Crew Cab Chassis 1.9L auto | $41,200 |
SX Crew Cab Ute 1.9L auto | $42,700 |
SX Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $43,200 |
SX Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $44,700 |
LS-U Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $54,500 |
D-Max 4×4 Cab Chassis
Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
---|---|
SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L handbook | $42,700 |
SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $44,700 |
SX House Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $48,200 |
SX Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L handbook | $49,200 |
SX Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $51,200 |
LS-M Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $54,300 |
LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L auto | $61,000 |
D-Max 4×4 Ute
Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
---|---|
SX Crew Cab Ute 1.9L auto | $50,700 |
SX Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $52,700 |
LS-M Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $55,800 |
X-Rider Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $59,500 |
LS-U House Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $59,500 |
LS-U Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $62,500 |
LS-U+ Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $65,500 |
X-Terrain Crew Cab Ute 3.0L auto | $70,500 ($67,990 D/A) |
To see how the D-Max stacks up towards its rivals, evaluate it utilizing our comparability instrument.
What’s the Isuzu D-Max like on the within?
All issues thought of, there’s actually no arguing the D-Max affords a pleasant inside.
It’s laborious to not be aware of the laborious plastics draped throughout the cabin’s principal contact factors, however for a sensible automotive with business underpinnings it’s simple to neglect you’re not in a typical SUV – except you look behind you, after all.
Initially are the seats, which on this spec of D-Max are leather-accented, heated, and power-adjustable. As such, you’ll don’t have any points getting snug while you first hop in, and so they make for straightforward hours behind the wheel.
Talking of – that wheel can also be leather-trimmed, and it’s the place you’ll discover loads of the infotainment and driver help controls. As is anticipated, they’re organized in an assortment of buttons on the spokes, although they do really feel a bit low-cost and aren’t all the time as responsive as maybe they might be.
They nonetheless work as they need to, and by extension there’s nothing within the cabin that doesn’t fall into place logically. Even when there’s something you’ll be able to’t instantly determine, a few seconds spent poking and prodding will shortly give a solution you’ll simply keep in mind as an proprietor.
If there was a grievance concerning structure, it’d be that the solar visor hits the rear view mirror when unfolded. Meaning you’ll be able to’t open all of it the way in which except you bodily transfer the mirror out of alignment, which looks like a little bit of an oversight.
Up forward of the wheel is a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which I discover a bit grating in look. I’m not a fan of the graphics and basic fashion right here; I favor the standard two gauges and 4.2-inch multi-information show on decrease D-Max grades.
That’s to not say you don’t get loads of information with the upgraded system, since you do. You’ll discover something you might want to know between the combo of a very digital show and illuminated gauges for engine temperature, gasoline stage, and RPM – I simply want the display screen’s presentation was a bit extra crisp.
The identical can’t be mentioned for the infotainment system, which is located on a 9.0-inch touchscreen. It is a strong piece of tech, and I can forgive the inclusion cheap-ish instrument cluster if I nonetheless get a high quality system for music and navigation.
Its show is sharp and nicely laid-out with its twin tuner and quantity knobs, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay is a pleasant deal with. It’s provided throughout the vary, and other than a few hiccups with the preliminary cellphone hook-up it labored flawlessly throughout our week with the automotive.
I ought to be aware these hiccups have been doubtless consumer error, as I had no points at any level within the course of with the lower-spec X-Rider previous to driving the LS-U+.
Under that you simply’ll discover a substantial local weather management system, which on this spec of D-Max is organized in a line of bi-directional switches related to a small show.
It’s actually not all that completely different to what you’ll discover in one thing like a Mazda, which is unsurprising given the D-Max and BT-50 are mechanical twins and share loads of inside bits.
Once more that’s a great factor for the D-Max, because it means you get a dependable and easy-to-use local weather system that doesn’t depend on touchscreen or haptic controls. Moreover, there’s a standard gear selector with a sparing number of buttons both facet.
A draw back is the gloss black trim, which in a automotive just like the D-Max is a questionable addition given the heavy-duty use it’s meant for. We all know it scratches and smudges very simply, so if you happen to’re going to be transferring issues out and in of the cabin often I’m positive it’ll begin to look a bit second-hand very quickly.
In any other case there’s a mechanical handbrake, alongside loads of storage choices on the sprint and centre console. You solely get one devoted cupholder for the centre console although, however there are pretty sizeable bottle holders in all 4 door playing cards.
It’s disappointing Isuzu doesn’t supply a wi-fi charging pad as commonplace, however it may be added as an choice for an additional $470. It’d be slotted in forward of the gear selector, which is generally simply an space for out-of-the-way cellphone storage.
Our tester can also be fitted with elective rubber ground mats (an additional $217), which supply improved sturdiness and are simpler to wash than their carpet counterparts if you happen to’ve acquired muddy boots.
As the motive force, you’re positioned in fairly a commanding elevated place that gives nice visibility out the entrance. Moreover, there’s good visibility out the rear door home windows for head checks, and the big rear window means it’s all too simple to control every little thing round you.
There are additionally giant prolonged mirrors with built-in indicators on the LS-U+, which together with blind-spot mirroring makes it simple to place the automotive on the highway. The parking cameras and sensors assist in tight areas too.
Stepping into the again isn’t as simple as you may like, because it’s restricted by doorways that don’t open to the total 90 levels and a gap that’s on the smaller facet.
To assist, there are facet steps working the size of the physique to make it a shorter step up for each entrance and rear passengers. When you’re in, it’s not a super place to spend time… however will do fantastic if you happen to’ve acquired a household to move.
The rear affords fairly a excessive seating place, which implies improved visibility however decreased head house for taller passengers. Toe and leg room is okay, however whether or not or not you’re snug will rely closely on the place the entrance seats are positioned.
It’s a bench seat association as is anticipated for a dual-cab ute, although its fairly agency and flat. For those who’re not ready you’ll be sliding round because of the leather-based end, however no less than there are giant seize handles on the B-pillars to maintain you located.
So far as creature comforts go within the rear, Isuzu has fitted two air vents and a single USB-C outlet on the again of the centre console, whereas there’s additionally a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders.
On the rear is the ute tub, which is appointed with tailgate help throughout the vary. That makes it simpler to open and shut the tailgate, however you’ll want to recollect it nonetheless must be locked manually because it isn’t included within the central locking.
For comparability, the D-Max affords a bathtub that is kind of the identical width as what’s provided with the Ranger, although its ground is greater than 100mm longer however barely shallower.
Overlaying all of it off is a black rolling tonneau cowl, which is an additional premium contact on an already very full package deal.
Dimensions | Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ |
---|---|
Size | 5285mm |
Width | 1870mm excl. mirrors |
Top | 1790mm |
Wheelbase | 3125mm |
Tub size | 1495mm (prime) 1570mm (ground) |
Tub width | 1530mm (most) 1122mm (between arches) |
Tub depth | 490mm |
To see how the D-Max stacks up towards its rivals, evaluate it utilizing our comparability instrument.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Isuzu D-Max is obtainable with a selection of two four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines: a 1.9-litre with 110kW of energy and 350Nm or torque, and a 3.0-litre with 140kW and 450Nm. Our tester was fitted with the latter.
Specs | Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ |
---|---|
Engine | 3.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
Energy | 140kW @ 3600rpm |
Torque | 450Nm @ 1600rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automated |
Pushed wheels | Half-time four-wheel drive (2H, 4H, 4L) |
Weight | 2110kg – kerb |
Payload | 990kg |
Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3100kg |
Towing capability | 750kg – unbraked 3500kg – braked |
Gross mixed mass (GCM) | 6000kg |
Gas financial system – claimed | 8.0L/100km |
Gas financial system – as examined | 11.9L/100km |
Gas tank dimension | 76L |
Gas requirement | Diesel |
To see how the D-Max stacks up towards its rivals, evaluate it utilizing our comparability instrument.
How does the Isuzu D-Max drive?
Given what’s provided in a few of its competitors, the D-Max drives surprisingly nicely.
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LS-U
Twin-cab utes have been recognized to skittishly bang and clatter over bumps when there’s nothing loaded, however Isuzu has managed to refine the journey to some extent the place there’s actually nothing that can have you ever falling out of your seat.
After all the common highway in regional Victoria gained’t be essentially the most snug of drives within the D-Max, however realistically there’s solely a handful of rivals that do it higher. As with the inside presenting as a rugged SUV, the driving expertise is pleasantly in line with that notion.
This grade of D-Max nonetheless has a leaf spring setup within the rear, however they’re the softer and extra compliant model of what Isuzu affords in direction of the cheaper finish of the vary for fashions geared toward heavier hauling.
At freeway speeds the journey is clean, made higher by these snug and supportive entrance seats. Even highway and wind noise isn’t unhealthy, which is encouraging given the automotive’s design and its giant door mirrors.
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X-Terrain
One of many solely gripes I had was a metallic rattle/knocking on the A-pillar, which I believe was brought on by the LS-U+’s snorkel that’s fitted as commonplace.
What was bizarre was its inconsistency, because it was fully silent some days however obnoxiously current on others, whereas generally additionally making noise at low velocity however not excessive velocity, and vice versa.
Moreover, there was generally a creak from the entrance suspension when setting off within the morning, and the inside plastics would sometimes rattle relying on what the diesel engine was doing.
These have been all small inconveniences although, and so they don’t undermine what is definitely fairly an satisfying automotive to drive.
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LS-U
It’s a great job our tester was fitted with Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, as that engine provides simply sufficient punch to not go away you wanting extra whereas nonetheless remaining completely drivable.
May it do with a contact extra energy and torque? Possibly, however when the selection is between a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel or the bigger motor in our tester, there’s actually no query as to which I’d favor.
Put your foot into it and the D-Max will get going with no points, however the engine is a bit tough and noisy because it climbs by the rev vary.
It wasn’t an issue on condition that attribute isn’t unusual for diesels, and at cruising speeds you’d be laborious pressed to pick something mechanical value making a fuss over.
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LS-U
As a bonus the steering is particularly gentle, significantly at low speeds. That makes it extremely manoeuvrable in automotive parks, and simple to drive on the open highway when mixed with the secure journey Isuzu has managed to dial in with this newest D-Max.
Not one of the D-Max’s 4×4 ute variants are provided with a handbook transmission, and a six-speed automated is commonplace as a substitute. Thankfully it’s fairly a great unit – it shifts when it ought to, doesn’t maintain gears too lengthy, and even generally downshifts early to help with engine braking.
It’s additionally fairly aware of throttle inputs and can kick down appropriately when wanted, and there’s a handbook shifting operate if you wish to take management of the gears your self.
For those who’re into stats and numbers, there are some shows on the instrument cluster that may let you know your precise throttle enter amongst different data on what the automotive is doing at any given time.
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LS-U
Although I didn’t get the chance to do any off-road testing, we’ve intensive expertise with the D-Max off the crushed observe.
For those who do end up off the crushed observe, you’ll be capable to reap the benefits of the a number of off-road drive modes and kit, which embrace a Tough Terrain mode, locking rear differential, and part-time 4 wheel drive with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.
For added comfort you’ll be able to change from 2H to 4H whereas driving at as much as 100km/h on unsealed roads, however you’ll should cease to activate 4L.
The one difficulty is you’ll be able to’t presently drive the D-Max on sealed roads with four-wheel drive activated, not like what the full-time system provided within the Ranger and Triton is able to.
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LS-U+
When on the highway, the D-Max affords a set of driver help tech to make the expertise all of the extra snug, which incorporates the beforehand talked about blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep help, and adaptive cruise management with a cease and go operate.
These techniques all work very nicely, and when cruising alongside the freeway they make for easy kilometres.
There may be driver consideration monitoring included as commonplace, however not like what I’ve discovered with related techniques in different vehicles, it (refreshingly) by no means pinged me for watching the site visitors round me or adjusting the infotainment.
The one considerably unsettling quirk is the lane-keep help’s incapability to maintain the automotive well-centred in its lane, as it could are likely to veer in direction of the dotted line on both facet – particularly when there was a curve.
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LS-U
It’s not a large difficulty, as a result of if you happen to’re paying consideration it isn’t tough so as to add some small steering enter to set it straight.
In any other case, the system works fairly nicely. Even when taking over tighter curves on freeway interchange ramps it didn’t appear to wrestle in any respect.
The blind-spot monitoring additionally wasn’t overreactive and did nicely to inform me if there was really one thing in the way in which. If there was doubt, it was no difficulty to look over my shoulder and out both rear window to test for myself.
One factor you’ll discover is how far off our examined gasoline financial system was from Isuzu’s declare. It’s common to see worse financial system figures than what the producer says, practically 4.0 litres per 100km is a big margin.
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X-Terrain
Our week with the automotive was plagued with horrendous Melbourne site visitors on most days, although there have been a couple of stints of suburban highways and small roads thrown in for good measure. I anticipate with loads much less cease–begin driving we’d see that determine come all the way down to be a bit extra in keeping with what’s anticipated.
Maybe the inclusion of an automated engine cease/begin operate might have helped to avoid wasting extra gasoline, although I do know not everybody likes that characteristic on different vehicles. Meals for thought.
We nonetheless acquired spectacular vary regardless of that financial system determine. At one level the automotive’s vary estimate was predicting greater than 700 kilometres earlier than having to refuel, and that was even after having pushed for a short while.
For ease of entry proximity entry is obtainable as commonplace, and the necessity for a bodily key on some D-Max fashions is eradicated right here with the inclusion of push-button begin.
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X-Terrain
While you’ve parked up, you needn’t fear about forgetting to lock the automotive utilizing the important thing fob as the automated walk-away door lock operate has acquired it lined.
Typically talking, Isuzu has finished nicely in fine-tuning the ute driving expertise, and the D-Max is all the higher for it.
What do you get?
There are a complete of six trim ranges provided throughout the D-Max vary.
D-Max commonplace tools:
- 17-inch metal wheels
- Dunlop AT25 tyres
- Three-leaf commonplace rear suspension (Ute fashions)
- Three-leaf heavy-duty rear suspension (Cab Chassis fashions)
- Halogen headlights
- Welcome headlight operate
- Computerized high-beam
- Gloss Black and Materials Black grille
- Tailgate help (Ute fashions)
- 4.2-inch multi-information show
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment show
- Wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- Two USB-C ports (one in Single Cab and House Cab)
- USB-A port for aftermarket sprint cam
- Air-conditioning with HEPA filter
- Rear air vents (Crew Cab fashions)
- Urethane steering wheel
- Urethane transmission selector
- Urethane handbrake
- Vinyl ground
- Material upholstery
D-Max LS-M provides:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Three-leaf commonplace rear suspension (Ute fashions)
- Bi-LED headlights
- LED fog lights
- Rear parking sensors (Ute fashions)
- Physique-coloured mirrors, door handles and tailgate deal with
- Gloss Black and Gray Metallic grille
- Excessive-grade material upholstery
D-Max X-Rider provides:
- Gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels
- Black grille
- Black entrance underbody spoiler
- Darkish gray grille encompass
- Black rear step bar
- Black mirrors, door handles and tailgate deal with
- Black B-pillars
- Darkish gray sidesteps
- Black inside door handles
- Darkish gray and black inside door trims
- Piano black steering wheel spoke trims
- Black headlining
- Satin black sports activities bar
- Black loopless smooth tonneau cowl
- ‘X’ badging on tailgate
D-Max LS-U provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
- Silky Silver and Darkish Gray metallic grille
- Tow bar receiver
- Tub liner (Ute fashions)
- Silver facet steps
- Chrome door handles, tailgate deal with
- Electrical folding and heated facet mirrors
- LED rear mixture tail lights
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Six-speaker sound system (House Cab fashions)
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Three USB-C ports (Two in House Cab)
- Proximity entry and push-button begin
- Stroll-away door lock
- Welcome gentle
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Leather-based-trimmed steering wheel
- Satin chrome steering wheel spoke trims
- Leather-based-trimmed gear selector
- Piano black, silver and chrome inside trim accents
- Smooth-touch door trims and centre console armrest
- Carpet flooring
- Driver’s seat energy lumbar assist
- Tyre strain monitoring
D-Max LS-U+ provides:
- Heated entrance seats
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
- Leather-based-accented door trims
- Eight-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy entrance passenger’s seat
D-Max X-Terrain provides:
- 18-inch matte gray alloy wheels
- Darkish Gray and Black Chrome grille
- ‘X’ badging on tailgate
- Matte black curler tonneau cowl
- Darkish gray metallic aero sports activities bar
- Darkish gray metallic sidesteps, mirrors, door handles, tailgate deal with, roof rails, entrance and rear underbody spoilers and fender flares
- Materials black grille encompass
- Leather-based-accented upholstery with pink stitching
- Purple stitching accents
- Distant engine begin
- Entrance parking sensors
Is the Isuzu D-Max secure?
The Isuzu D-Max wears a five-star ANCAP security score, primarily based on testing carried out in 2020. It obtained a design change to the motive force’s knee airbag and instrument panel in July 2022 and was re-tested, sustaining its five-star score.
Evaluation | Isuzu D-Max |
---|---|
Grownup occupant safety | 33 out of 38 (86 per cent) |
Little one occupant safety | 44 out of 49 (89 per cent) |
Susceptible highway consumer safety | 37.63 out of 54 (69 per cent) |
Security help | 13.49 out of 16 (84 per cent) |
Isuzu D-Max commonplace security options:
- 8 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Ahead collision warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Flip help
- Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Driver consideration help
- Reversing digicam
Computerized fashions additionally add wrong-pedal acceleration warning. LS-M Ute variants add rear parking sensors, LS-U and up add tyre strain monitoring, and entrance parking sensors are reserved for the flagship X-Terrain.
How a lot does the Isuzu D-Max value to run?
The Isuzu D-Max lined by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee. While you service on schedule at an Isuzu seller, as much as seven years of roadside help is obtainable.
Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, other than a complimentary three-month service.
Service interval | Pricing |
---|---|
3 months or 3000km | Free |
12 months or 15,000km | $449 |
24 months or 30,000km | $449 |
36 months or 45,000km | $449 |
48 months or 60,000km | $449 |
60 months or 75,000km | $449 |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Isuzu D-Max
It is a excellent do-it-all ute.
This yr’s updates are extra substantial than they initially seem, and for essentially the most half they additional refine a automotive that has improved with every passing yr.
It retains its strong security report and packs in loads of related tech to maintain occupants secure, all whereas retaining its strong presentation inside and outside.
Design is subjective, however you’ll be able to’t argue it isn’t an imposing machine on the highway.
Every part works because it ought to and leaves nothing to query, and among the driver help options particularly make the D-Max an exceedingly simple automotive to drive – even if you happen to’re not used to driving utes.
There are some quirks to reside with if you happen to go for one, after all. The solar visor/rear view mirror difficulty is one, and it looks like it’d be solved simply by a notch reduce into that visor. Possibly there’s extra to it than that, however you continue to actually shouldn’t have to maneuver the mirror to make use of it correctly.
Then there are the creaks and rattles that present themselves sometimes, which you may anticipate in a automotive that’s getting on in years however not a model new providing for greater than $65,000.
Whereas it’s a work automobile at coronary heart, it might be barely higher constructed on the within. It seems nice and feels nice throughout, so it’d profit from a bit of additional time on the ironing board for these small points.
Nonetheless, you get a really good infotainment system and extremely snug seats, and that’s earlier than you even point out the drivetrain and journey high quality.
This spec of D-Max is so nicely behaved on the highway that I used to be virtually shocked by it. Isuzu’s beefy 3.0-litre turbo-diesel can also be rock strong, and must be the default choice for anybody contemplating considered one of these.
It’s a well-established nameplate, this yr’s updates have finished nicely to protect the D-Max’s standing as a top-class ute within the Australian market.
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