Reviews
Gallery168
8.0/10Score
Score breakdown
8.0
Safety, value and features
7.5
Comfort and space
7.5
Engine and gearbox
7.5
Ride and handling
8.0
Technology
Things we like
- Comprehensive standard safety list
- Respectable manners on-road and off-road
- Very fuel efficient
Not so much
- Engine refinement
- Slow infotainment boot-up
- Six-speed auto becoming dated
The Isuzu D-Max is a ute that competes in the popular and ultra-competitive mid-size ute category.
It is a vehicle that has great safety and technology for the class, a relatively roomy interior, strong performance, acceptable payload capacity and is equal to the best in class with its 3500kg maximum towing capacity.
The current generation D-Max arrived in 2019 and was given an update late last year for MY23, with a minor exterior freshen-up and some spec improvements. The Isuzu D-Max shares much under its panels with the co-developed Mazda BT-50.
Available in multiple combinations of powertrain and body configuration, the D-Max is one of the key players in the ute market.
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JUMP AHEAD
- Pricing
- What body styles are available for the Isuzu D-Max?
- What features are standard in Isuzu D-Max?
- What key features do I get if I spend more?
- How safe is the Isuzu D-Max?
- How comfortable and practical is the Isuzu D-Max?
- How big is the tray/tub?
- I like driving – will I enjoy this car?
- Which Isuzu D-Max engine uses the least fuel?
- What is the Isuzu D-Max’s towing capacity?
- How long is the warranty and what are the Isuzu D-Max’s servicing costs?
- Which version of the Isuzu D-Max does Wheels recommend?
- What are the Isuzu D-Max’s key rivals?
Pricing
| 2023 Isuzu D-MAX pricing | |
|---|---|
| SX single cab cab-chassis 1.9L 6-speed manual 4x2 | $32,200 |
| SX single cab cab-chassis 1.9L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $34,200 |
| SX single cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed manual 4x2 | $34,200 |
| SX single cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $36,200 |
| SX space cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $39,700 |
| SX dual-cab cab-chassis 1.9L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $40,700 |
| SX dual-cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $42,700 |
| SX dual-cab ute 1.9L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $42,200 |
| SX dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $42,200 |
| LS-U dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x2 | $53,000 |
| SX single cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed manual 4x4 | $42,200 |
| SX single cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $44,200 |
| SX space cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed manual 4x4 | $45,700 |
| SX space cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $47,700 |
| SX dual-cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed manual 4x4 | $48,700 |
| SX dual-cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $50,700 |
| LS-M dual-cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $53,800 |
| LS-U dual-cab cab-chassis 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $59,200 |
| SX dual-cab ute 1.9L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $50,200 |
| SX dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $52,200 |
| LS-M dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed manual 4x4 | $53,300 |
| LS-M dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $55,300 |
| LS-U space cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $58,000 |
| LS-U dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed manual 4x4 | $59,000 |
| LS-U dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $61,000 |
| LS-U+ dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $63,500 |
| X-Terrain dual-cab ute 3.0L 6-speed automatic 4x4 | $67,500 |
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What body styles are available for the Isuzu D-Max?
The D-Max is available as either 4x2 models (which drive the rear wheels only) or as 4x4 models, which have part-time four-wheel drive. The D-Max is classed as a light commercial vehicle.
Cab-chassis models give the option of fitting any applicable tray or service body, including designs tailor-made for specific applications.
Single cab and space cab models come only in this form but you can have the dual cab either as a cab chassis or with an enclosed factory tub at the back.
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Single-cab models only have room for two passengers, while space cab versions add two extra rear ‘jump seats’ accessed through shorter, rear-hinged back doors and can seat four.
Dual-cab models have larger, more conventional rear doors and can seat five.
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What features are standard in Isuzu D-Max?
The features listed below are standard in the entry-level SX dual-cab model and will appear in higher-grade models, unless replaced by more premium equivalent features.
| 2023 Isuzu D-MAX standard features | |
|---|---|
| Colour seven-inch touchscreen, one 12v auxiliary and two USB input sockets. | Urethane steering wheel, gear shifter, and handbrake |
| 17-inch steel wheels | Vinyl flooring |
| 225/65R17 Dunlop all-terrain tyres | Cloth upholstery |
| 7-inch infotainment system | Manual air conditioning |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Rear air vents (dual-cab only) |
| Wired Android Auto | Tailgate gas strut (ute models, new) |
| DAB+ digital radio | Rain-sensing wipers |
| Four speaker audio system | Redesigned black front grille |
| Front USB-A port | An automatic transmission (standard on 4x2, optional on some 4x4 models). |
| Second-row USB-A port (new, dual-cab only) | Rear differential lock (4x4 only) |
| Halogen head and tail-lights | |
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What key features do I get if I spend more?
Like other popular utes, there are lots of changes as you step up the D-Max range.
The starting point in dual-cab ute form is the SX pick-up in 4x2 or 4x4 guise with the 1.9-litre 110kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and six-speed manual or auto combination in 4x2, or auto only in 4x4.
Also offered in SX specification (with 4x4 only) is the 140kW/450Nm 3.0L diesel engine with a six-speed manual or auto.
Specification highlights of the Isuzu D-Max LS-M dual cab over the SX centre on 17-inch alloy wheels, ‘high-grade’ cloth upholstery, LED headlights with auto-levelling, LED daytime running lamps, LED fog lights (new look), rear parking sensors (ute models), body-coloured mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle and heavy-duty rear leaf spring suspension.
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All Isuzu D-Max models get a six-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, with complimentary roadside assist for seven years. Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
For extra features, you could spend more for a D-Max LS-U, which like the LS-M is available with a 3.0-litre diesel automatic and rear-wheel drive 4x2 or as a manual or auto part-time 4x4.
| 2023 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U adds | |
|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels (new look) | Soft-touch interior finishes |
| 9-inch infotainment system | Driver and passenger vanity mirrors |
| Satellite navigation | Carpet flooring |
| Eight-speaker audio system (double cab) | Tow bar receiver |
| Six-speaker audio system (space cab) | Tub liner (ute models) |
| Keyless entry and push-button start | Side steps |
| Walk away door lock | Chrome door handles, mirrors and tailgate handle |
| Auto-dimming rear-view mirror | Heated door mirrors (new) |
| Power lumbar adjustment for driver’s seat | LED tail-lights (new look) |
| Leather-accented steering wheel, gear shifter, and handbrake | Chrome front grille (new look) |
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Paying more again for an LS-U+ gets you those features plus:
| 2023 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ adds | |
|---|---|
| Leather-accented upholstery with black stitching (new look) | Heated front seats |
| Eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat | |
The X-Terrain is the highest-spec D-Max model, and offers these features unique in the range:
| 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain adds | |
|---|---|
| 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels (new look) | Remote engine start |
| Front parking sensors | Matte black roller tonneau cover |
| Leather-accented upholstery with red stitching (new look) | Dark grey sports bar |
| Blacked-out instrument cluster with X-Terrain badging | Dark grey front grille (new look) |
| Red and black interior accents | Front and rear underbody spoilers |
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How safe is the Isuzu D-Max?
The D-Max, along with its platform-shared Mazda BT-50 derivative, set a new benchmark among mid-size utes when each arrived in 2019, featuring a long list of standard active safety equipment in all models.
ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) awarded the D-Max a full five-star crash safety rating in 2020.
It scored well in child occupant protection as well as safety assistance systems thanks in part to the inclusion of standard AEB and lane-keep technology.
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It lost marks for the absence of AEB in reverse and, like many high-riding utes, was marked down for vulnerable road user protection including head impact rating.
Other standard safety features include eight airbags, ISOFIX and top tether anchors for two child seats in the second row, blind-spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, driver fatigue monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and reversing camera.
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How comfortable and practical is the Isuzu D-Max?
The Isuzu D-Max interior is one of the least utilitarian of dual-cab utes, with good fit and finish plus a logical dashboard layout.
Whereas the Mazda BT-50 has easily the most car-like of ute cabins with its tasteful two-tone upholstery, the D-Max lacks its platform partner's more luxurious cabin finish.
At least the Isuzu's front seats are as comfortable as they look and offer a generous 90mm of headroom for the driver.
The impressive 9.0-inch central touchscreen matches that of the BT-50 and while it has sharp graphics and decent features, the system takes more than 20 seconds to boot up after the engine is started – the longest of any ute in our recent giant dual-cab comparison.
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Unlike some others, the touchscreen does not incorporate the climate control functions, which are instead housed in a specific panel below with a clear digital display and hard switches.
Also common to both Isuzu and Mazda are a small, sporty and ergonomic steering wheel covered in top-quality leather with two-way adjustment, an upholstered dashboard with real stitching, a big phone storage tray and a USB-A port plus 12-volt power outlet for the front row.
There’s also a neat double glove box, which the Isuzu adds to with a further lidded cubby on top of the dash.
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Second-row passengers are also well looked after with a whopping 100mm of knee room, another USB socket, ample toe room, ceiling-mounted speakers and great visibility even for smaller occupants.
Headroom is limited in the second row compared to the front, with just 40mm of space and the rear doors don’t open as wide as some other utes which could make loading people and things a little trickier.
The D-Max gets pleasant cloth upholstery and manual driver’s seat adjustment, plus electric lumbar support adjustment from LS-U trim and up.
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How big is the tray/tub?
Roller tonneau covers are fitted to the upper-spec models, which are simple in operation and offer effective security but take up valuable real estate and will be the first thing taken off if you actually need to use the ute’s tray much at all.
Unfortunately, with the tonneau cover, the tray only features two tie-down points towards the rear, but lower-spec models without the roller cover get four tie-downs. The dual-cab D-Max has a tray that is 1570mm long by 1530mm wide.
If you are looking to tow a trailer, caravan, boat, or similarly hitched wagon with your dual-cab, the D-Max LS-U makes a compelling choice. It boasts an official braked towing rating of 3500kg, with a 6000kg gross combination mass.
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I like driving – will I enjoy this car?
Yes – to a degree. The Isuzu D-Max is one of the easier and more satisfying mid-size utes to drive, and the rougher the road, the better.
The Isuzu D-Max isn’t the final word in dual-cab driving refinement but given its real-world capability off the beaten track, this is very easily forgiven.
It should also be noted that even with a more utilitarian bent, the D-Max still outclasses key rivals in the segment when it comes to on-road driving. We were impressed by the relatively responsive engine, which provides a surge of torque from 2000rpm through a sweet spot at 3500rpm.
Although it has fewer ratios than rivals, the six-speed automatic transmission has an intuitive calibration. Its only major downfall is a tendency to hold onto revs more than we’d like on prolonged downhill sections.
A stiffer suspension calibration means the D-Max has the characteristic dual-cab ‘patter’ in most urban environments, but this is offset by excellent (for the class) cabin refinement. With Bridgestone Dueler H/T tyres, the D-Max impressed us with its ability to keep road and tyre noise in check.
Our biggest highlight though was the steering. This is a massive step up from the old model and will have few drivers complaining – particularly if they have much exposure to other key dual-cab models.
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The steering wheel itself is nicely proportioned and is weighted in a sweet spot that balances around-town commuting needs and highway stability with agility at low speeds.
While there is some stiff-legged compromise, we found the D-Max to be a true ‘Jack of all trades’ when it came to driving needs.
If any of the terms in this section have left you scratching your head, these articles will help bring you up to speed!
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Which Isuzu D-Max engine uses the least fuel?
The D-Max 1.9L 4x2 automatic dual cab uses just 6.7L/100km (claimed) on the combined cycle, while the 3.0L-engined 4x2 (automatic) and 4x4 auto and manual dual-cab models use a claimed 8.0L/100km. All D-Max models have a 76-litre fuel tank.
While the 1.9L engine version is cheaper to buy and has slightly better fuel economy, it lacks the 3.0L engine’s power and torque (by 30kW and 100Nm) as well as towing capacity (by 500kg to 700kg). For those wanting a 1.9L, it is available with a manual or automatic transmission in 4x2 form or an auto-only 4x4.
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What is the Isuzu D-Max’s towing capacity?
The Isuzu D-Max has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2800kg/3000kg (manual/auto with the 1.9L engine) or 3500kg (3.0L engines), with a tow ball download maximum rating of 280kg/300kg for the 1.9L engine and 350kg on all other models.
Payload in the dual cabs ranges from 925kg for the X-Terrain to 1405kg for the SX 4x2 cab chassis.
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How long is the warranty and what are the Isuzu D-Max’s servicing costs?
The D-Max’s warranty coverage is for six years or 150,000 kilometres, along with roadside assistance for seven years.
Isuzu specifies scheduled servicing every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first, with a first free service at 3000km or three months. Under its capped-price service offering, maintenance costs range from $335 to $799 per service, depending on the interval.
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Which version of the Isuzu D-Max does Wheels recommend?
There is much to like about the X-Terrain, with its plush leather interior and roller tonneau cover, but for the best value and overall practicality, the D-Max LS-U dual-cab auto at $61,000 (before on-road costs) would be the sweet spot of the range.
You get keyless entry and start as well as a tow bar and embedded sat-nav.
If you really must have the luxury feel of leather in your D-Max, there is the LS-U+, which adds leather (heated front) seats plus a few more power driver’s seat adjustments for an extra $2500.
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What are the Isuzu D-Max’s key rivals?
8.0/10Score
Score breakdown
8.0
Safety, value and features
7.5
Comfort and space
7.5
Engine and gearbox
7.5
Ride and handling
8.0
Technology
Things we like
- Comprehensive standard safety list
- Respectable manners on-road and off-road
- Very fuel efficient
Not so much
- Engine refinement
- Slow infotainment boot-up
- Six-speed auto becoming dated
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