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Isuzu D-MAX review

ISUZU’S D-MAX is the third best selling vehicle in Australia! It’s easy to see why this style of vehicle has gained such widespread popularity. They make a great family car and are as comfortable as any smaller SUV or sedan, plus they make a good work car, and importantly, they’re ideal for recreation.

For the purpose of this magazine article, we’re more interested in the towing capabilities and off-road performance. That said, I’m sure the long list of upgrades in the 2024 model would be welcome news for anyone looking to buy a new D-MAX.

The 2024 range is the most significant upgrades we’ve seen to the D-MAX range for some years.

The upgrades are shared across the exterior body, interior, as well as some off-road performance upgrades. 

ABOVE: The fully spec’d X-TERRAIN model.

Exterior design

Let’s start by looking at updates to the exterior. The latest D-MAX features a bold chiseled profile and new bi-LED headlights (LS-M models and above). Meanwhile, the sharp body lines complement Isuzu’s horizontal bar grille and a higher, squarer bonnet.

At the rear, Isuzu has redesigned the taillights to match the overall exterior redesign.

The premium X-TERRAIN and new X-RIDER models feature a bolder exterior design. These both feature dark grey underbody spoilers, darkened accents and a “menacing” front bar design that Isuzu says ties in with Isuzu’s signature front grille.

In my opinion, it’s a sensible and smart looking upgrade.

Offering more than aesthetics, Isuzu has installed a pair of air curtains nestled within the fog lights. According to Isuzu, this channels accelerated airflow around the front wheels, which when combined with airflow deflectors, sleek longitudinal body lines and the redesigned and deeper rear tailgate spoiler, improves the overall aerodynamic design.

Interior

Isuzu says the interior seating, dashboard and doors feature bolder accents and trim. The seats themselves feature supportive anti-vibration EVA foam-lining and the LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN models come with perforated leather-accented upholstery throughout the interior.

The instruments have been redesigned with a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and easy to read dials and display. The LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN models have a high-definition 7-inch display.

The touchscreen “infotainment” screen comes in a new 8-inch size on the SX, LS-M, and X-RIDER models and 9-inch on LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN.

All systems have USB-C connectivity, voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, plus new wired and wireless Android Auto. This provides true wireless connectivity regardless of what smartphone you’re using. 

Off-road users will appreciate the inclinometer and Terrain Command 4×4 drive modes that have been integrated into the system. And, addressing customer feedback, Isuzu has installed a pair of tuning and volume dials that it says improves tactility, functionality, and usability.

The 9-inch system also comes with Sat-Nav, ADAS setting controls, and an additional 3-Amp USB-C connection. There’s also tyre pressures and temperatures via the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

All up, I found the units simple to operate and the connectivity worked well without any interruptions to the wireless integration. 

Off-road

The D-MAX features 240mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 800mm. 

It features selectable dual-range 4WD and a rear differential lock.

Isuzu also offers for the Australian market a prefabricated pathway in the inner fender for easy installation of an engine snorkel, and a suspension tune specific for Australian roads and conditions.

The 2024 model introduces Rough Terrain Mode (RTM). This is, according to Isuzu, an electronic off-road traction control aid that maximises torque-transfer and drivability in technical, slippery, and rough conditions.

The RTM feature has been on Isuzu’s MU-X models since 2021, although unique to D-MAX, the RTM works in conjunction with the Rear Differential Lock and is said to maximise traction with a locked rear axle and traction control across the front axle. 

The 2024 upgrade also features Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This update displays real-time individual tyre pressures and temperatures via the 7-inch MID and 9-inch infotainment screen.

Isuzu says when tyres are deflated for off-roading, the system will produce a warning for 5 seconds before minimising into the background of the MID, giving the driver full control of the MID and infotainment system. 

ABOVE: Isuzu’s D-MAX X-Rider.

Towing 

The 2024 model features the same 3.0 litre turbo-diesel engine that we’ve seen on previous models. 

It’s a solid performer for towing and produces 140kW and plenty of torque with 450Nm available from1,600 to 2,600rpm. This flat torque band helps acceleration and overall drivability. 

The D-MAX is rated to tow 3.5T and includes a number of features that make towing safer and easier.

For example, Trailer Sway Control TSC can apply brakes to individual wheels to help bring the trailer safely back under control if it starts swaying. Other features for towing include Electric Stability Control (ESC) and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) mentioned above in regard to off-road driving.

ABOVE: The D-MAX LS-U+.

Testing the D-MAX range

Fishing World tested four new D-MAX double cab models across four weeks. The models included the X-TERRAIN,  LS-U+, LS-U Crew Cab Chassis, and finally, the X-RIDER.

Each car was put through its paces on and off road; not to mention towing. Nothing too serious off-road, but enough to get a feel for the D-MAX’s list of suitable inclusions. 

My own Bar Crusher, a 535XS, was a breeze to tow. It weighs just over 1000kg and given the towing capacity of 3.5T, it was hardly noticeable. I took the X-RIDER and Bar Crusher on a longer seven hour for drive from Sydney to the NSW/Vic border and it performed well, although the brakes did need some cooling down descending a steep section of road around Bega. I wasn’t using electric brakes on this size boat.

ABOVE: The D-MAX Crew Cab.

We also tested towing the X-RIDER on a much larger 670HT Bar Crusher. This is well in excess of 2.5T and quite large and wind resistant. Again, the D-MAX performed effortlessly and it’s fair to say the Trailer Sway Control and Electric Stability Control came into play to keep it safe and free of any problems.

Fuel economy without towing was around 10L/100km and towing the larger Bar Crusher, it dropped to around 15L/100km on average. That’s what we expected and is on par with previous models and similar size vehicles. 

It was interesting to test and compare the various models in the range. They all feature the same 3.0 diesel and all have the same essential towing and off-road features. 

The main differences are in the aesthetics, interior displays and design and comfort. Of course not everyone needs leather seats and not everyone needs the maximum size screen. I found the X-RIDER and LS-U Crew Cab Chassis more than comfortable for long drives and driving around town.

It’s also worth mentioning Isuzu has updated the D-MAX with a long list of class leading safety features. Safety is a key factor when towing or driving your family around, whether it’s long drives to fishing spots or dropping them off at school.

All up, Isuzu’s D-MAX has done a fantastic job with its updated 2024 models. It looks the part and performs well across all of its entry level and fully-spec’d models.

Price are below for tested models at the time of testing (2024).

X-TERRAIN as tested $70,490.92

LS-U+ As tested $76,001.87

LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 4×4: As tested: $71,241.27

X-RIDER: As tested: $67,425.98

More info at www.isuzuute.com.au.

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