2024 Isuzu D-Max facelift: New equipment, higher prices, coming to showrooms soon

One of Australia’s top-selling utes – the Isuzu D-Max, which ranked third outright last year in the new-car sales race behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – has received a major mid-life facelift.

The 2024 model represents the biggest change to the Isuzu D-Max since this generation went on sale locally four years ago.

There is no extra power for the 3.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, which retains its modest but under-stressed output of 140kW and 450Nm (paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto).

The flagship Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain roller shutter is still manually operated (rather than power operated on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota HiLux Rogue).

And all models in the updated Isuzu D-Max range still have rear drum brakes whereas most new utes have four-wheel disc brakes on top-end variants.

However, there is still a long list of new and worthwhile features.

In addition to the bold new front fascia, new headlights, new tail-lights and a new tailgate, there is a range of new advanced safety technology and creature comforts.

And the arrival of a new mid-grade model called the X-Rider (pictured below, not to be confused with the flagship X-Terrain, pictured above).

Prices across the 2024 Isuzu D-Max range have risen by between $500 and $3000 depending on the model, starting from $32,490 drive-away (up $500) for the base model, single-cab, two-wheel-drive, 1.9-litre, six-speed manual “traffic controller” with dropside aluminium tray.

The flagship Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain – one of the most popular models in the entire line-up – has risen to $67,990 drive-away, a $9000 increase compared to its launch price in 2020 (when it was $58,990 drive-away) and $3000 more than last year’s price for this model grade (when it was $64,990 drive-away).

Isuzu Ute Australia’s pricing structure still has some unusual anomalies.

There are drive-away pricing offers on the cheapest and the dearest models in the Isuzu D-Max range, but the price of every other variant is at full retail – and the drive-away price depends on your negotiating skills.

Indeed, on Isuzu’s online calculator, the next model down in the D-Max line-up is in fact dearer than the X-Terrain’s drive-away deal.

This is why there is a wait list of up to 12 months for the X-Terrain, because it is actually cheaper than the next model down in the line-up.

Key changes on the 2024 Isuzu D-Max:

New grille, front bumper and headlight design;
New daytime running light signature (which alternates as the indicator on bi-LED models);
New three-zone tail-lights, new tailgate (with a wider flat section on the top lip for better air flow);
New wheel designs across the range, and unique 18-inch wheels on X-Terrain for the first time;
New infotainment screens (8.0-inch on lower grades and 9.0-inch on higher grades) with volume and tuning dials;
New digital instrument cluster (4.2-inch on lower grades and 7.0-inch on higher grades);
2 x USB-C charge ports and one 12V socket in the lower dash, USB-A charge port in rear mirror housing for a dash cam;
New seat pattern designs;
Fourth-generation autonomous emergency braking twin camera technology now has a 120-degree field of view rather than 40-degrees, so it can better scan the road ahead for potential hazards;
Rear cross-traffic alert now has autonomous emergency braking;
Radar cruise control now automatically adjusts to speed warning signs;
Improved lane tracing technology will follow the centre of the lane rather than ‘bouncing’ between lane markings;
New digital rear camera with hydrophobic (water deflecting) lens, a high resolution display, and a wider field of view.