What is it: 

This 2024 model is the biggest update to the Isuzu D-Max since this generation went on sale in 2020.

We got reacquainted to find out why it is one of the top-selling utes in Australia.

Now we can see why.

The Isuzu D-Max might be under-rated by some sections of the motoring media, but buyers have figured out this is a good, honest, reliable rig.

Price:

Well this is awkward. The top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is currently listed at $67,990 drive-away (pictured below).

But the next model down, the Isuzu D-Max LS-U Plus we are testing, is listed at $70,900 drive-away on the Isuzu Ute Australia website.

That’s because Isuzu puts a bonus on the X-Terrain but not on the LS-U Plus, which understandably drives customer demand towards the better equipped X-Terrain.

Any discount is up to the discretion of the dealer, but not many are prepared to rip up $5000 to make the LS-U Plus $62,990 drive-away, which is probably where this should be.

With the previous generation Isuzu D-Max, the company had drive-away offers on every model in the range.

But since 2020 most prices have been at the full RRP. Here’s hoping drive-away offers eventually return to all models as the D-Max starts to age.

That said, this mid-life facelift has given it another boost – and we can see why the Isuzu D-Max is so popular.

ANCAP safety rating:

The current generation Isuzu D-Max was the first ute to earn a five-star ANCAP rating based on 2020 testing criteria.

Isuzu Ute Australia resubmitted the vehicle to testing in 2022 so it would be able to carry an updated five-star score for another six years.

(ANCAP date stamps its scores to expire after six years, so consumers aren’t comparing old results with newer tests done to tougher criteria).

Using that timing as a guide, it tells us the next-generation Isuzu D-Max probably isn’t due until 2028 – because the five-star safety rating for the current model will last until then.

Five-star safety is not only important for workers and their families, it’s a minimum requirement for most government, business and mining fleets.

Engine:

Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s proven single-turbo 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel.

It has one of the lowest power and torque outputs on paper (140kW/450Nm) from one of the biggest capacity motors in the ute class.

However, this is a very under-stressed engine and it performs better than the numbers suggest, hauling heavy loads with ease.

It’s worth noting a version of this engine is shared with Isuzu delivery trucks, so a ute is light work in comparison.

Best of all, it doesn’t require AdBlue (which the new Mitsubishi Triton does, and so too the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X).

Transmission:

Six-speed torque converter automatic with two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, low- and high-range.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

This was such a surprise we did this test over and over to make sure it wasn’t a mistake.

It did the 0 to 100kmh dash in an impressive 9.6 to 9.7 seconds – that’s more than a second quicker than the 10.9 second time we got for this generation Isuzu D-Max when it came out in 2020.

There is no extra power. All we can put this down to is perhaps Isuzu reacalibrated the transmission to shift at points that optimise engine power.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested): 

Another surprise. Most utes pull up in 42 to 44 metres on highway terrain tyres. Off-road rubber takes even longer to pull up.

But using our precision VBox timing equipment the Isuzu D-Max LS-U Plus pulled up in an impressive 41.1 metres, putting it at the pointy end of the ute segment among its direct rivals.

Good points:

This is a handsome redesign (new front fascia and new interior trim).

The infotainment system gains volume and tuning dials (which are easier to operate than touch buttons on bumpy roads), and two USB-C charge ports which are faster at powering-up devices.

Wireless and wired smartphone connectivity (though no wireless charge pad).

The instrument cluster on high end models like this one gain a larger digital display in the middle (though not a full width digital display like flagship Ford Ranger and VW Amarok screens).

The crash avoidance technology has been updated with wider view stereo cameras for better crash prevention.

Speed sign recognition, blind zone and rear cross-traffic alerts work well.

Six-year warranty in a segment dominated by five-year coverage.

The doors lock automatically when you walk away from the vehicle (just like a Tesla). We got so used to this tech we’re surprised most other cars don’t have it.

The bi-LED headlights on this model are benchmark in the double-cab ute class. (Buy an optional light bar for looks if you want, but the standard headlights are exceptional).

Superb comfort and ride and handling combination on well-sorted suspension paired with highway-terrain tyres.

Hard-wearing interior materials. All buttons are dials are well laid out and easy to use. Good oddment storage in the centre console and door pockets.

Light and easy steering. Reassuring brake pedal feel (even though the rear brakes are drums not discs). Tight turning circle (for a ute).

Bad points:

This is nitpicking but here goes.

Only the driver gets one-touch auto up and down power windows (some other utes such as Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen Amarok have four “express” power windows).

The sun visors do not extend far enough to block side glare (Volkswagen Amarok has this feature).

The biggest bugbear though is the price.

It’s lunacy that this model – the LS-U Plus, which is second from the top of the range – is dearer than the top-of-the-range.

So there’s either a tonne of profit margin on this variant, or Isuzu is taking a bath on the X-Terrain.

Hint: car makers tend not to lose money on motor vehicles, even during special drive-away offers.

What the haters say:

1) The engine doesn’t have enough guts, mate.

2) That price is a joke, how long’s that been going on?

What the haters don’t understand:

1) The engine has plenty of grunt – despite what the power and torque numbers say. Just look at our 0 to 100kmh performance times.

2) You’re right. And, too long.

Should you buy one?

Yes, but not at this price. Better still, buy the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain instead. It is cheaper and has more gear (roller shutter cover, fender flares, unique alloy wheels, unique interior trim).

Also consider:

Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Toyota HiLux.