Isuzu has given the popular D-Max ute its most significant upgrade since the current-generation model was introduced in 2020.
The ute, which was the country’s third best-selling vehicle last year, has a fresh new look, improved driver assistance tech, better in-car entertainment and softer suspension.
There’s also a new “Rough Terrain Mode” for more adventurous off-roaders. Prices have jumped accordingly, but not cripplingly so. Rises are between $500 and $2000, depending on the model.
New on the scene is an X-Rider model lathered in moody black trim; one of 25 D-Max variants over six different grades. Prices start at $32,490 drive-away for the workhorse SX single cab 1.9-litre manual 2WD and climb to $67,990 drive-away for the fully loaded X-Terrain dual-cab 3.0-litre 4WD.
Mystifyingly, the model below the flagship X-Terrain costs more to drive away. The updates improve an already solid player in the ultra-competitive ute playground.
The reliable workhorse 140kW/450Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel engine is unchanged for 2024 but there are tweaks to the bonnet, nose, lights, grille, tailgate and wheels, as well as a new “look-at me” Sunstone Orange paint for the X-Terrain.
The cabin has a new dash design and steering wheel, while there’s new upholstery over the D-Max’s nicely cosseting seats.
The lower grades’ cloth seats pattern flirts too closely to questionable 1990s design, but the fancy LS-U+ and X-Terrain have leather-accented seats that are power-adjustable and heated.
Higher grades have a clear 7-inch digital driver display and much-improved 9-inch infotainment screen, while less grades have a smaller screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but there’s no wireless phone charging. Two USB-C ports and one USB-A compensate.
The D-Max’s cabin feel and general drive carry over from before. That means solid construction, reasonable space and user-friendly functions such as rear air vents for the kids or work crew.
The carry-over engine has ample shove from low revs and feels unstressed for the most part, although it will become loud and coarse if you stamp on the accelerator.
Fuel consumption’s not great at 8.3L/100km for the 4WD model and Isuzu is tight lipped about any potential hybrid version. Almost all D-Max 4WDs now have “standard duty” three-leaf spring suspension, helping to boost on-road comfort, especially when unladen. Even so, the overall ride quality can’t match the segment-leading Ford Ranger.
We tested the new Rough Terrain Mode over an off-road course’s undulating lumps and it smoothly and impressively limited wheel spin across each wheel independently, while operating with the rear diff lock. It’s one for the hardcore off-roaders but Isuzu’s included it in response to feedback from customers.
Most D-Maxes will spend their lives on the black stuff tackling commutes, family trips, school runs and mini adventures. Therefore, family safety is important. The old D-Max had plenty of driver assistance tech but it was poorly calibrated.
The reworked lane-keep assistance feature now gently massages you into the centre of the lane, rather than tugging abruptly on the steering wheel. Where lane-keeping and radar cruise used to shut off below 60km/h they now work at all speeds.
The radar cruise is particularly impressive. It slows when it detects brake lights ahead and in traffic jams effectively stops and goes automatically.
Family vehicle suitableness is also boosted by hazard-detecting cameras with wider fields of vision, while a high-res and wide-seeing rear camera is complemented by rear auto emergency braking if you’re about to reverse into approaching objects – easy to do in a lengthy dual-cab.