Isuzu D-Max revealed: Big price rise for Toyota HiLux rival

Tradies and off-road enthusiasts can cheer for joy as a new tough dual-cab ute with improved technology is preparing to hit Aussie roads.

2020 Isuzu D-Max

Isuzu’s all-new D-Max ute has broken cover, with improved technology, safety and off-road ability.

But it comes at a cost. Drive-away pricing for the new flagship D-Max X-Terrain Crew Cab is $58,990, some $7000 more than its current range-topping D-Max LS-T.

Isuzu argues price hikes across the D-Max range are justified to reflect it being “the most advanced, refined and sophisticated vehicle” it has ever produced.

Isuzu has dramatically improved its D-Max ute.

There’s no doubt the feature-packed new model — replacing the current eight-year old D-Max design — offers a significant jump in desirable inclusions.

D-Max buyers are typically drawn to Isuzu’s reputation for simplicity, reliability, meaty 3.0-litre truck-sourced turbo-diesel engine, towing ability and off-road chops. Isuzu, wisely, has carried over these core elements.

The 3.0-litre four-cylinder has been reengineered to be quieter and offer 140kW and 450Nm (up 10kW/20Nm) while the inclusion of a rear diff-lock on all 4WD models will appeal to serious off-roaders. Wading depth is up 200mm to an impressive 800mm.

The D-Max is suited to serious off-roaders.

While the outgoing D-Max had what could politely be called a utilitarian interior, the 2021 version comes with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay phone mirroring, plus a rival-trumping high-resolution screen. A seven-inch touchscreen is standard, but the top two grades boast nine-inch screens with built-in sat nav.

All D-Max grades score eight airbags, auto emergency braking (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane departure prevention, lane-keep assist, turn assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control as standard. That’s Mercedes S-Class levels just a few years ago.

Isuzu has made big improvements to its interior.

Bells and whistles high-grade utes are increasingly bought by families and the range-topping D-Max X-Terrain has electrically operated leather-accented seats, piano black trim, remote engine start, dark grey alloy wheels, aero sports bar, roller tonneau cover and tub liner.

Three D-Max cabin types are offered; Single Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab, with four model variants; SX, LS-M, LS-U and X-Terrain.

Isuzu bewilders with pricing. Drive-away charges are often less than the RRP. The entry-level workhorse 4x2 Single Cab Chassis SX has an RRP of $32,200, but drive-away is $29,990. The X-Terrain Crew Cab 4x4’s RRP is $62,900, but drive-away is $58,990. Selected others in between will also enjoy such deals from the September 1 on-sale date.

Australia is the D-Max’s biggest export market, so Isuzu has smartly listened and responded to owners and potential owners’ wishlists for the new model.

There is a six-year/150,000km warranty and owners enjoy seven years of roadside assist and capped price servicing. The latter comes to $3373 across seven years.

Isuzu hasn’t yet released details about the next-generation MU-X SUV, which is based on the D-Max.