Isuzu D-Max review: What you need to go off-road

Here’s some top tips for stepping off the bitumen and going off road.

Isuzu’s D-Max LS-U+ Ute has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity and a payload of 988kg.

BEFORE Scott Morrison made multiple jobs popular, dual-cabs were already adept at multiskilling.

Utes have surged in popularity off the back of improved on-road dynamics, safety features and modern infotainment.

Testament to Australians’ adoration is Isuzu Ute’s position in the market. While only having a dual-cab and an off-road capable SUV based on the same platform, Isuzu remains entrenched in the top-10 selling brands.

So far this year, Isuzu has battled for sales supremacy with the likes of Subaru, while sitting ahead of big-name brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

Dramatic improvements escalated the D-Max ute to top billing among experts for ability and cost last year, but the recent arrival of Ford’s Ranger and the impending upgrade of Toyota’s HiLux has the Isuzu product on notice.

Yet the D-Max remains a towing and off-roading workhorse that starts from about $56,500 drive-away for the base SX crew cab ute with an automatic transmission.

During recent months we’ve sampled the LS-U+ to evaluate its family appeal.

Inside the 22MY Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-U.

RIGOURS OF LIFE

Surfboards, mountain bikes and dump runs. The D-Max has seen it all.

Combining work and play has fuelled the appeal of dual-cabs, and the LS-U+ also throws in car-like luxuries including leather trim, nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as satnav.

There can be some bounce in the rear when the ute is unladen, but ride quality remains composed when on the bitumen. Supermarket trips remain a challenge without partitions or storage boxes in the tub, otherwise the only option is to fill the back seat to avoid scattered bags.

The Isuzu D-Max LS-U starts from about $68,000 drive-away.

ADVENTUROUS SIDE

With a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, the D-Max is renowned for its hauling ability.

But it can also successfully get off the beaten track. Shifting into four-wheel drive can be done via a console button, although before tackling the tough stuff you need to be prepared.

There’s a lot of gear and gadgets around which can be baffling for new off-roaders.

Isuzu I-Venture Club trainer David Wilson says most people can get what’s required for less than $1000. The basic complement of equipment should include a long-handled shovel, air compressor, some snatch straps and shackles in the event of getting bogged, along with recovery boards.

The Isuzu D-Max LS-U starts from about $68,000 drive-away.

HOW TO DRIVE OFF-ROAD

Reducing recommended on-road tyre pressure by 20 per cent on gravel roads, and 50 per cent in sandy conditions (probably between 15-20 PSI) will set you on the path to success.

Mr Wilson said while lifesaving technology was brilliant on-road, safety features such as traction and stability control could be a hindrance off-road.

“Find out what controls that and turning them off is essential on sand and mud,” he said.

“At the first hint of wheel slip they will go to work and start braking the spinning wheel and that will cost you precious momentum.

“If the terrain is flat and firm you can get away with high range, if it is boggy or steep, use low range every time. Most utes now are automatics, so get used to using to the sport shift function, take control manually to keep the engine speed up to maintain momentum.”

He said while four-wheel drives can often do the job in high range, it can put the vehicle under too much labour.

“The torque application is significantly less in high range and that is when the wheels start to spin,” he said

Fluffy the emu with the Isuzu D-Max LS-U.

RITE OF PASSAGE

For those going off-road, getting stuck is inevitable.

But Mr Wilson advises novices not to panic.

“Try backing it out first and shovel work is always handy,” he said. “Have a look under the belly of the car. If that is in contact with the ground, dig that out and the material behind the wheels.

“Keep the front wheels in the dead-ahead direction, if they are turned you might as well have left the hand brake on.”

When it comes to using the recovery boards, look at where the wheels are spinning and apply the boards there first.

AT A GLANCE

ISUZU D-MAX LS-U CREW CAB UTE

PRICE $68,042 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING 6 year/150,000km warranty; 7 services $3223

ENGINE 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 140kW/450Nm 4WD

SAFETY 8 airbags, AEB, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure prevention and warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor, rear camera, rear cross traffic alert

THIRST 8.0L/100km

TOWING 3500kg (350 towball), GCM 6000kg