2023 Isuzu D-Max new car review

The arrival of the new Ford Ranger has forced some of the country’s most popular ute brands to upgrade their machines to compete.

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain

The current generation Isuzu D-Max ute arrived two years ago, setting new ute safety standards while proving itself a desirable, highly competent all-rounder. But the excellent new Ford Ranger has raised the stakes considerably in the ute market.

Isuzu has responded with a mild update of the D-Max for the 2023 model year.

Isuzu has given the D-Max some minor updates.

There’s a new grille design, new wheels, fresh trim and paint finishes, plus three new variants using the brand’s more economical (but less gutsy) 1.9-litre turbo-diesel. It’s hardly a revolution, but the changes will be welcomed by a growing army of loyal followers who have made the D-Max almost as popular as Toyota’s Corolla in the new-car market this year.

Isuzu is the country’s eighth biggest brand – trumping Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen – despite selling just two models, the D-Max and the MU-X large SUV.

If supply could keep up with demand – availability remains a problem – sales would be even loftier.

Bounding over Queensland’s Noosa North Shore soft sand, the D-Max is a persuasive thing. I’m in the range-topping X-Terrain ($64,990 drive-away), featuring redesigned leather-accented heated power seats with sporty red stitching, sharp 9-inch infotainment with wireless CarPlay and wired Android Auto and fancy piano-like dash buttons. Only hard plastic door tops and no wireless phone charging disappoint.

The range-topping X-Terrain comes with all the trimmings.

While our sand odyssey wasn’t terribly hardcore, the D-Max remains a confident off-roader. A rear diff lock, 800mm wading ability and a virtually clunk-free shift to low-range makes adventuring easy for all. You can sling the family in the robust, comfy cabin (rear passengers endure a high floor but ample space) and it bounds over the unsealed stuff in surprising comfort.

There’s no change to the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel used in most D-Maxes. The proper work truck 2WDs can be ordered with the 1.9-litre diesel, while for the first time this smaller motor is offered with 4WD in a $50,200 SX Crew Cab version.

The 3.0-litre’s been Isuzu’s trump card since prehistoric times. For caravan towers, tradies, farmers and lifestylers it’s fit for purpose, if lacking the outright grunt of some rivals. The Ranger’s V6 outguns the Isuzu’s motor by 44kW and 150Nm.

The Isuzu has tried and tested mechanical underpinnings.

But the D-Max’s diesel’s has proved as reliable as an Attenborough voiceover, hums along in relative quiet (unless you floor it) and the six-speed gearbox slickly goes about its cog-swapping work.

I still can’t understand why people use utes as everyday cars – they’re hellish to park and nauseously bouncy when unladen – but the D-Max has one of the more settled rides. Its three-leaf spring rear isn’t too bouncy, while steering and handling are reasonable considering its bulk. And for family buyers, the vast safety equipment standard on every grade is commendable.

After two days of off- and on-road driving, the D-Max cemented its place as an appealing all-rounder. Credit where it’s due, the new features come without a price rise.

Aside from the darker body trim and fresh alloys, tailgate gas struts means easier (and safer) open and closing.

The 4WD X-Terrain makes light work of sandy beaches.

Blind-spot and rear traffic alert monitors now automatically turn off when towing, a response to specific requests from beep-bombarded owners.

Unfortunately Isuzu hasn’t resolved is its mystifying pricing. The most popular model – the 4WD dual-cab ute – starts from $50,200 and climbs to $67,500 before on-road costs. Only one grade – the X-Terrain – has a drive-away special of $64,990, $2500 under its RRP. Bafflingly, this, in theory, makes it cheaper on the road than the two models below it.

It makes the X-Terrain the only smart pick for many and means it comes with the lengthiest waiting time.

VERDICT 4/5

Minor but welcome updates make this safe, smart and robust all-rounder a smart choice.

ISUZU D-MAX VITALS

PRICE $31,990 to $64,990 drive-away

WARRANTY AND SERVICING 6 years/150,000 km, $2435 for five years

ENGINE 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 140kW and 450Nm

SAFETY Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, radar cruise, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert

THIRST 7.7-8.0L/100km

TOWING 3500kg

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Originally published as 2023 Isuzu D-Max new car review