Overview
WHEN the 2023 D-Max vary was introduced, it appeared on paper that Isuzu had taken its successful ute recipe and easily added a couple of additional substances.
And it has, like including icing to a cake.
The ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it’ precept might apply to some ute breeds, however Isuzu’s strategy appears extra about making the great bits higher. Just like the venerable 3.0-litre ‘4J’ that, in some kind or one other, has been powering varied Isuzus for greater than 15 years.
It isn’t as if the D-Max is resistant to criticism; regardless of being a robust all-rounder with a reasonably compelling price ticket, enhancements are all the time welcome.
Thrilling information for the 2023 vary is that, after debuting within the 4×2 vary, the frugal 1.9-litre diesel engine is accessible in 4×4 SX guise.
It is a huge deal, seeing because the twin-under-the-skin BT-50, in the end constructed by Isuzu, supplied the smaller engine in its 4×4 XS mannequin this yr. Whereas many will go for the gruntier 3.0-litre ‘4J’, the smaller RZ4E-TC nonetheless produces 110kW/350Nm – sufficient to get the job performed.
Our testing of the 1.9-litre outfitted 4×2 SX discovered fairly vital gas financial savings available, so that is excellent news for fleet patrons or these wanting a price range off-road-ready D-Max.
Isuzu has additionally prolonged the 1.9-litre engine to 2 extra 4×2 fashions for 2023, following its success this yr.
Visible tweaks for 2023 come within the type of a brand new horizontal bar grille, barely extra aesthetically aggressive and in a variety of black and gray two-tone color schemes.
A darker color theme is constant throughout fashions, with facet mirrors and rear taillight surrounds darkened too, changing chrome with darkish gray.
New wheel choices throughout the vary, apart from steel-wheel-equipped base fashions, provide a contemporary look and are a giant enchancment in our eyes.
Contemporary color choices are additionally straightforward on the attention, with a brand new Granite Gray hue for the X-Terrain being our favorite, however the Galaxy Blue can be a lovely choice.
Aside from these variations, the 2023 D-Max vary provides largely the identical feel and appear of the outgoing mannequin.
Inside, Isuzu up to date materials choices for the seats with barely new leatherwork on the top-spec fashions we drove and ‘premium material’ on entry degree choices.
The identical 9.0-inch touchscreen stays in higher-spec LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain fashions, whereas the SX and LS-M get a 7.0-inch show, with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It appears Android customers nonetheless lose out, however hopefully a software program replace can repair that sooner or later.
A unusual however sensible purposeful improve that got here off the again of buyer suggestions is a tailgate ‘help’ answer comprising two gasoline struts to assist decrease and lift the ’gate. That is one thing that sounded pretty pointless however ended up being a unbelievable little improve.
Contemplating so many D-Max homeowners will use them as work utes, household haulers or each day drivers, with the ability to increase and decrease the tailgate with one hand, or perhaps a few fingers will little question be useful when juggling groceries, a toddler, or constructing supplies.
One other purposeful improve – principally software-oriented – is computerized disengagement of rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring when towing.
Isuzu has additionally lastly added a tyre strain monitoring system, a useful function for off-roaders commonly airing up and down. It’s, in fact, additionally helpful do you have to be confronted with a sluggish puncture.
Base SX fashions, of which your correspondent owns a 2022 mannequin, rating a second 2.1A USB charging level to handle the annoying problem of solely having a single cost level within the outgoing SX.
The whole vary scored Isuzu’s Clever Driver Help System (IDAS) when the most recent era launched in 2020, and it has remained customary throughout all fashions since. The one change between years is a swap on the steering wheel that turns the system off. The 2023 vary additionally will get the identical eight airbags as this yr’s vary.
The D-Max was re-tested by ANCAP just lately, once more scoring a full five-star score, forward of latest testing protocols coming in 2023.
Pricing for 2023 is similar throughout the vary, which went on sale from December 1, together with particular drive-away costs on bottom- and top-spec choices.
Better of all, should you occur to have ordered a 2022 D-Max and are until ready for it to be constructed, Isuzu will routinely improve it to a 2023 mannequin.
The fashions we examined have been the X-Terrain range-topper with a particular drive-away worth of $64,990, and the second in line LS-U+ priced from $63,500 + ORC.
And naturally, Isuzu’s customary six-year, 150,000km guarantee stays as does capped worth servicing and roadside help that each final for seven years.
Driving Impressions
On the launch drive, it was obvious instantly that these are primarily the identical D-Max utes as those we’re used to. Which is an efficient factor.
The X-Terrain and LS-U+, the 2 highest spec grades within the line-up, have been examined throughout two days in Queensland. Sadly, the 1.9-litre SX 4×4 mannequin was not accessible, so we’re going to need to get into that one at a later date.
Each fashions we did drive, although, reaffirmed the combo of worth and all-round capability the D-Max provides.
That is an all-rounder that strikes an applicable steadiness between on- and off-road manners, practicality, and the extent of tech and refinement you want in a contemporary ute. Isuzu climbed the dual-cab ranks throughout the previous decade as a result of as a model it understands that steadiness.
Australians use dual-cab utes for all the pieces from faculty drop-offs to weekend seaside adventures, so guaranteeing it may possibly do all of it with out being too targeted on anyone use is vital.
Our drive began with a sluggish run out of Brisbane, departing throughout CBD peak-hour however headed for the nation.
By the point we have been in a position to stretch the utes’ legs on the freeway, leaping between X-Terrain and LS-U+, the easy but efficient adaptive cruise management acquired the job performed.
Some winding hinterland roads felt a bit rolly-polly, as most utes get when pushed, however the D-Max is a assured car throughout all on-road driving situations. It’ll carry greater than sufficient tempo on winding B-roads, is snug on the freeway, and on grime or sand it soaks up the bumps.
The leaf-sprung rear is slightly stiff and not using a load within the again, however Isuzu has performed about as a lot as it may possibly to get the leaf set-up handing properly – and it does.
Isuzu’s newest and biggest model of the three.0-litre turbo-diesel, the 4JJ3-TCX, serves up 140kW and 450Nm. Though center of the pack by way of outright outputs, the spectacular torque unfold makes it versatile.
With 300Nm on faucet from simply 1000rpm – primarily off idle – the engine by no means appears like it’s working significantly laborious and by the point peak torque is available in at 1600RPM, it’s singing. Drive it lazily or drop the boot; it’s good for both.
At any pace, on- or off-road, the electrical steering provides nice suggestions and applicable weighting. It’s one thing Isuzu acquired very, very proper with this era D-Max and it stays similar for 2023.
Seats and general consolation within the cabin are top-notch, for this class of auto, with nice bolstering and loads of padding in opposition to the again. The seats alone go a great distance in maintaining the D-Max snug on lengthy drives.
Legroom and general cabin house is nice, and it feels uncluttered. Nothing feels overdone or pointless, and consequently storage choices are aplenty.
We have been spoilt with an off-road seaside loop that noticed us deal with Double Island Level, the beautiful coastal headland north of Noosa, throughout an epic low ‘king’ tide.
Drop the tyre pressures and a inventory D-Max is able to most, if not all, sand driving situations and the brand new fashions stormed up the seaside with ease.
The absence of limitless ‘drive modes’ makes the D-Max a easy 4×4 expertise since you merely flip the dial to 4H or 4L – relying on terrain and pace – and luxuriate in it. It’s a no-frills system and the main focus is on pure enjoyment and ease of use, slightly than tech overload.
There may be additionally a rear locking diff, however none of our driving required it. Good to understand it’s there, although.
Throughout two days and a little bit of all the pieces – even extreme summer time storms – the D-Max did all of it with ease.
We often discover it fairly laborious to fault a D-Max when it’s used for its supposed goal — utility, journey, as a Swiss military knife.
The brand new vary acquired slightly higher once more, with out shedding any of its soul within the course of.
