

Marton Pettendy
2 Months Ago
News Editor
The 2023 Isuzu D-Max is on sale now, with a wider model range and some cosmetic tweaks inside and out.
UPDATE, 06/02/2023 – Isuzu Ute Australia has introduced a new limited-edition X-Rider variant of its D-Max dual-cab ute. It’s based on the LS-M 4×4 dual-cab and is priced from $58,000 before on-road costs.
The range now consists of 28 different variants, with the addition of three new SX Crew Cab models featuring the smaller 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with a standard six-speed automatic.
Isuzu Ute Australia says the move to introduce these new variants was driven by positive reception of the 1.9-litre powered D-Max from customers and the media thanks to its “fuel efficient and versatile” attributes.
MORE: 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider detailed, orders open
That brings the number of 1.9-litre D-Max variants to five, which now outnumbers Mazda’s three-strong range of BT-50 models featuring the 1.9-litre oiler, all automatic only.
All versions of the D-Max get some aesthetic enhancements for the new model year, including a new version of the brand’s signature horizontal bar grille.
The design has been “moulded to meet the swooped hard creases atop the bonnet and chiselled front bar fascia”, and is finished in two-tone black on the SX, two-tone black and grey on the LS-M, two-tone grey and chrome on the LS-U and LS-U+, and dark grey on the flagship X-Terrain.
MORE: 2023 Isuzu D-Max review
Models fitted with LED fog lights get new surrounds in dark grey metallic, while the LED tail lights also receive dark grey metallic accents – replacing the outgoing model’s chrome trim.
New alloy wheel designs also feature on D-Max LS-M and above, ranging from 17 to 18 inches. LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain models also pick up standard tyre pressure monitoring for 2023.
Three new exterior paint finishes join the palette, including Granite Grey which is exclusive to the D-Max X-Terrain and X-Rider.
Neptune Blue mica is now available across all D-Max variants, while the new Moonstone White Pearl is offered on LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain models.
These new finishes join Mineral White, Basalt Black mica, Obsidian Grey mica, Mercury Silver metallic, Magnetic Red mica and Volcanic Amber metallic (X-Terrain only).
All but Mineral White incur a $650 premium.
Inside, the brand has introduced new upholsteries and trims depending on variant.
The LS-M and LS-U get new high-grade cloth, while the LS-U+ and X-Terrain get updated leather-accented upholstery. As before, the X-Terrain gets distinctive red top-stitching.
SX Crew Cab models (Cab Chassis and Ute) also receive an additional 2.1A USB charging port in the second row to match higher grades, which Isuzu says is in response to “more families turning to utes as default dual-purpose family vehicles”.
Isuzu claims to have simplified the towing process, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert automatically disabled when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine wiring harness accessory.
The brand adds this new development should “improve the functionality and user experience” when towing.
All D-Max ute variants also now feature Tailgate Assist; a gas strut-assisted tailgate mechanism that allows for one-handed operation according to the brand.
4×2
4×4 Cab Chassis
4×4 Ute
Prices exclude on-road costs unless specified (D/A)
The 2023 Isuzu D-Max is offered with a choice of two turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines: a 1.9-litre with 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, and a 3.0-litre with 140kW and 450Nm.
Both are mated with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Four-wheel drive models feature switchable 2H, 4H, and 4L options plus a standard locking rear differential.
Combined fuel economy of the 3.0-litre D-Max ranges between 7.7L and 8.0L/100km depending on the variant, while the 1.9-litre uses between 6.7L and 7.0L/100km.
The dual-cab 2023 Isuzu D-Max with an integrated tray measures 5280mm long and 1870mm wide, or 1880mm wide in the range-topping X-Terrain.
The entire range has a 3125mm wheelbase, and the tallest D-Max X-Terrain measures 1810mm tall.
Approach angle is 30.5 degrees, departure angle is 24.2 degrees, and ramp-over angle is 23.8 degrees, while Isuzu claims an 800mm wading depth.
The 3.0-litre D-Max will tow a 3500kg braked trailer and has a 350kg maximum down ball load, and payload varies from 970kg in the X-Terrain to 1320kg in the Single Cab Chassis SX.
The 1.9-litre model has a 2800kg braked towing capacity with the manual, and 3000kg with the automatic. Unbraked towing capacity is 750kg.
The D-Max is backed by a six-year, 150,000km warranty, and comes with seven years of roadside assist.
Maintenance for the D-Max is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
1.9-litre | 3.0-litre | |
---|---|---|
12 months/15,000km | $435 | $435 |
24 months/30,000km | $445 | $445 |
36 months/45,000km | $499 | $665 |
48 months/60,000km | $555 | $555 |
60 months/75,000km | $335 | $335 |
72 months/90,000km | $635 | $799 |
84 months/105,000km | $455 | $455 |
The Isuzu D-Max was tested by ANCAP in 2020 and earned a five-star rating. It received a design change to the driver’s knee airbag and instrument panel in July 2022 and was re-tested, maintaining its five-star rating.
That rating was based on an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, a child occupant protection score of 89 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent and a safety assist score of 81 per cent.
Every model comes standard with the following safety features:
Automatic models also add wrong-pedal acceleration warning, adaptive cruise, and lane-keep assist.
Eight airbags are standard, including a central airbag designed to stop the passenger and driver’s flailing arms and heads crashing into each other in a serious side-impact crash.
Standard equipment on the D-Max SX includes:
D-Max SX key features:
D-Max LS-M adds:
D-Max X-Rider adds:
D-Max LS-U adds on top of the LS-M:
D-Max LS-U+ adds:
D-Max X-Terrain adds:
The 2023 D-Max range will be offered in eight colours. All except Mineral White come at a $500 premium.
MORE: Everything Isuzu D-Max
Take advantage of Australia's BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a Isuzu D-Max.
William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.
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