2025 Isuzu D-Max buyer's guide: Ute picks for the city, worksite and weekend

When talking utes, most people default straight to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

After all, those two models are trusted nameplates that account for the vast majority of segment sales in Australia. But there’s a growing list of challengers that deserve attention, and the Isuzu D-Max sits right at the top.

With an expansive model line-up and broad appeal, the D-Max was the ute of choice of more than 30,000 Australians last year, and sales are hardly slowing down.

If you’re one of the thousands of ute buyers considering an Isuzu, here’s all the information you need to pick the right D-Max for you.

CarExpert can help you find the best deal on a new Isuzu D-Max. Check out our latest offers, and let us put you in touch with a dealer.

Isuzu D-Max pricing

A total of 25 variants are offered, which can be grouped into the 4×2, 4×4 cab-chassis, and 4×4 ute categories. The variants are also split amongst seven trim grades.

At the entry-level, SX examples are prime candidates for fleet buyers and tradies wanting a no-frills workhorse.

At the top end, the LS-U is fitted out with everyday luxuries, while the flagship X-Terrain brings upgrades aimed at off-road applications.

A new Blade variant is in the works, which is likely to top the X-Terrain as a rough and ready adventure vehicle that’s even more focused.

D-Max 4×2

D-Max 4×4 Cab Chassis

D-Max 4×4 Ute

All prices exclude on-road costs.

To see how the Isuzu D-Max stacks up against a huge range of competitors, you can use our comparison tool.

Isuzu D-Max lifecycle

The D-Max has been around since 2002, when the first generation debuted in Thailand.

We are now up to the third iteration of the D-Max, which launched globally in 2019.

Since arriving Down Under in 2020, the D-Max has seen a number of rolling updates, with trim changes and new variants added to the range.

The current car received its first major facelift this year, with updates to the front end design, headlights, tailgate, taillights, and interior features.

Isuzu D-Max drivetrains and efficiency

The Isuzu D-Max is offered with a choice of two four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines: a 1.9-litre with 110kW of power and 350Nm or torque, and a 3.0-litre with 140kW and 450Nm. 

Both engines can be paired with a manual transmission, although only in base SX trim. While the 1.9-litre unit produces less power and torque, it’s the more efficient option consuming 6.7-7.0L/100km.

At the upper end of the D-Max range, the LS-M, LS-U, X-Rider and X-Terrain are offered solely with the 3.0-litre engine.

CarExpert can help you find the best deal on a new Isuzu D-Max. Check out our latest offers, and let us put you in touch with a dealer.

Isuzu D-Max safety

The Isuzu D-Max wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on tests conducted in 2020. 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.

Isuzu D-Max standard safety features:

• 8 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Turn assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention assist
• Reversing camera

Automatic models also add wrong-pedal acceleration warning. LS-M Ute variants add rear parking sensors, LS-U and up add tyre pressure monitoring, and front parking sensors are reserved for the flagship X-Terrain.

To see how the Isuzu D-Max lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

Isuzu D-Max colours

Mineral White is the standard paint finish for the D-Max.

The following finishes area available for an extra $695:

• Mineral White
• Basalt Black mica
• Mercury Silver metallic
• Obsidian Grey metallic
• Neptune Blue mica
• Magnetic Red mica (LS-U, LS-U+, X-Terrain and X-Rider)
• Granite Grey mica (LS-U, LS-U+, X-Terrain and X-Rider)
• Moonstone White pearl (LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain)
• Sunstone Orange mica (X-Terrain)

Isuzu D-Max dimensions

While all D-Max models have a similar footprint on the road, dimensions vary slightly across the range.

In terms of off-road specs, 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.

Deals are being offered on 100s of new cars now. Contact a dealer using CarExpert for the best deal or call our Concierge team on 1300 587 992.

Isuzu D-Max standard equipment

There are a total of six trim levels offered across the D-Max range.

D-Max standard equipment:

• 17-inch steel wheels
• Dunlop AT25 tyres
• Three-leaf standard rear suspension (Ute models)
• Three-leaf heavy-duty rear suspension (Cab Chassis models)
• Halogen headlights
• Welcome headlight function
• Automatic high-beam
• Gloss Black and Material Black grille
• Tailgate assist (Ute models)
• 4.2-inch multi-information display
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 4-speaker sound system
• Two USB-C ports (one in Single Cab and Space Cab)
• USB-A port for aftermarket dash cam
• Air-conditioning with HEPA filter
• Rear air vents (Crew Cab models)
• Urethane steering wheel
• Urethane transmission selector
• Urethane handbrake
• Vinyl floor
• Cloth upholstery

D-Max LS-M adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Three-leaf standard rear suspension (Ute models)
• Bi-LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• Rear parking sensors (Ute models)
• Body-coloured mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle
• Gloss Black and Grey Metallic grille
• High-grade cloth upholstery

D-Max X-Rider adds:

• Gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels
• Black grille
• Black front underbody spoiler
• Dark grey grille surround
• Black rear step bar
• Black mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle
• Black B-pillars
• Dark grey sidesteps
• Black interior door handles
• Dark grey and black interior door trims
• Piano black steering wheel spoke trims
• Black headlining
• Satin black sports bar
• Black loopless soft tonneau cover
• ‘X’ badging on tailgate

D-Max LS-U adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Silky Silver and Dark Grey metallic grille
• Tow bar receiver
• Tub liner (Ute models)
• Silver side steps
• Chrome door handles, tailgate handle
• Electric folding and heated side mirrors
• LED rear combination tail lights
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 6-speaker sound system (Space Cab models)
• Satellite navigation
• 8-speaker sound system
• 3 x USB-C ports (Two in Space Cab)
• Proximity entry and push-button start
• Walk-away door lock
• Welcome light
• Dual-zone climate control
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Satin chrome steering wheel spoke trims
• Leather-trimmed gear selector
• Piano black, silver and chrome interior trim accents
• Soft-touch door trims and centre console armrest
• Carpet flooring
• Driver’s seat power lumbar support
• Tyre pressure monitoring

D-Max LS-U+ adds:

• Heated front seats
• Leather-accented upholstery
• Leather-accented door trims
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power front passenger’s seat

D-Max X-Terrain adds:

• 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels
• Dark Grey and Black Chrome grille
• ‘X’ badging on tailgate
• Matte black roller tonneau cover
• Dark grey metallic aero sports bar
• Dark grey metallic exterior accents
• Material black grille surround
• Leather-accented upholstery with red stitching
• Red stitching accents
• Remote engine start
• Front parking sensors

To take a look at the genuine accessories and options on offer, you can find those here.

CarExpert can help you find the best deal on a new Isuzu D-Max. Check out our latest offers, and let us put you in touch with a dealer.

Isuzu D-Max servicing and warranty

The Isuzu D-Max covered by a six-year, 150,000km warranty. When you service on schedule at an Isuzu dealer, up to seven years of roadside assistance is offered.

Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, apart from a complimentary three-month service.

Isuzu D-Max competitors

Name just about any ute in Australia, and its probably a competitor to the D-Max.

Of course, you have to consider segment staples such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, both low-spec fleet specials and top-of-the-range lifestyle variants.

Other mainstream rivals include the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Mazda BT-50.

Challenger brands have also made their mark on the ute landscape, from budget options such as the LDV T60 and GWM Ute Cannon to the incoming BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid.

Isuzu D-Max sales data

The Isuzu D-Max was Australia’s third best-selling vehicle in 2023, behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

However, it was a distant third, with only half the sales of the ever-popular Ranger ute. The HiLux sold in similar numbers to its Ford rival in 2023.

A total of 31,202 were sold in 2023, a 36.7 per cent increase year on year for 4×2 variants and a 26.4 per cent bump for 4×4 sales. Thus far in 2024 (to September 30) there have been 23,349 units registered in Australia.

Isuzu Ute has been on a path of continuous sales growth in Australia over the last 15 years, with slight annual drop-offs in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Buying a Isuzu D-Max

Since launching the current-generation D-Max, Isuzu has gradually expanded the range to include a wide range of variants tailored to specific use cases.

Tools for the tradies

Heading to the worksite with a cabin full of workmates and a tray full of tools?

Then you’ll need something with more than two seats, in other words a crew cab.

At the budget end of the spectrum, the 1.9L SX Crew Cab Chassis comes in at $41,200 – a great option for cash-strapped ute buyers.

Moving up the D-Max ladder, the crew cab body style can be had in just about every trim specification, including the top-spec X-Terrain.

Bare bones or kitted out? The choice is yours.

Sole trader specials

A simple dual-cab with four-wheel drive fits just about any commercial purpose, but what if you don’t need the extra seats?

Sole traders such as gardeners and electricians who need tray storage without cabin space may be better served by a single-cab D-Max, with or without 4WD.

Single cab-chassis examples can be had for as little as $32,490 drive-away in base SX specification with a manual gearbox. An automatic transmission commands a $2000 premium. Add another $10,000 if 4WD is a necessity.

All-rounders

The lifestyle ute has become a popular mode of transport for Australians.

Utes are now a common sight at school pick-up, the office, and of course at the campsite. So, which D-Max is equipped to tackle those various challenges?

It has to be a crew cab for starters, as it’s no longer legal to seat a group of raucous teenagers in the tray! Four-wheel drive is also a must for family weekend’s away.

In terms of features, the LS-U would be our starting point in terms of daily liveability. It gains upgraded interior screens, an eight-speaker sound system, extra USB connectivity, dual-zone climate control, leather trim, and a tub liner.

That makes it the sweet spot for most buyers.

Equipped for adventure

If you’re prepared to be patient, it could be worth waiting for the launch of the new D-Max Blade.

Isuzu’s take on the rugged adventure ute will be revealed on November 1, 2024, with local deliveries to follow “soon after”.

The Blade is the first collaboration between the Japanese manufacturer and Walkinshaw Automotive Group, with a focus on off-road performance.

Upgrades include a ride height increase of 26.5mm up front and 29mm at the rear thanks to bigger wheels and different springs, along with a sailplane, high-mounted brake light, wheel-arch cladding, and a sump guard.

The extra kit will come at a cost, though – the new D-Max Blade will likely sit on top of the Isuzu ute range, which means a sticker price of at least $70,000.

MORE: Everything Isuzu D-Max