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Isuzu D-Max recalled due to fire risk
Over 8000 Isuzu D-Max models are being recalled as the fuel hose may chafe against the engine oil level bracket resulting in a vehicle fire.
1 Year Ago
About the Isuzu D-Max
Last updated Dec 18, 2024The Isuzu D-Max is the Japanese automaker's top-selling vehicle and is one of the top-selling utes overall. It's available in single-cab, extra-cab and dual-cab body styles in either 4x2 or 4x4.
Depending on the variant, the D-Max is available as either a cab-chassis or pickup with a tub bed.
The 2023 Isuzu D-Max is on sale now, with a wider model range and some cosmetic tweaks inside and out.
The range now consists of 27 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.
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.
Pros
- Torquey, smooth powertrain
- Spacious cabin with great front seats
- Lane-keeping aid made friendlier
Cons
- Price hike since launch
- Narrow driver’s footrest
- Smaller touchscreen looks cheap
Isuzu D-Max Rating
Isuzu D-Max News
2023 Isuzu D-Max Reviews
2023 Isuzu D-Max Price
SX
LS-U
LS-U+
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Utility | $63,500 |
LS-M
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp manual Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Utility | $53,300 |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Chassis | $53,800 |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Utility | $55,300 |
X-TERRAIN
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Utility | $67,500 |
X-RIDER
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Utility | $58,000 |
*excl. on-roads
All Isuzu D-Max Pricing
2023 Isuzu D-Max Specs
See our comprehensive details for the Isuzu D-Max
New Isuzu D-Max deals
2023 Isuzu D-Max Dimensions
1790mm
1870mm
5325mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2023 Isuzu D-Max Dimensions2023 Isuzu D-Max Boot Space
The dual-cab Isuzu D-Max has a tub that measures 1570mm long, 1530mm wide and 490mm tall. There's 1122mm between the two rear wheel arches.
2023 Isuzu D-Max Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Isuzu D-Max
View 48 images
2023 Isuzu D-Max Exterior
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.
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.
On the entry-level D-Max SX you get 17-inch steel wheels with black plastic door handles. The SX is available in either 4x2 or 4x2 with single cab-chassis, extra cab-chassis, or dual-cab-chassis or dual-cab ute options.
Stepping up the LS-M gains you 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles, bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. The LS-M is only available in dual-cab 4x4 variant with either cab-chassis or tub bed options.
The LS-U gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a factory tow bar receiver, tub liner on ute models, sides steps and LED rear lights. It also allows you to choose from more exterior paint colours.
The top-of-the-range X-Terrain is available with an exclusive orange exterior paint colour as well as 18-inch black-finish alloy wheels and unique exterior trim.
View 6 images
2023 Isuzu D-Max Interior
For 2023, 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”.
The D-Max’s interior is logically laid-out, no-nonsense and modern in appearance.
On lower-spec models there's a 7.0-inch screen surrounded by a thick bezel. At least you still get wired Android Auto plus, rare for this segment, wireless Apple CarPlay. There’s no factory satellite navigation, though.
From the LS-U and above, the D-Max receives a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen that's slightly bigger than most (HiLux and outgoing Ranger use 8.0-inch screens) and has helpful shortcut buttons running below to head straight to the home screen or the embedded navigation.
A colour 4.2-inch information display sits between the analogue dials of the instrument cluster and displays information on, among other things, fuel economy and the active safety systems.
While the dials are clear and legible, the information display is a bit cluttered. Fortunately, it boasts a digital speedometer, something you won’t find in a Triton.
On the X-Terrain, the steering wheel now has piano black inserts rather than silver plastic as before, and red stitching, but is otherwise unchanged. It’s trimmed in quality leather, moves forwards and backwards as well as up and down, and has easy-to-understand button shortcuts on it.
The entire range also benefits from a new steering wheel switch that’ll turn off all lane support systems if you hold it for two seconds.
The highlight of the interior are the front seats, which are cushy and comfortable yet supportive.
There’s plenty of storage up front, including a split-level glove compartment, neat pop-out cupholders on either end of the dash, a reasonably-sized centre console bin, a tray at the base of the centre stack large enough for a phone, and a dash-top tray with a lid that can also fit a phone.
Each door has a bottle holder that’ll fit a typical drink bottle, while stepping into the back you’ll find map pockets on the soft seatbacks plus a small, open cubby above the air vents. It sits next to a USB-A outlet.
Rear legroom, headroom and toe-room is par for the dual-cab ute class, with plenty of room for even taller occupants.
The second-row bench folds upwards at its base to reveal storage beneath the seat, while it can also be folded to access a shared top-tether anchor point for child seats. ISOFIX points are accessible for the two outboard seats.
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2023 Isuzu D-Max Safety Rating
The Isuzu D-Max was tested by ANCAP in 2020 and earned a five-star rating.
That rating was based on an adult occupant protection score of 83 per cent, a child occupant protection score of 89 per cent and a safety assist score of 81 per cent. Vulnerable road user protection testing yielded a score of 69 per cent.
Every model comes standard with the following safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Turn assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam
- Reversing camera
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.
2023 Isuzu D-Max Fuel Economy
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.
It has a 76L fuel tank across the entire D-Max range.
| Isuzu D-Max | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Utility | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Extended Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD Single Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp manual Diesel 4x4 Single Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp manual Diesel 4x4 Extended Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp manual Diesel RWD Single Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 Single Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp manual Diesel 4x4 Double Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD Double Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD Extended Cab Chassis | Diesel | 8.0 L/100km |
| 1.9L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD Single Cab Chassis | Diesel | 7.0 L/100km |
| 1.9L, 6 sp manual Diesel RWD Single Cab Chassis | Diesel | 7.0 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD Double Cab Utility | Diesel | 7.7 L/100km |
Cost of ownership
What are the running and servicing costs of a Isuzu D-Max?
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.
The first seven years of servicing will cost you a combined $3513 in 3.0-litre models and $3223 in 1.9-litre models.
How does the 2023 Isuzu D-Max drive?
Our expert take on Isuzu D-Max drivability.
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.
With the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the D-Max is torquey and tractable. It pairs wonderfully with the six-speed auto, which ably keeps it in its torque band and shifts smoothly.
There’s also a lack of turbo lag, while peak torque comes on tap at just 1600rpm and sticks around until 2600rpm.
There’s the typically gruff diesel ute soundtrack under acceleration, but at cruising speeds it’s pleasant. Wind and road noise are kept largely in check, even at highway speeds.
The electrically-assisted steering is pleasantly light and car-like without feeling vague. It’s a boon in tighter urban confines, and the D-Max feels more manoeuvrable than rivals with hydraulic set-ups. The steering also feels secure even as speeds increase.
The D-Max’s ride quality is among the best in the segment, with the usual ladder-frame ute jiggles kept to a minimum even with an empty tub. Those jiggles are further quelled when you put even a small load back there.
At high speeds on unsealed roads, the D-Max has a comfortable, sure-footed ride, even with an empty tub.
The blind-spot monitoring works well and is absolutely welcome, particularly in a segment where this feature remains rare.
The lane-keep assist isn’t too obtrusive, while the adaptive cruise control also performs admirably. You can also adjust the sensitivity of some of these systems, including the forward collision warning.
What’s most impressive about the D-Max is that the steering, ride quality and noise levels don’t get noticeably worse as your speeds get higher, meaning this is a comfortable highway cruiser.
Overall, the capable powertrain, light steering and mostly well-behaved ride makes this one of the better utes to drive.
2023 Isuzu D-Max Colours
What colours are available for the Isuzu D-Max
The 2023 D-Max range will be offered in eight colours. All except Mineral White come at a $500 premium.
- Mineral White
- Basalt Black mica
- Neptune Blue mica (new)
- Mercury Silver metallic
- Obsidian Grey mica
- Granite Grey metallic (new, X-Terrain only)
- Moonstone White pearl (new; LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain only)
- Magnetic Red mica (LS-U, LS-U+, X-Terrain)
- Volcanic Amber metallic (X-Terrain only)
- Mineral White
- Basalt Black mica
- Cobalt Blue mica
- Mercury Silver metallic
- Obsidian Grey metallic
- Marble White pearl (LS-U, LS-U+, X-Terrain)
- Magnetic Red mica (LS-U, LS-U+, X-Terrain)
- Volcanic Amber metallic (X-Terrain)
2023 Isuzu D-Max Warranty
The D-Max is backed by a six-year, 150,000km warranty, and comes with seven years of roadside assist.
2023 Isuzu D-Max vs other Utes to consider
The D-Max's most direct competitor is the Mazda BT-50 which shares the same engine and platform.
It does compete though in the hotly-contested 4x2 and 4x4 ute segments where it goes up against the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, GWM Ute, Ssangyong Musso and LDV T60 Max.
Isuzu is currently pricing its D-Max in the same pricing tier as the HiLux and Ranger, though it's arguably better value than either.
Should you buy the 2023 Isuzu D-Max
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
The D-Max remains one of the best workhorses in its class, and deserves its newfound popularity across the market, even if those price hikes strike me as cheeky at best.
That said, once there are plenty of V6 diesel, full-time-AWD-toting Rangers hitting the road this year with their oversized portrait touchscreens, the D-Max might feel in need of a larger-scale facelift before long.
Isuzu D-Max FAQs
The cheapest Isuzu D-Max is the SX (4x2) HIGH-RIDE that starts from $33,100.
The most expensive Isuzu D-Max is the X-TERRAIN (4x4) that starts from $68,000.
The best towing capacity of a Isuzu D-Max is 3500 kg offered by the following variants: SX (4x2) HIGH-RIDE, SX (4x4), LS-M (4x4), LS-U (4x2) HIGH-RIDE, X-RIDER (4x4), LS-U (4x4), LS-U+ (4x4) and X-TERRAIN (4x4).
The largest Isuzu D-Max is the X-TERRAIN (4x4) which measures 1880mm wide, 5303mm in length and sits 1810mm tall.
The most powerful Isuzu D-Max is the X-TERRAIN (4x4) which has 140kW of power from its 3.0L TURBO CDI engine.
The Isuzu D-Max is built in Thailand and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Isuzu D-Max is the X-TERRAIN (4x4) which weighs 3100 kg (kerb weight).
The Isuzu D-Max uses Diesel.