Isuzu’s D-Max 4WD utilities are working hard for Kiwis in rural and urban environments.
One of the major strengths of the D-Max is its clever ‘blanket’ specification: all models feature the same engine, transmission, transfer case and traction aids.
Equipped with an immensely robust 140kW/450Nm turbodiesel four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the D-Max has a 3,500kg (braked) tow rating. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) assists with towing and will assist with towing in high winds or on uneven surfaces.
Isuzu’s Terrain Command 4WD system is standard across the range, and features ‘on the fly’ RWD – 4Hi shifting up to 100km/h along with a rear differential lock.
There’s hill start assist to help get under way on slippery uphills, hill descent control to manage slippery downhills, and torque converter lockup in all gears above second.
The 2024 D-Max model range kicks off with the hard-working LX. It’s available in all three body types, single, space and double cab. The LX ute shares the 2024 D-Max’s freshened styling, 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine and some handy new tech features, such as tailgate assist, which eliminates the need to physically slow the tailgate’s drop when unloading at work site or beach. Underneath, all 4WD LX utes have steel bash plates protection the engine, transfer case and fuel tank.
It’s a working ute, so tough steel wheels are standard.
All 4WD D-Max utes have an 800mm fording depth.
The single cab and space cab options make the LX a firm favourite among farmers.
Like the rest of the range, the LX has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. All double cab models have a total of eight airbags.
Stepping up, the D-Max LS is the all-rounder of the D-Max range with all the tough can-do features of the LX plus an improved intelligent cruise control system and a wider reversing camera, dual-zone climate air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, and a nine-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also the point in the range where aluminium alloy wheels (18”x7.5”) become standard.
The LS-M has the specification list of the LX and some styling features to stand out from the crowd. There’s a unique dual tone front grille and LED headlights above fog/running lights along with 17-inch all terrain tyres.
D-Max X-Rider is the newest variant in the D-Max family, featuring a sports bar over the wellside, running boards and dark grey highlights along with a unique interior treatment with black headlining. Isuzu sums it up: “a bloody good ute for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, but still appreciate a bit of comfort at the end of the day.”
The range topper is the X-Terrain double cab ute, the highest-spec model.
As would be expected, the X-Terrain brings new levels of luxury and comfort to the range while retaining the durability and toughness that the D-Max is known for.
There’s an expanded nine-colour paint range, dark 18” alloy wheels, a matt black treatment for the grille, and gun-metal exterior trim.
The X-Terrain comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, tailgate assist and a nine-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation. Like the whole range, X-Terrain has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with the help of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System.
All X-Terrain models include a large 9.0” touchscreen with a satellite navigation system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
For the owner who spends plenty of time on the open road, the X-Terrain also includes adaptive cruise control which automatically adjusts vehicle speed depending on the vehicle in front.
Finally, and most importantly for some owners, the D-Max is also providing a further advantage: it’s something different in a market where others just settle for the same ute as their neighbours.
