Isuzu D-MAX 2023 Review

The model year update for the 2023 Isuzu D-MAX applies across the range, from entry-level single-cab workhorse utes right up to the top-spec dual-cab lifestyle models.

With similar styling and functionality upgrades rolled out across the 2023 Isuzu MU-X SUV range, the revised Isuzu D-MAX line-up includes more 1.9-litre diesel engine variants, cosmetic changes and some more user-friendly features.

The 2023 Isuzu D-MAX range now spans 27 model variants with a choice of four trim levels, two diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines, single-cab and double-cab bodies and ute and cab-chassis platforms.

Recommended retail pricing is unchanged, ranging from $32,200 to $67,500 plus on-road costs (not including drive-away specials).

The flagship Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain 4x4 crew cab ute we’re reviewing here retains its special drive-away pricing of $64,990.

As a popular choice for Grey Nomads, the 3500kg trailer-rated test vehicle came with an optional 12-pin trailer plug, tow bar, electronic brake controller and rubber mats, along with a new X-Terrain-only optional Granite Grey Mica paint, for an as-tested price of $67,438 drive-away.

That’s still a sharp deal when compared directly to newer rivals like the latest Ford Ranger Wildtrak (from $67,190 plus ORC)

The range-topping 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is loaded up with plenty of standard kit including 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlights, a sports bar and dark exterior trim, steel underbody protection, tow bar receiver, tub liner and a lockable roller tonneau for the load area.

Notably new for 2023 is gas-strut assistance for the lockable tailgate, making it easier for those who don’t hit the gym regularly to open and close the weighty tailgate.

Unlike some of its rivals there’s no 12V outlet in the tub but there are a couple of tie-down points to secure your gear.

Appearance-wise, the latest dark grey metallic finish on the grille, side steps, side mirrors, roof rails, sports bar, underbody spoilers and wheel guards, combined with the exclusive Granite Grey paint and matte grey alloys, provide the X-Terrain with a suitably sinister stealth fighter look.

Moving inside, there’s keyless entry and start, an eight-way adjustable powered driver’s seat, eight-speaker stereo, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

The D-MAX is covered by a six-year warranty with seven years’ complimentary roadside assistance and seven years of capped-price servicing ($3513 in total over that period).

In dual-cab 4x4 guise, the third-generation 2023 Isuzu D-MAX boasts an impressive safety suite including eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), post-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors.

Isuzu continues to make tweaks to the calibration and settings of its lane assist systems after early criticism of it being overly sensitive and intrusive at times.

Following the addition of a steering wheel-mounted shortcut button for the lane support system in the 2021 update, Isuzu has now added a feature where the blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems are automatically disabled when a trailer is hitched up to the genuine tow bar.

The top-spec D-MAX X-Terrain dual-cab ute also comes with a tyre pressure monitor as standard, which is a handy add-on although we did notice the trip computer froze after the warning light went on when the tyre pressures were dropped to 25psi for some beach driving.

Dominating the dash in the 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is a 9.0-inch touch-screen infotainment unit with digital radio, voice recognition and native sat-nav, along with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, but not wireless charging so you’ll probably want to plug in anyway.

The colour touch-screen is big and bright and delivers a clear view behind when reversing, although overall menu navigation could be a bit simpler.

Less impressive is the cluttered digital screen between the analogue speedo and tacho which crams in safety, trip, vehicle and infotainment information into a relatively small LCD panel.

There are four USB ports in total shared between the two seat rows.

While the active lane keeping system can still get a bit overzealous and annoying at times when it’s not switched off, the active cruise control system does a good job of maintaining a safe distance in busy highway traffic.

The D-MAX flagship also gets other niceties like remote engine starting and electrically-adjustable, power-folding and heated side mirrors.

While the entry-level 1.9-litre diesel engine is now available across more 2023 Isuzu D-MAX variants, the Euro 5 emissions-compliant 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel continues to power the higher-series D-MAX utes, as it does with the ute-based MU-X large SUV.

Outputs are unchanged – 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm – but that’s not such a bad thing unless you’re towing a big van, with sufficient grunt available at lower revs for general around-town work and easy cruising on the highway, while the six-speed automatic shifts obediently and smoothly in everyday traffic.

While never raucous, there is a bit more diesel rattle noticeable inside the X-Terrain ute, particularly at higher revs, compared to the 2023 MU-X LS-T wagon we drove back-to-the-back at the media launch.

Claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption for the 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is 8.0L/100km, delivering a decent touring range of around 950km from the 76-litre fuel tank.

In reality, expect a figure closer to the 9-10L/100km mark, rising proportionately as the onboard load increases or when towing a trailer.

We didn’t get the chance to hitch up a caravan this time, but we know the D-MAX X-Terrain is one of the most frugal dual-cab utes when it comes to towing, averaging 15.5L/100km when towing a 2615kg (tare weight) caravan in a previous test.

A height- and reach-adjustable steering column, leather-grip steering wheel and power-adjustable seats in the 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain flagship make getting comfortable in the driver’s seat – and remaining so over long stints behind the wheel – easily achievable.

With urban buyers in mind, the D-MAX X-Terrain feels quite settled on the blacktop with just two people on board and an empty tray, although there’s still some shimmering and shaking evident from the leaf-sprung live-axle rear-end on broken bitumen and bumpier dirt roads.

There’s the ever-present clatter from the torquey diesel engine, but it’s rarely intrusive unless really pushing on, so there’s no need to pump up the eight-speaker stereo to the max.

The electric power steering is light and easy to use, and for a light truck weighing around 2200kg it points well in the twisty bits with decent grip and body control.

Being a ute, the turning circle isn’t great so you need to plan ahead at times.

The six-speed auto has a sequential sports mode to allow manual shifts, mostly for engine braking down hills when towing a caravan or on unsealed surfaces.

The GCM is 6000kg and the maximum payload is 935kg, though at the maximum 3500kg towing capacity this shrinks to 335kg.

Highway tyres aside, the 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain will drive straight off the showroom floor and tackle a few Outback highways and gnarly bush trails with its 240mm ground clearance, underbody bash plates, low-range gearing, 800mm wading depth, hill descent control and hill start assist, and a locking rear diff.

Missing is the top-spec MU-X wagon’s Rough Terrain mode, a sort of traction control for off-roading.

But otherwise the D-MAX X-Terrain is well equipped for off-road adventures like the beach driving we undertook in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region, where the low-revving, gutsy engine really comes to the fore.

Our only ongoing gripe with the Isuzu’s part-time 4WD system is that it will slow you down when moving from dry, hard surfaces to wet or loose surfaces, or vice versa. Only a couple of its rivals offer a more user-friendly full-time 4x4 system though.

Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will immediately spot the redesigned leather-accented front seats with ‘sporty’ red stitching, but otherwise the 2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is unchanged inside, which is generally a good thing.

A few shiny, hard plastics aside, there are plenty of comfort and convenience features for a hard-working ute, including soft-touch surfaces and useful storage spots like the big side pockets for large drink bottles and the handy top-of-dash cubby.

The top-spec D-MAX misses out on an electric park brake available in the MU-X wagon, but otherwise there’s not a lot to complain about ergonomics-wise.

It does feel a tad more cramped in the second-row seats compared to the MU-X wagon, with no reclining backrest for a mid-trip snooze. But there’s enough room to squeeze in three adults, plus dedicated air-con vents and a single USB socket.

The seat base splits 50/50 and there’s a one-piece folding back to free up some more storage space.

We continue to have a love-hate relationship with the X-Terrain’s hard tonneau roller cover which can be fiddly to operate and has been subject to a product recall.

However, the new gas strut assistance for the tailgate is a welcome addition for a lifestyle ute, and matches some of its rivals with similar ‘one hand’-operated tailgates.

As one of Australia’s most popular utes, the third-generation Isuzu D-MAX has already made a strong pitch to buyers, with the recreational-focused X-Terrain putting on a strong showing in carsales’ Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute 2022.

As well as freshening up the look outside and in, the latest updates deliver some worthwhile practical enhancements that make it easier to load up and tow with the D-MAX.

It may no longer lead the dual-cab ute class in technology or safety after the arrival of the latest Ford Ranger, but the top-spec D-MAX continues to tick most of the boxes for a work and play ute.

2023 Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain at a glance:
Price: $64,990 (drive-away)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 207g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2020)