Isuzu D-MAX LS-T 4x4 2018 Review

More tweaks for trusty ute

Since arriving down under in 2008, the Isuzu D-MAX has been more about offering the ‘bread and butter’ basics of a hard-working, multi-purpose ute than the latest ‘bells and whistles’ increasingly offered by many of its competitors.

Drawing on 100 years of truck and diesel engine production, the Japanese manufacturer’s ‘passenger’ vehicle line-up of single and dual-cab D-MAX pick-ups and the ute-based, seven-seat Isuzu MU-X wagon, have focused on the core attributes of its proven 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and manual and auto transmissions, solid four-wheel drive system and minimal creature comforts.

The tough truck, ‘few frills’ approach has worked a treat so far, with double digit sales growth over the past nine years and the Isuzu D-MAX currently sitting fifth behind HiLux, Ranger, Triton and Navara in the fiercely competitive and highly profitable ute sales race.

That focus has changed more recently, with Isuzu playing catch up on some of its perceived deficiencies over the past 16 months, with three ‘mid-life’ updates addressing areas of comfort, refinement, and safety increasingly valued by the growing number of ‘lifestyle’ ute buyers.

With dual cab utes heading upmarket as more are being used for family and towing pursuits, the latest MY18 update sees mostly minor improvements designed to make the Isuzu D-MAX a more civilised outdoor adventure machine.

With no ‘hero’ model like Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak to entice buyers, Isuzu has focused its latest efforts on the top-spec D-MAX LS-T dual-cab, delivering a smart, MU-X like interior including new perforated leather and leatherette trim on the seats, more padded ‘touchpoints’ as well as chrome and satin black highlights on the dash and side doors. It’s also added faster charging 2.1-amp USB sockets in the first and second rows to better cater for multiple mobile devices on the go.

The result is a darker, classier interior presentation that more closely mirrors the top-spec MU-X SUV. There’s still plenty of hard, cheaper plastics, and as we’ve noticed in previous Isuzu D-MAX utes, the side door trim is not always secured as tightly as it could. However, build quality is pretty good overall, and there were no rattles or other annoying noises during our test drive.

Also catering to family buyers is the addition of three bright new exterior colours – Cobalt Blue Mica, Graphite Grey Metallic and Magnetic Red Mica (also available on the MY18 Isuzu MU-X).

And to broaden its appeal to city buyers, the Isuzu D-MAX LS-T dual cab is also now available in rear-wheel drive; saving a hefty $8000 over the four-wheel drive version.

However, perhaps the biggest changes to the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX are under the skin, relating to driver comfort and safety, and benefitting those who want to use the D-MAX for off-roading and towing.

Already available on most of its rivals, all Isuzu D-MAX utes now come standard with Trailer Sway Control – a potentially life-saving safety feature that works in conjunction with the vehicle’s electronic stability control to detect and correct trailer sway before it turns into a nasty accident.

We didn’t get the chance to test it out, although we did have a brief drive of a D-MAX towing a 1700kg trailer boat with a 150kg ball weight (or around 50 per cent of the maximum 3500kg tow capacity). Not surprisingly, it did it easy.

However, perhaps the biggest upgrade was demonstrated over another short but bumpy, off-road route at the Mt Cotton Driving Centre in Queensland. One of the criticisms of the Isuzu D-MAX ute in the past has been its stiff, unforgiving rear suspension set-up, particularly unladen.

However, Isuzu has addressed this by ditching the old five-leaf rear suspension for a new three-spring set-up, using longer leaves made from “lighter and stronger materials” including high-tensile-strength steel that also helps reduce unsprung weight by around 8kg.

The re-tuned suspension certainly felt a lot more compliant and forgiving over undulating surfaces, especially when compared with a 2017 D-MAX driven back-to-back over the same route.

It felt more settled on smaller corrugations, with less ‘rock n roll’ over larger bumps, even when taken at speed. When traversing rough roads it promises a more relaxing, comfortable and calmer environment for occupants, including those in the rear seats.

The retuned suspension could also deliver benefits when towing a trailer, with less pitching than the previous version, although the test route was on smooth bitumen.

Another short off-road route, including some slippery steep ascents and descents, confirmed the 4x4 D-MAX as a capable and relatively stress-free off-road tourer.

It delivered decent traction with the highway tyres dropped to 20psi, and barely raised a sweat over some muddy, rutted sections. The more compliant off-road suspension should also make it more comfortable for longer stints over trickier terrain.

We also briefly drove a D-MAX loaded up with around 600kg in the tray, or around 90 per cent of its payload capacity with three passengers on board. Once again, it handled the twisty tarmac route with ease, cornering with relative composure.

Despite the latest updates, the D-MAX still lags behind rivals in some areas, including electronic driver aids like lane change assistance and active cruise control. It also lacks the locking diffs and electronic traction systems of some of its more off-road capable rivals, while its hill descent control system is not as finely tuned as some we’ve tried.

Speaking at the launch, Isuzu Ute Australia executives remained non-committal about the availability of latest tech like Apple CarPlay for D-MAX and MU-X variants. It’s now likely these type of creature comforts won’t find their way into an Isuzu dual-cab ute until the all-new model arrives, probably around 2020.

In the meantime, for the growing number of ute buyers that value Isuzu’s truck-like reputation and smooth, effortless progress in the bush or for the Big Lap, more than the latest gizmos and gadgets, the latest D-MAX remains a compelling proposition.

How much is the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX Crew Cab 4x4 LS-T Pick Up?
Price: $54,700 (plus ORCs)
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Outputs: 130kW/430Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 209g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP