Isuzu D-MAX 2019 Review

Workhorse ute variants seem to get lost in the crowd. With so much focus on the ‘bells and whistles’ range-toppers it’s easy to forget that workaday models like the Isuzu UTE D-MAX SX 4x4 Crew Cab are really the sole reason for light commercial utility models existing in the first place.

Models like the D-MAX SX are the bread and butter of a manufacturer’s LCV range. They are primarily the mainstay of the trade, agricultural and delivery sectors, and are built to work. Tray size, payload capacity, towing ability and off-road competence take precedence over sports bars, alloy wheels and heated seats – the D-MAX SX offering generous measures of the former.

Importantly, this entry point to the five-grade Isuzu UTE D-MAX range still covers the bases where convenience is concerned. In a market where buyers expect comfort and connectivity as well as capability, the D-MAX delivers.

The Thai-built Isuzu UTE D-MAX SX 4x4 Crew Cab variant as tested is priced from $43,400 (plus on-road costs) in six-speed manual form; the six-speed automatic transmission adding a $2100 premium to the retail price. Metallic paint adds $450.

Price-wise, that places the model on test at the upper end of the D-MAX portfolio. The D-MAX range starts from $28,500 (plus ORCs) and tops out at $54,700 (plus ORCs), covering Single, Space and Crew cabs, cab-chassis and utility body styles, two and four-wheel drive powertrains, regular and high-ride suspension set-ups, and the aforementioned five model grades.

Isuzu UTE offers a five-year/130,000km warranty with roadside assistance on its D-MAX and MU-X ranges. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), with service pricing capped for five years or 75,000km (again, whichever comes first). Based on the model tested, five years’ servicing amounts to $2090.

Excusing minor step-off lag, the turbocharged 4JJ1-TC 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit and its up-tick of 50Nm (to 430Nm @2000-2200rpm) is a gutsy unit that revs freely beyond its peak power point of 3600rpm (130kW). It’s the only engine in the D-MAX line-up and compared to many competitors, is a little rowdy.

Still, with CO2 emissions of 203g/km (ADR Combined) the engine is Euro5 compliant, and manages fuel economy numbers comparable to its contemporaries. Isuzu says the D-MAX will consume 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle, although on test (and in urban running), we managed 10.6L/100km.

The six-speed automatic transmission offers sensible ratio spacing and, for the most part, makes the right decisions. It is, however, a little crude from initial step-off and under harder upshifts, presenting a little shift-shock through the driveline.

Changes made to the 23-variant D-MAX range last year saw alterations to the paint and trim palette, rear (leaf) suspension set-up and electronic safety array. That said, the D-MAX does not offer many of the safety and infotainment technologies found in its contemporaries. The D-MAX continues to omit lane-change assist and active cruise control, for example, which obviously also precludes the fitment of autonomous emergency braking.

The updated Isuzu UTE D-MAX and MU-X line-up arrived in local showrooms in April last year (2018). The Isuzu UTE D-MAX SX 4x4 Crew Cab is available now.

While lifestyle-oriented variants of the D-MAX are of course available, the working-class SX tested here is positioned to serve in a blue collar capacity. Its 1059kg payload and 3500kg braked tow rating go a long way to ensuring pragmatic duties are performed without effort. The 1440 x 1460 x 480mm tray (1090mm between the wheel arches) is generous, without being class leading.

Tool-of-trade buyers will also appreciate the D-MAX SX’s dual-range four-wheel drive, 235mm of ground clearance and liberal off-road geometry – 30.0 degrees approach, 22.4 degrees ramp-over and 22.7 degrees departure – but not its lack of locking rear differential or truck-like turning circle (12.4m).

On the plus side, concessions to oddment stowage are plentiful; the SX variant’s hard-wearing cabin plastic, rubber floor mats, and hardy cloth-trimmed seats a fitting answer to its utilitarian brief.

Since joining the market in 2012 – alongside twin-under-the-skin Holden Colorado – the current-generation D-MAX has undergone significant changes throughout the past seven years, not least of which is the Aisin-sourced AWR6B45 six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old RevTronic five speed.

The improvements have assisted the D-MAX in gaining sales momentum, though not to the same extent as its greatest rivals. To the end of 2018 the Isuzu UTE D-MAX sold 18,550 units against 42,140 Ford Ranger sales and 51,705 Toyota HiLux sales.
Currently, the D-MAX faces off against no fewer than 15 four-wheel drive utility rivals in what it has to be said is Australia’s most competitive new-car segment.

As we’ve noted previously, the updated D-MAX shows improvements in ride and handling that trade-oriented buyers are sure to appreciate. The inclusion of trailer sway technology and a reversing camera across the line-up are also welcomed.

But when viewed against more advanced load-luggers like the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok there are signs the all-new D-MAX can’t come soon enough. Engine technology falls behind the curve and overall refinement – both ergonomic and mechanical – is now well out of step with most major rivals.

As a hay hauler, the D-MAX has a lot to offer. But if you’re after a multi-purpose vehicle to utilise across town and country pursuits, it might pay to shop around.

How much does the 2019 (MY18) Isuzu UTE D-MAX SX 4x4 Crew Cab-Chassis cost?
Price: $45,300 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/430Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined); 10.6L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 209g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2013)