COMPANIES THAT LISTEN TO THEIR customers tend to be a lot more successful than those that don’t. Isuzu Ute Australia continue to prove the premise, and are reaping the rewards with record sales.
Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) is set to introduce the most significant update to their one-tonne Ute nameplate since launching in late-2020, with the 2023 (23MY) D-MAX range refined with new features, new variants, and a refreshed exterior design and colour palette.
Australians have long anointed the D-MAX as one of the top-choices in the ute segment, praising it for its practicality, versatility, and reputation for durability. Favoured by families as the default choice for any assignment, it can often be seen doubling duties as a workhorse during the week, and a vehicle of escape and adventure during the weekend.
Available from local dealers in December 2022, that appeal is only expected to increase along with the updates set for the favoured Isuzu utility.
With supply constraints still plaguing much of the new vehicle market, close to 50,000 new-generation D-MAX utes have still found their way into Australian households since the local late-2020 launch, as reported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
“This is the most significant update to the Isuzu D-MAX range since debut—with each model set to receive a bolder design aesthetic, new features, and three new models added—giving Customers more choice,” said Isuzu Ute Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.
“In a market where some brands have removed features to meet delivery timeframes, we’ve listened to the feedback from Customers and the Media and have introduced new features to keep the Isuzu D-MAX towards the top of the segment; features that appeal to the modern ute driver, and the towing and touring adventurer.“
23MY D-MAX range
Offering Australians one of the widest selections of body styles, tray-configurations, and powertrain options available across the Australian one-tonne ute segment, three new variants will join the 23MY Isuzu D-MAX range.
With the 23MY D-MAX range comprising 27 variants, Australian customers are spoilt for choice when choosing their next ute. From the tradesman-focused SX to the value-packed D-MAX X-TERRAIN, there is something for everyone.
| New Models: |
| SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×2 Automatic with 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC |
| SX Crew Cab Ute 4×2 Automatic with 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC |
| SX Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Automatic with 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC |
New D-MAX SX variants
Favoured for its hardy, wipe-clean surfaces, and tradesman focus, the SX grade adds three new variants to the range, all powered by Isuzu’s frugal RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. After a successful Australian debut powering the 2022 D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2, the RZ4E-TC quickly earned its stripes as a fuel efficient and versatile powerplant, one that arrived at the right time as fuel prices at the bowser soared to record heights. With the SX range now expanding to four variants driven by the 1.9-litre engine, customers after fuel efficiency and low cost of operation can opt for a D-MAX SX with the frugal powertrain. Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine remains available in all grades and body styles, offering 140kW/450Nm from the largest-capacity four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine available in the ute segment.
Towing enhancements
Since the launch of the current generation D-MAX in 2020, Isuzu has introduced refinements to its active safety suite. And with close to half of all D-MAX owners choosing the Isuzu for its towing prowess, Isuzu engineers have simplified the towing set-up process by automatically disabling Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness. This refinement comes just a year after Isuzu introduced the Lane Support System Switch that allows the Driver to toggle lane keeping functions on or off, at the simple push of a button.
Exterior enhancements
The signature horizontal bar grille has evolved over the years into the latest iteration on the front of the 2023 D-MAX. Moulded to meet the swooped hard creases atop of the bonnet and the chiselled front bar fascia, the new grille design 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 two-tone dark grey on the X-TERRAIN. Following the design trend, the LED rear combination lights are also trimmed in dark grey metallic, rather than chrome.
After receiving customer feedback on the alloy wheel design of the 21MY and 22MY D-MAX range, Isuzu’s designers have introduced new wheel designs for the 23MY range. D-MAX LS-M feature new light grey 17-inch six spoke alloys, shod in Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain tyres, while the D-MAX LS-U and LS-U+ both feature 18-inch machined alloys, wrapped with Bridgestone Dueller rubber. The flagship X-TERRAIN takes the new 18-inch wheel design from the LS-U and LS-U+ and finishes it in a tasteful dark grey metallic – which matches the design aesthetic of the X-TERRAIN. Helpful in keeping an eye on tyre pressures to maximise traction and tyre life, 23MY LS-U, LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN variants each feature a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), that relays vital information back to the driver.
Tailgate assist
Recognising that the rear tailgate on ute variants may be heavy to open and close, all 23MY ute models now feature Tailgate Assist; a gas-strut system which allows for easy one-hand operation of the tailgate.
Interior enhancements
Isuzu designers have introduced an updated selection of seat upholstery trims to the range; high-grade cloth on LS-M and LS-U, and leather-accented trim on the LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN, with signature X-TERRAIN red stitching reserved for the latter. With more families turning to utes as default dual-purpose family vehicles, the SX Crew Cab Ute and Crew Cab Chassis both receive an additional 2.1Amp USB port in the second row – for charging mobile and tablet devices – matching the offering in the other grades.
2023 (23MY) D-MAX RANGE UPDATE SUMMARY
| D-MAX SX |
| Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone black |
| RZ4E-TC turbo-diesel engine available as an option on Single Cab Chassis and Crew Cab Ute and Chassis |
| 2nd row 2.1Amp USB port on Crew Cab models |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
| Tailgate Assist (ute only) |
| D-MAX LS-M |
| Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone black and grey |
| New 17-inch alloy wheels in light grey |
| Redesigned Cloth Seat Upholstery |
| Dark grey metallic fog light trims |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
| Tailgate Assist (ute only) |
| D-MAX LS-U and LS-U+ |
| Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone grey and chrome |
| New 18-inch machined alloy wheels with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) |
| Redesigned leather-accented seat upholstery design (LS-U is high-grade cloth) |
| Heated door mirrors (LS-U) |
| Dark grey metallic fog light trims |
| LED rear combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
| Tailgate Assist (ute only) |
| D-MAX X-TERRAIN |
| Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone dark grey |
| New 18-inch alloy wheels in dark grey with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) |
| Redesigned leather-accented seat upholstery design with red stitching |
| LED rear combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic |
| Dark grey metallic treatment throughout: side steps, mirrors, door and tailgate handles, roof rails, sports bar, and fender flares. |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
| Tailgate Assist |
2023 (23MY) D-MAX RANGE GRADEWALK
D-MAX SX standard equipment:
- Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which includes AEB with Turn Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Trailer Sway Control and eight airbags.
- 235mm ground clearance.
- 800mm wading depth.
- 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine (RZ4E-TC) with 110kW/350Nm, six-speed auto/manual or 3-litre turbo-diesel engine (4JJ3-TCX) with 140kW/450Nm, 6-speed auto/manual, with 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain.
- Payload Capacity of up to 1,405kg (SX Single Cab Chassis with RZ4E-TC MT).
- Braked/unbraked towing: 2,800kg/750kg (MT) and 3,000kg/750kg (AT), SX powered by RZ4E-TC.
- Braked/unbraked towing: 3,500kg/750kg (all other models powered by the 4JJ3-TCX)
- 4×4 Terrain Command and Rear Diff-Lock (4×4 models).
- 3-leaf standard rear suspension (ute models) and 3-leaf heavy-duty (Cab Chassis models).
- Heavy-duty urethane steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake.
- 2x 2.1-Amp USB ports (1x in Single Cab and Space Cab models) (new).
- Vinyl floor.
- Cloth trim upholstery.
- Power windows, mirrors, electric power steering and air-conditioning with rear air vents on Crew Cab models.
- 7-inch infotainment display with Voice Recognition, DAB+ radio, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, with 4-speakers.
- Automatic windshield wipers.
- Automatic halogen headlights with automatic high beam control.
- Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone black (new).
- 17-inch steel wheels with 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25.
- BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing (new).
- Tailgate Assist (Ute models) (new).
- Available in Mineral White, Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey Mica, Basalt Black Mica and a new Neptune Blue Mica.
D-MAX LS-M adds:
- 3-litre turbo-diesel engine (4JJ3-TCX) with 140kW/450Nm, with six-speed auto/manual.
- 3-leaf heavy-duty rear suspension (both ute and Cab Chassis models).
- Redesigned high-grade cloth trim upholstery (new).
- Automatic Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), with auto-levelling and automatic high beam control.
- LED fog lights with dark grey metallic trims (trims are new).
- Rear Parking Sensors (ute models).
- Body coloured mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle.
- Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone black and grey (new).
- New 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25.
D-MAX LS-U adds:
- 240mm ground clearance.
- 3-leaf standard rear suspension (Ute models) and 3-leaf heavy-duty (Cab Chassis models).
- 9-inch infotainment display with Voice Recognition, DAB+ radio, Sat-Nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, with eight-speaker sound system (six-speakers – Space Cab).
- Smart Entry and Start – smart proximity key allows for true, keyless entry push button start/stop.
- Walk Away Door Lock – automatically locks when it senses the driver is away from the D-MAX.
- Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror.
- Powered lumbar support for driver’s seat.
- Leather-trimmed gear knob.
- Soft-touch door trim.
- Soft-touch central armrest lid.
- Vanity mirrors for driver and passenger.
- Carpet flooring.
- Tow bar receiver
- Tub liner (ute models).
- Piano-black, silver and chrome interior trim accents.
- Sidesteps.
- Chrome door handles and tailgate handle.
- Chrome heated door mirrors (new).
- LED rear combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic (new).
- Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone chrome (new).
- New 18-inch machined alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT (new).
- Available in Mineral White, Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Magnetic Red Mica, and the new Neptune Blue Mica and Moonstone White Pearl.
D-MAX LS-U+ adds:
- Redesigned leather-accented seats with black stitching (new).
- Variably heated front seats.
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
D-MAX X-TERRAIN adds:
- Front parking sensors.
- Redesigned leather-accented seats with red stitching.
- Red Stitching to premium black leather steering wheel, interior trims and gear knob.
- Blacked-out instrument cluster with X-TERRAIN insignia.
- ‘X’ badging on tailgate and instrument cluster.
- Red and black interior accents.
- Vanity mirror lights.
- Remote engine start – embedded with security measures to prevent unauthorised entry and theft.
- Matt black roller tonneau cover.
- Aero sports bar in dark grey metallic (dark grey metallic new).
- Front and rear underbody spoilers in dark grey metallic (dark grey metallic new).
- Sidesteps, mirrors, door and tailgate handles, roof rails, sports bar, and fender flares finished in dark grey metallic (new).
- Redesigned signature Isuzu grille in two-tone dark grey (new).
- New 18-inch alloy wheels in dark grey with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT (new).
- Available in all colours, plus the Volcanic Amber Metallic and the new Granite Grey Mica.
Pricing, paint & availability
With an official start of sales from December 2022, the 23MY D-MAX range will retain the exact same RRP of the 22MY range, with the exception of the three additional models. IUA’s national driveaway pricing will remain on the D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis Manual 4×2 with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine and Eco Alloy Tray, starting at $31,990 driveaway, and the flagship 23MY D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4×4 retaining its $64,990 driveaway price.
RRP excluding on-road costs
4×2
SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Manual (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $32,200 ($31,990 Special Driveaway Price)
SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $34,200
SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $34,200
SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $36,200
SX Space Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $39,700
SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $40,700 (NEW)
SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $42,700
SX Crew Cab Ute 4×2 Auto (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $42,200 (NEW)
SX Crew Cab Ute 4×2 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $44,200
LS-U Crew Cab Ute 4×2 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $53,000
4×4 Cab Chassis
SX Single Cab Chassis 4×4 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $42,200
SX Single Cab Chassis 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $44,200
SX Space Cab Chassis 4×4 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $45,700
SX Space Cab Chassis 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $47,700
SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×4 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $48,700
SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $50,700
LS-M Crew Cab Chassis 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $53,800
LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $59,500
4×4 Ute
SX Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Auto (1.9-litre turbo-diesel) – $50,200 (NEW)
SX Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $52,200
LS-M Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $53,300
LS-M Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $55,300
LS-U Space Cab Ute 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $58,000
LS-U Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Manual (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $59,000
LS-U Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $61,000
LS-U+ Crew Cab Ute 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $63,500
X-TERRAIN 4×4 Auto (3.0-litre turbo-diesel) – $67,500 ($64,990 Special Driveaway Price)
The 23MY D-MAX range will be available across a selection of colours, with all but ‘Mineral White’ incurring a $650 paint premium:
- Mineral White
- Basalt Black mica
- Neptune Blue mica (new)
- Mercury Silver metallic
- Obsidian Grey mica
- Granite Grey metallic (new) (X-TERRAIN exclusive)
- Moonstone White Pearl (new) (LS-U, LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN only)
- Magnetic Red mica (LS-U, LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN only)
- Volcanic Amber metallic (X-TERRAIN exclusive)
Full 23MY D-MAX specification details are due in the upcoming months, ahead of local deliveries commencing in December 2022.