2023 Isuzu D-Max review: First drive of updated ute

It’s no secret that by now Isuzu has lightly updated its range of MU-X and D-Max vehicles for 2023. We published our first drive impressions of the 2023 Isuzu MU-X earlier in the week, but as we also had the opportunity to take the 2023 Isuzu D-Max for a long drive on the media launch in perfect Queensland conditions, it would be rude to not take a closer look at the D-Max as well and discuss the updates for 2023.

For the most part, these updates are based around the cosmetics of the ute, with new wheels, updated grills and new colours on offer. But there are some useful additions to the 2023 D-Max that we're excited to see.

We’re talking about tailgate assist that works well when both opening and closing the tailgate, interior enhancements, and the option of a 1.9L turbo diesel engine in the SX Spec Crew Cab 4x4 mated to an automatic transmission.

We didn’t have the opportunity to pilot the 1.9L motor yet (although Wheels has driven it in MY22 guise, see here), but we'll keep you updated when we do get a drive early in the new year.

JUMP AHEAD

New additions across the 2023 Isuzu D-Max range

What is it like to drive?

Towing

Available colours

Pricing across the 4x4 range

VERDICT

23

New additions across the 2023 Isuzu D-Max range

23

Back to top

What is it like to drive?

My first observation from driving the 2023 Isuzu D-Max, is that the rear end rides firm with no weight in the back. It’s not bad for an unladen ute, but not class-leading either, and I’d be ditching the stock suspension for an aftermarket lift kit anyway – because that’s how I roll.

There’s plenty of low-down grunt, like the MU-X we also had the chance to pilot during this drive event, and this makes the D-Max easy to drive over technical terrain. However, I’d love to see just a bit more power – as I know this engine is capable of it – to help keep up with the competition.

Braking performance is solid, and steering feel is nicely weighted, and over a few days of on-and-off road driving, fuel economy seemed to stay at the 8L/100km mark, which is right on the money for a vehicle of this size.

23

On the beach of Double Island Point, the D-Max felt right at home. In patches of soft sand, the low-down grunt of the 3.0L engine allowed us to tractor through without issue. It’s when you open the engine up that you notice it’s loud in operation. It doesn’t bother me, because I’ve owned plenty of old diesel four-wheel-drives, but it is worth mentioning.

I also wish this D-MAX update for 2023 had included the Rough Terrain Mode feature found in the 2023 Isuzu MU-X.

This magic button genuinely offers a solid improvement in off-road ability in the MU-X thanks to a more aggressive traction control calibration when selected, and would push the D-MAX closer to HiLux and Ranger in terms of off-road ability. C’mon Isuzu, you know you want to do it.

Back to top

23

Towing

As we reported in our recent 2023 Isuzu MU-X first drive article, Isuzu tells us that close to half of all Isuzu owners use their vehicle to tow.

To offer a simpler experience, the 2023 Isuzu D-Max now automatically disables Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when a trailer is connected and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness.

Previously, Isuzu had Introduced a Lane Support System Switch allowing drivers to turn lane keeping functions on or off.

23

1.9L Turbo Diesel Engine option

Isuzu is now offering its 1.9L RZ4E-TC engine in a 4x4, specifically the SX Crew Cab 4x4 Auto. Pricing for this model is $50,200, a saving of $2000 if you select this motor over the 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX in similar trim, which was previously the only motor offered in the D-Max and MU-X range.

The RZ4E-TC produces a claimed 110kW and 350Nm, with Isuzu telling us up to 80 per cent of power is produced between 1550rpm-3700rpm. In comparison, the 4JJ3 makes 140kW and 450Nm.

While we haven’t driven the 1.9L, and are eagerly awaiting our chance to – is a saving of $2000 enough to sway you to the smaller engine?

I’m keen to hear your thoughts on this, 4X4 Australia readers, so please leave a comment to let us know what you think.

23

Back to top

Available colours

There are now nine colours available in the 2023 D-Max line-up, including three new colours. Every colour except Mineral White incurs an additional $650 paint premium.

Back to top

23

Pricing across the 4x4 range

As this is a 4X4 publication, we’ll focus solely on 4X4 pricing across the 2023 Isuzu D-Max range. If you want the full range of pricing, including the 4x2 range, they can be found at the link below.

23

23

Back to top

VERDICT

I’ve done many kilometres in this generation D-Max, in the form of the 4X4 Australia D-Max project we built up earlier this year. So, hopping back into a D-Max with these updates felt like putting on an old pair of your favourite shoes.

It’s a good thing, and I like the fact it is still a relatively simple vehicle in a world gone mad with technology.

I’d love to see Rough Terrain Mode included, and some more power would be great as well just to keep up with the competition.

As per the 2023 MU-X release, the line-up has received some nice additions that freshen up the appearance of the D-Max range, and again we aren’t even paying for the privilege as pricing hasn’t increased for the 2023 Isuzu D-Max.

Back to top