2021 Isuzu D-MAX ute launched in Australia

The first all-new Isuzu D-MAX since 2012 also arrives with a new engine, transmission and styling, plus a stronger chassis and suspension package.

At the pointy end of the new Isuzu D-MAX range, which officially goes on sale on September 1, is a new flagship called the X-Terrain.

Australia is the first market outside of Thailand to receive the new Isuzu D-MAX and it reaches our shores in a unique specification. The vehicle is the result of a six-year development program and the equivalent of 4.0 million kilometres of testing, Isuzu says.

A highlight of the 2020 Isuzu D-MAX range is the new Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which is standard across the range and features numerous cutting-edge safety technologies.

The range also now benefits from electric power steering and, for 4x4 models, a rear differential lock as standard.

This third-generation Isuzu D-MAX marks a step-change for the brand, with Isuzu now abandoning its previous "low frills" approach in favour of a premium product to target top-selling rivals including the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

The Isuzu D-MAX continues in three body styles (single cab, space cab and crew cab) and four trim grades, but the previous flagship, the LS-T, is discontinued and replaced with a new halo model, the X-Terrain.

The trim grade hierarchy starts with the workhorse SX before moving through LS-M and LS-U and X-Terrain, with a mix of 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines in a variety of cab-chassis and ute formats.

The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and LS-M are only available as a 4x4 ute.

Recommended retail pricing now spans $32,200 to $62,900 before on-road costs, meaning they have increased by at least $1900. The 4x4 ute models are up by between $3300 to $6000 and the X-Terrain is now $8100 dearer than the discontinued LS-T.

Powering the entire Australian D-MAX range is Isuzu's new 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The Euro 5 emissions-compliant engine produces 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm between 1600-2600rpm, with 400Nm available from 1400rpm-3000rpm.

The outgoing D-MAX produced 130kW at 3600rpm and 430Nm at 2000-2200rpm.

Isuzu says the new engine is significantly quieter and smoother, and is mated to either Isuzu's six-speed manual or Aisin's latest six-speed Rev-Tronic automatic transmission, the latter said to offer faster, smoother shifting for a $2000 premium.

Fuel economy is up slightly for most variants (although down for some), with the ADR combined-cycle figure of 7.7-8.0L/100km.

Isuzu says the 2020 D-MAX’s new ultra-high tensile steel body is 8.0kg lighter yet offers 20 per cent more rigidity. The wheelbase is 30mm longer and the ute is wider overall, with a lower roofline and shorter front and rear overhangs.

The ute is 30mm shorter, yet the load bay is larger across both ute and cab-chassis variants.

The new ladder-frame chassis is claimed to be stronger while new suspension – independent double wishbones up front and lighter but stronger three-leaf springs and dampers at the rear – is said to deliver a more controlled ride, and has been tuned for local conditions.

Isuzu's new IDAS active and passive safety suite is standard across the entire Isuzu D-MAX range (some features auto only), placing it "at the pinnacle of safety in the ute category", Isuzu says.

The IDAS system utilises a Hitachi twin-camera set-up to help detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential hazards that Isuzu says offers greater precision than single-camera systems.

As well as to staples such as anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control, IDAS features include:

The 2020 Isuzu D-MAX is yet to be assessed by ANCAP but Isuzu says it is confident of achieving a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Isuzu says new D-MAX interior has a stronger emphasis on comfort and higher levels of equipment across the range, while upper-tier variants feature premium finishes.

Highlights span a new steering wheel with adjustable tilt and reach, a new multimedia system with larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice recognition, digital radio, and new instrumentation with a central (and customisable) 4.2-inch digital display.

Crew cab models now receive rear-seat air-conditioning vents, while LS-U and X-Terrain receive dual-zone air-con.

All 2020 Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 models receive a rear diff lock, bringing it into line with many rivals. Wading depth rises to 800mm, Isuzu's "Terrain Command" is said to offer faster transfer case shifting, and ground clearance and off-road geometry (approach, departure and ramp-over angles) have improved.

Hill-start assistance and hill descent control are standard across the range (4x2 and 4x4).

The new rear suspension offers an extra 30mm of axle travel for better wheel articulation, while transmission gearing ratios remain unchanged.

The new Isuzu D-MAX continues with a 3500kg braked towing limit, 350kg maximum tow ball limit and trailer sway control as standard.

Gross combination mass limits (5850kg to 5950kg) carry over, but gross vehicle mass limits have increased by 50kg to 3000kg (4x2) and 3100kg (4x4).

Maximum payloads range from 970kg (X-Terrain, down 54kg) to 1320kg (SX single cab-chassis, manual).

Isuzu says towing formed a significant component of its local evaluation program.

2020 Isuzu UTE D-MAX trim grade highlights:

Isuzu D-MAX SX

LS-M adds:

LS-U adds:

X-Terrain adds:

How much does the 2020 Isuzu D-MAX cost?*

Isuzu D-MAX 4x2
SX single cab-chassis 6M: $32,200 (new model)
SX single cab-chassis 6A: $34,200 (+$2300)
SX crew cab-chassis 6A: $40,700 (+$3200)
SX space cab ute 6A: $38,900 (+$2600)
SX crew cab ute 6A: $41,900 (+$3200)
LS-U crew cab ute 6A: $48,900 (+$4800)

Isuzu D-MAX 4x4
SX single cab-chassis 6M: $40,200 (+$2000)
SX single cab-chassis 6A: $42,200 (+$1900)
SX space cab-chassis 6M: $43,700 (+$2700)
SX space cab-chassis 6A: $45,700 (+$2600)
SX crew cab-chassis 6M: $46,700 (+$3300)
SX crew cab-chassis 6A: $48,700 (+$3200)
SX crew cab ute 6M: $47,900 (+$3300)
SX crew cab ute 6A: $49,900 (+$3200)
LS-M crew cab ute 6M: $51,000 (+$4100)
LS-M crew cab ute 6A: $53,000 (+$4000)
LS-U space cab ute 6A: $53,900 ($5200)
LS-U crew cab ute 6M: $54,900 (+$6100)
LS-U crew cab ute 6A: $56,900 (+$6000)
X-Terrain crew cab ute 6A: $62,900 (New model)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

Isuzu UTE Australia says selected models will be launched with "introductory" drive-away pricing, with the entry-level 4x2 D-MAX SX single cab-chassis (manual) pitched at $29,990 and the flagship X-Terrain at $58,990.

The D-MAX's six-year/150,000km factory warranty continues but complimentary roadside assistance increases from six years to seven.

Isuzu's seven-year/105,000km capped price servicing scheme and 12-month/15,000km intervals also carry over, but the cost of servicing over the capped-price period has dropped by $470, to a total of $3373.

According to Isuzu UTE Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato, the new Isuzu D-MAX represents a major progression for the nameplate.

"This third-generation D-MAX brings together everything a ute driver would need and desire without compromising on the key elements that Isuzu have built over our 100-year-plus history: durability, reliability, performance, versatility, and of course safety," he said.

"Australia is the first country outside of Thailand to receive this vehicle, which is testament to Isuzu's true focus and commitment to developing a ute that meets the needs of Aussie families, tradies, and the adventurous alike."

The Isuzu D-MAX platform will be shared with Mazda's upcoming BT-50 trade ute.

boatsales will be driving the new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX closer to its September 1 on-sale date, so come back soon for our full road test and video.