Isuzu D-Max – I’ve mentioned on many occasions that the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine. But what makes it such a good Tow vehicle.
Its starts with the reliable and robust 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It provides some 140kW of power and a very useful 450Nm of torque.
That headline figure is less than some competitors, but it’s the delivery that makes it useful. Maximum torque comes on around 1600rpm and there is about 350Nm available from around 1200rpm. This is combined with a 6 Sp automatic transmission.
These two factors alone ensure that the Isuzu D-Max is an ideal tow vehicle. It will in fact tow up to 3500kg and will do it with ease. The low torque delivery also ensures frugal economy when towing. I’ve towed car trailers and caravans with the D-Max and got around 9.0L/100K doing it. That’s stunning.
Other little features are that the Isuzu comes with the towing hardware fitted as standard. You just need to add whatever hitch you want. The clear reverse camera makes hooking up a trailer easy, and when a trailer is hitched it disables some safety features that may become intrusive such as Blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert which is a bonus.
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Rob Fraser
TO LISTEN TO THE ISUZU D-MAX RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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More thoughts about the Isuzu D-Max LS-U+
- Its comfortable and practical
- You jump in it and drive and it feels like home
- Packed with safety features
- Lots of clever ideas like
- bag hooks on the rear of the front seats
- slide out cup holders on front dash
- dash top storage bin
- wireless Apple CarPlay
- front seat heaters
- Configurable MFD between dials on the drivers instruments
- Not a fan of the windscreen washers in the wiper arms
- Also not a fan of the roll top on the tub. Its takes up space and has to be opened fully to close it again. Not the best when its raining.
- Like a lot of tubs, reaching the front middle section is difficult, especially with the roll top.
Some more Isuzu D-Max articles
- Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2023 Review
- Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2023 Review
- Isuzu D-Max and MU-X buyers update for 2023
- Isuzu 23MY D-MAX Upgrades
- 2023 Isuzu D-Max Ute gets some customer requested improvements
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Crew Cab 4WD Ute 2022 Review
- 2021 Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2021 Review
- Isuzu X-TERRAIN 4WD Crew Cab 2021 Review
- Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 2021 Radio Review
- 2020 Isuzu X-TERRAIN 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2020 Review
- Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN Radio Review
- Isuzu Ute all new D-MAX X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab
Also look at:
Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market and everyone is aiming upmarket.
Buyers could look at Ford Ranger Sport, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 Thunder. SsangYong Musso Ultimate, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.
Final thoughts
I’ve said it many times. The D-Max is a robust, reliable and practical 4WD Ute.
The LS-U+ is perhaps the best value version. It has a few extra features for comfort without the bling of the X-Terrain. It would pay to check the drive away deals on the X-Terrain though
The D-Max will tow 3500kg with ease, go anywhere you will sensibly want to go off road and do it in comfort. All D-Max vehicles come with the tow assembly installed. All you have to do is add the hitch tongue you want.
Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine.
Isuzu D-Max |
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Model |
D-MAX LS-U+ |
| Model Price | $63,500 MLP* |
| Engine | 3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD |
| Power | 140kW @ 3,600rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm |
| Safety | Five-star ANCAP (tested Sept 2022) |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 207 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 8.0L/100km / 76L capacity |
| Economy on test | 9.0L/100k |
| Max Range | 1101km |
| Servicing | 12Mth / 15,000km 7 Yrs. Capped Price |
| Warranty | 6yr/ 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assist | 7Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating LS-U+ |
87/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 8 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| AWD/Towing Capability* | 10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5) |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Dimensions |
Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ |
| Overall Length | 5280mm |
| Wheelbase | 3125mm |
| Width | 1880mm |
| Height | 1810mm |
| Wheels | 18×7.5 Alloy |
| Tyres | 265/60 R18 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 240mm |
| Wading Depth | 800mm |
| Approach | 30.5 degrees |
| Rampover | 23.8 degrees |
| Departure angle | 19 degrees |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.5m |
| Tub Length | 1570mm |
| Tub width arches | 1122mm |
| Tub width | 1530mm |
| Tub Depth | 475mm |
| Kerb Weight | 2115kg |
| Payload (kg) | 985kg |
| GVM (kg) | 3100kg |
| GCM | 6000kg |
| Towing Capacity | 3500kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 350kg |
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Overall Rating
Summary
Isuzu D-Max – I’ve mentioned on many occasions that the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine. But what makes it such a good Tow vehicle.
Its starts with the reliable and robust 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It provides some 140kW of power and a very useful 450Nm of torque.
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