Isuzu D-Max SX work Ute 2023 Review |

Last week I drove the Isuzu D-Max SX high ride Single Cab Chassis Ute. That’s a mouthful. Isuzu D-Max makes an ideal work Ute and the SX is particularly good value for money.

It’s powered by a 1.9L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine. This provides 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The version I drove comes with a 6 speed Manual Transmission and 2WD.

The standard alloy tray measures about 2.55m long, 1.8m wide and has a depth of 250mm. Payload is around 1400kg.

Now I gave the SX Isuzu a workout with about 1200 kg of pavers loaded on the back and drove from Sydney to Nelson Bay.

It carried the load with ease. With 1.9L the engine was willing and cruised comfortably along the freeway. However, it needed to be worked through the gears on hills. You couldn’t be lazy and let the torque carry you.

What is impressive is that this entry model still comes with a multitude of safety features, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Auto high beam headlights.

At the time of testing Isuzu has a driveaway special price on this Ute of $31,990 ad that’s stunning value.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Optional extras:

Tow Bar Kit $1,132.25, 12-Pin Plug $393.25, Electronic Brake Controller $896.05, Economy Alloy Tray $0 (included in driveaway price), Rubber Mats $127.66 and has stamp duty for Accessories which comes to $127.66.

As Tested $34,670.88, as the vehicle has a driveaway special of $31,990.

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX SX RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Some other Isuzu D-MAX SX Articles

What is good?

Payload and towing ability
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Class leading safety features

What is not so good?

1.9L can be a little light at times
Lights, especially high beam poor, no fog lights
Getting lazy in my old age, prefer AT

More thoughts about the Isuzu SX High Ride Cab Chassis

Its relatively comfortable inside, even for someone my size
But there isn’t much room to put anything, a problem with all single cab Utes
Seats are actually comfortable, something not usually associated with entry level work Ute
Being a high ride Ute means its easy to get into and out of.
The central screen can wash out in direct sunlight, problematic at times.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is a helpful addition. It can take a few moments to connect at times.
The engine matches the transmission well.
A six speed manual transmission allows you to extract the best from the engine. However you need to be running through the gears at times to do that
Headlights are a little poor, especially the high beam.
No fog lights
Typically the distance to empty gauge on all Isuzu’s is inconsistent.
Its packed with safety features, class leading for entry level work Utes I would imagine
However the reverse camera doesn’t have guidelines and it takes a while to judge just where the back of the Ute tray is
Huge payload and excellent sized tray.
One feature that was appreciated is the filler for fuel allowed an easy flow of diesel. Too often trays are installed with an almost horizontal fuel filler and it continually clicks off when filling. Drives me nuts.

Also look at:

There are not many Single Cab Cassis work Utes on the market at the moment Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market but everyone is aiming upmarket. Even getting our hands on some to test is difficult.

Buyers could look at Mazda BT-50, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton.

Final D-Max SX thoughts

Single Cab Chassis Work Utes are becoming a rare breed, with the push towards the premium end of dual cab’s.

While I always prefer more power and torque, the 1.9L diesel performed more than adequately.

It was ideal for around town work and cruised easily on the freeway.

You cant beat the price though. Its awesome value for money.

Isuzu D-Max
Model	D-MAX SX High Rider
Model Price	$31,990 RDAP*
Engine	1.9L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5
Drivetrain	6 Sp MT 2WD
Power	110kW @ 3,600rpm
Torque	350Nm @ 1800-2600rpm
Safety	Five-star ANCAP (tested Sept 2022)
0-100kmh / Top Speed	TBA
CO2 Emissions	207 g/km
Economy ADR	7.1L/100km / 76L capacity
Economy on test	8.0L/100k
Max Range (ADR)	1169km / 960km on test
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	84/100
Behind the Wheel	8
Comfort	9
Equipment	9
Performance	8
Ride and Handling	8
Practicality	8
Fit for Purpose	8
Payload/Towing Capability*	8 (5WD 4/5 Towing 3/5)
Technology/connectivity	9
Value for Money	9

*Towing and Payload capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Dimensions	Isuzu D-Max SX High Ride 4X2
Overall Length	5330mm
Wheelbase	3125mm
Width	1870mm
Height	1790mm
Wheels	17×7.0 Steel
Tyres	255/65 R17
Max ground clearance	Up to 235mm
Wading Depth	800mm
Approach	29.6 degrees
Rampover	23.9 degrees
Departure angle	24.6 degrees
Turning Circle KTK	12.5m
Tray Length	2555mm
Tub width arches	N/A
Tray width	1777mm
Tray Depth	250mm
Kerb Weight	1595kg
Payload (kg)	1405kg
GVM (kg)	3000kg
GCM	5300kg
Towing Capacity	2800kg
Tow Ball rating	280kg

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Isuzu D-Max SX work Ute 2023 Review