Browse over 9,000 car reviews

2012 Isuzu D-Max Reviews

You'll find all our 2012 Isuzu D-Max reviews right here. 2012 Isuzu D-Max prices range from $25,100 for the D-Max Sx 4x2 to $51,700 for the D-Max Ls Terrain Hi Ride 4x4.

Our reviews offer detailed analysis of the 's features, design, practicality, fuel consumption, engine and transmission, safety, ownership and what it's like to drive.

The most recent reviews sit up the top of the page, but if you're looking for an older model year or shopping for a used car, scroll down to find Isuzu dating back as far as 2008.

Or, if you just want to read the latest news about the Isuzu D-Max, you'll find it all here.

Used Isuzu D-Max review: 2008-2012
By Graham Smith · 06 Mar 2015
Graham Smith reviews the used Isuzu D-Max 2008-2012, its fine points, its flaws and what to watch for when you are buying it.
Read the article
Isuzu D-Max LS 2012 Review
By Peter Barnwell · 09 Jan 2013
Chuck a tonne in the back of your new one tonne ute and chances are the towing capacity drops right away. They can't take the weight in the tub and through the tow bar at the same time. Not the case with the new Isuzu D-Max ute which can handle up to about 950kg in the load tub and still pull its 3.0-tonne towing capacity - without spilling its guts all over the road.VALUEPrices for the base cab chassis 2WD start at $27,200. Our test vehicle was $51,700. The Isuzu D-Max ute is functional and in the LS Terrain model's case, well equipped complete with a large touch screen and satnav (featuring 10,000 off road destinations), reverse camera, decent audio and Bluetooth connectivity.\We really appreciated the fine particle pollen filter and multi-media connectivity but the seats are a bit flat and the embossed leather tacky. The test vehicle had hill ascent and descent assist as well as other driving aids. A full size spare is supplied on all models.TECHNOLOGYThe ability to tow a decent amount while loaded up is because the D-Max is unashamedly a work truck right down to its ‘truck' engine and heavy duty transmission from Japanese manufacturer Aisin. It's actually the same tranny as Toyota uses in the 200-Series Landcruiser modified to suit the D-Max.The 3.0-litre four pot turbodiesel Isuzu engine is built for light commercial vehicle application and is infact a revised version of the previous unit achieving some 130kW/380Nm output, the latter from 1800rpm. The top of the range test vehicle, an LS-Terrain Crew Cab five-speed auto had selectable 4WD as well as sequential shift mode, not that you need it, this is a truck after all.The engine has a variable geometry turbo (VGT) and other refinements to improve efficiency and performance. D-Max has a double wishbone front suspension with gas dampers and leaf rear springs while the front diff' is independent the rear is a rigid, old-school set-up - just what's required for a ute.Terrain Command 4x4 system offers 2WD and 4WD high and low range - selected by a dial on the centre console (at up to 100kmh).DESIGNThis is a new model from Isuzu featuring a stylish new body and new chassis. It's a body-on-chassis design as all utes should be but in this case, that ladder features numerous cross members for extra rigidity and strength in arduous conditions.It also has a longer wheelbase than before to provide additional cabin space. Though similar to Holden's Colorado ute to look at, the D-Max is actually a more handsome beast thanks to its different frontal treatment and other tweaks to the sheet metal and trims. Comes off a different assembly line too, so calling the D-Max a rebadged Colorado is way off base. It's almost completely different.Inside is best described as serviceable with mostly hard plastic surfaces styled to look acceptable.DRIVINGOn the road, the D-Max is surprisingly smooth and quiet, much better than the Colorado. It has plenty of performance through a wide engine rev range and can achieve relatively frugal economy rated around the 8.0-litre/100km mark.The auto seems well in tune with the engine's outputs because there's never a hole when you push the accelerator. It has a softish ride and is suitably comfortable on and off road but the turning circle is big. There's plenty of room in the big cabin for five and access is helped by large doors and door openings.Loading the beast is easy too - not too high and the tub is large - certainly for two trail bikes and a mountain of spares. Goes almost anywhere off-road spoiled only by the stability control system that can't be turned off in 4H.VERDICTWe mostly like the D-Max apart from the cheap interior and large turning circle. It's a ridgey-didge light commercial vehicle up for pretty much anything you throw at it.Isuzu D-Max LS-TPrice: from $51,700Warranty: 5yrs/130,000km with 5yr roadside assistService intervals: Six months/10,000kmSafety: Six airbas, ABS, TC, ESC, hill ascent/descentEngine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/363NmTransmission: Five-speed auto, 4x4Dimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.86m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 2950kgThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel), 214g/km CO2Spare: Full-size
Read the article
Isuzu D-MAX LS-U 2012 Review
By Neil Dowling · 22 Nov 2012
You're dreaming if you think the latest crop of utes are good enough to replace a passenger car or an SUV as your family's drive.After a year of being bounced around in all the "new'' utes, of trying to park in tight shopping centre bays, grinding with freeway commuter traffic, going to off-road places no-one else has visited (and realising just why no-one had previously bothered), I have become disillusioned with the purported "dual-purpose'' role of a ute.Forgive me, my family is too valuable. But if you're a tradie or farmer, enthusiastic four-wheeler or need a rugged go-anywhere machine with decent load-carrying ability, these are your toys.The Isuzu D-Max here is made in Thailand and uses many similar parts to rival Holden Colorado and though drivetrains are different, there are enough common concepts to make buyers aggressively shop these against each other.VALUECall me harsh but a ladder frame, a simple diesel engine and some bulging body panels isn't worth nearly $50,000 - especially when tens of thousands are made each year. These are a license to print money for some ute makers.The Isuzu presents as a long-awaited, all-new ute in three body styles and with a more powerful engine. But it's not really all new. The LS-U Space-Cab model seats up to two adults and has (very) occasional seating for two people in the back via a set of small, rear-hinged doors.It has reasonable equipment - Bluetooth, fold-in mirrors, cruise control and a trip computer - but its strength is in its durability. The problem is it has a voracious list of rivals, though the Isuzu is generally the cheapest.DESIGNIt's a more muscular version of the old model and for 2012, presents in its Space-Cab version that has an extended cabin with a couple of floor cushions for the reluctant passengers. These two rear "seats'' contain storage bins beneath and the cushions fold up against the rear wall.The reverse opening rear doors make it a snap to load humans and other valuables. There are not as many changes over the 2011 model as you may think.Mostly its tweaking and honing which is an excellent strategy to attract buyers to a ute that has a brilliant history for reliability. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Changes of note include a 45mm longer wheelbase, a lower and wider tray, bigger cabin and redesigned dash.TECHNOLOGYRival Holden has a new(ish) 132kW/440Nm 2.8-litre VM-Motori turbo-diesel while Isuzu has upgraded last year's 120kW/360Nm 3-litre turbo-diesel to 130kW/380Nm. It's a strong, broad-power engine that is a bit more agricultural than rivals. But it's smart. Changes are made to improve longevity and things like the camshaft's chain drive, instead of some rivals' belt drive, will be appreciated by owners.Oil changes are out to 20,000km. The five-speed manual gearbox is made by Eaton. The front suspension is double wishbones and coils while the rear are traditional leaf springs that are unusually mounted on top of the rigid axle. Most of this is carried over from the old model. A 3000kg tow rating and 1050kg payload are good. No prize for the rear drum brakes, though.SAFETYThis is a four-star rated vehicle and, as I said at the beginning, you shouldn't put your family in a four-star car where you have a choice. The Hilux is also a four-star. But the D-Max has electronic stability and traction control, six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, plus occupant safety measures including a high-strength welded passenger cell. Only the top-line LS-Terrain has a reversing camera.DRIVING On the road the let-down of the D-Max is the rubbery action of its five-speed manual gearbox. Spend the extra $2200 and buy the five-speed auto option. The ride is firm - more jittery than Colorado so prefers a load in the back - though well controlled while the steering is actually quite pleasant with a light action and good control.The engine is strong throughout the sub-3500rpm range. It's beefy off the mark and especially torquey around 2500rpm with such a broad range of grunt that it will pull from fifth from 1000rpm. Slowly, but it'll do it. The turning circle is typically wide which means it's hard work in city and suburbs.Brakes are adequate. But now, in the dirt through some long, lonely gravel roads and brutal rocky outcrops near Perth, it's a different machine. Engage 4WD Low via the twist dial on the dash and it'll idle up steep hills and hold pace to a crawl while descending.The suspension remains firm but reveals its necessary compliance in hard conditions. The seats are reasonable - heaven help those in the back - and visibility is very good. Isuzu claim 8.3 L/100km but a six-hour day in the dirt and a freeway ride home resulted in my average of 9.9 L/100km.Isuzu D-MAX space-cab LS-UPrice: $43,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000km, roadside assistService intervals: 12 months/20,000kmSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 4-starEngine: 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-spd manual; part-time 4WDThirst: 8.3L/100km; 220g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 1900kgSpare: Full size
Read the article
Isuzu D-Max LS-T 2012 Review
By Craig Duff · 17 Sep 2012
When you've only got one vehicle on sale, it better be a good one. If off-road ability rates ahead of cabin ambience, the Isuzu D-Max has just that. In terms of solidity and reliability it has the credentials to make life tough for the the established four-wheel drive utes.Its four-cylinder engine gives away torque to its rivals but makes up for it with a ruggedness that is hard to argue with.VALUEAt $50,700 the Isuzu LS-T is relying on reputation and build quality rather than discount pricing to win sales. The top-spec BT-50 is $51,140 and the XLT Ranger is $53,390. Both have a more car-like interior and more torque.Closer to home, the Holden Colorado shares the Isuzu's platform and interior styling and its 2.8-litre donk brings a 3.5-tonne tow rating against 3.0-tonnes for the Isuzu's 3.0-litre turbodiesel four. It doesn't have the features or off-road cred of the Isuzu, though. The LS-T's advantages include leather seats, a reversing camera and satnav on the 6.5-inch touchscreen, comfier rear seats and hill ascent/descent control.TECHNOLOGYAs a truck builder and long-term ute builder, Isuzu knows a bit about body-on-frame chassis. Software to help with horrendous off-road conditions is a smart move, as is the fitment of the Clarion-sourced touchscreen.The downside of that screen is the fact audio controls aren't on the steering wheel, meaning the driver's eyes are momentarily off the road when changing volume or stations. There is a remote control for the passenger to play with, though and a USB connection is secreted in the glovebox.DESIGNMuch like the Ford/Mazda duo, the Isuzu has the edge in looks over the Colorado in the eyes of this beholder. It looks tough, if not as slab-sided as the Ranger. The rear pews slope backwards so passengers are at least semi-comfortable.It needs some weight in the tray to avoid jolting through the rear leaf springs and the interior is looking dated compared to the class leaders. Hard plastics and a lack of glossy highlights are great for the workhorse models but don't give the high-end LS-T a quality look.SAFETYSix airbags ensure occupant protection but the D-Max only earned a four-star rating by EuroNCAP, which says chest and leg protection is marginal in a frontal crash. The side impact crash caused no damage to the dummy but passenger protection - like most vehicles in this class - isn't great.DRIVINGCompetent on road, capable off it. That sums up the Isuzu and points to it being a smart choice for owners who want a genuine 4x4 ute without owning something as big as the Ranger. The ride is a touch jittery in the rear when the tray is unloaded but settles down with 200kg of cement.Direct steering helps when driving on narrow lanes and in carparks and it's backed by a decent amount of feedback when the D-Max is cornering. The electric-powered driver's seat is a bonus but the wheel can't be adjusted for reach.  On paper, the four-cylinder engine lacks torque compared to its rivals but on the road that won't be felt unless owners are approaching the tow limit.The five-speed auto lacks a cog compared to the class leaders but still has great fuel use at 8.1 litres over 100km. Engine noise is also a touch louder than the leaders, with muted clatter at idle and on full throttle.VERDICTThe Isuzu is a serious 4WD but that comes at the expense of cabin civility at a time when the class leaders are getting soft and citifed at least on the inside. For that reason I'd spend the extra $700 and garage the Mazda as a tradies' runabout, but if I was looking for a purposeful off-roader, it'd be hard to go past the D-Max.Isuzu D-Max LS-T CrewcabPrice: $50,700Warranty: Three years/100,000kmService intervals: Six months/10,000kmSafety: Six airbas, ABS, TC, ESC, hill ascent/descentEngine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/363NmTransmission: Five-speed auto, four-wheel driveDimensions: 5.3m (L), 1.86m (W), 1.8m (H)Weight: 2950kgThirst: 8.1L/100km (diesel), 214g/km CO2Spare: Full-size
Read the article
Isuzu D-Max 2012 Review
By Ewan Kennedy · 25 Jun 2012
Last week Holden launched its all-new Colorado, now we have just stepped out of Isuzu’s D-Max. The two share a lot in common, at least on the surface. However, they two vehicles have a different look to one another and are built in two separate factories, although both are in Thailand.VALUEThe new D-Max starts at $27,200 for the manual single cab chassis model which previously cost $25,100. Prices go up to $51,700 for the new five-speed auto LS-Terrain. The top-spec car has a reversing camera, leather upholstery and a satnav system. Service intervals have been doubled to 20,000km and one year.TECHNOLOGYIsuzu Ute Australia is quick to point out that the D-Max uses Isuzu truck engines and transmissions exclusively. The company has made its name on durability and reliability and says the use of true truck drivetrains is an important factor in this. Keeping in mind that Isuzu trucks have been number one in the sales race in Australia for the past 23 years, we are inclined to respect the argument put forward by IUA.The powerplant is a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel and puts out 130 kW at just 3600 rpm, the low revs showing the commercial nature of this engine. Torque is much more important than power and the Isuzu puts out 380 Nm between 1800 and 3600 revs. Engineers say they could have achieved quite a bit more torque but the most important factor in their design was that flat graph.Transmission options are five-speed manual and five-speed automatic. On the road and off, we found the engines to be superbly tractable and were able to hold onto high gears in the interests of lowering fuel consumption and emissions.Isuzu is importing the D-Max with both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. Showing the tough nature of the typical buyers of D-Maxes is the fact that the majority of buyers have opted for 4WD. Nothing is likely to change this time around, so it looks as though these owners are serious.DESIGNThe cabin has plenty of legroom front and rear and my six-foot frame can sit comfortably behind itself with legroom and foot room that makes it fine for long trips.SAFETYSafety in the new D-Max is right up with that of the latest cars. It carries comprehensive crash avoidance electronics including ABS with force distribution and brake assist as well as stability and traction controls. Protection during a crash takes the form of six airbags and lap-sash safety belts in all seats.The D-Max has yet to be crash tested by ANCAP and Isuzu, always a conservative operator, won’t comment on an expected star rating. But the guys do sound very confident.DRIVINGWell aware that many dual-cab utes and pickups are being bought by Australians as family cars, not just light commercial vehicles, Isuzu has put a lot of effort into making them quieter, smoother and easier to drive than ever before.We were particularly impressed by the tight turning circle that made it easier to manoeuvre around town, but also on the harsh off-road tracks we traversed during our introductory drives in far north Queensland.Like any big four-cylinder engine the Isuzu powerplant has some vibration but we have felt worse. While you wouldn't mistake the D-Max’s interior for that of a large passenger car the big ute comes pretty close in terms of refinement and smoothness.We did some serious off-road driving in the Isuzu D-Max and it passed every test to which we put it; including slippery clay, very steep climbs and descents and driving on river sand.VERDICTNew Isuzu D-Max is a solid generation in front of the previous one and looks likely to continue Isuzu Ute’s sales success in Australia.Isuzu D-MaxPrices: from $27,200-$51,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: 52%Service interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 4 or 5 starsSpare: full-sizeEngine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-speed auto and manual; RWD/4WDBody: 5-5.3m (L); 1.7-1.9m (w); 1.7-1.8m (h)Weight: 1527-1935kgTowing: 3 tonneThirst: 8-8.3L/100km; 212-220g/km CO2
Read the article
Isuzu D-Max 2012 Review
By Mark Hinchliffe · 22 Jun 2012
Australia is ute country. Our top-selling vehicle in May was a ute, the morning commute is packed with utes, the weekend beach run is dominated by them and we are the second-biggest market in the world for Isuzu's D-Max ute, after Thailand where it's made.We were led to believe the new D-Max would be a totally separate platform to the Holden Colorado (and previously Rodeo). However, the two still share chassis, body panels and much of the interior, except for instruments and some features. That's not a bad thing; the new Colorado is a bolder, bigger, safer, more powerful and frugal machine and so is the D-Max.VALUEIsuzu Ute Australia spokesman Dave Harding says prices are up "slightly" even though it has much more safety and creature features. The new D-Max starts at $27,200 for the manual single cab chassis model which previously cost $25,100."But you get a lot more car for your money," Harding says.Prices now range up to $51,700 for the new five-speed auto LS-Terrain, almost $10,000 more than the previous flagship model. The top-spec car not only has a reversing camera, but also leather upholstery and a satnav system with 10,000 off-road destinations and live traffic updates. Colorado doesn't have satnav available.Value is further increased by a doubling of the service intervals to 20,000km and one year. Isuzu does not have fixed-price servicing like some of its competitors such as Holden, although they are "considering it".TECHNOLOGYThe biggest difference between the Isuzu and Holden is in the powertrain. While the Colorado has two diesel engines: a 2.5-litre (110kW/350Nm) and a 2.8-litre (132kW/470Nm), Isuzu has refined its 3.0-litre diesel engine for more power (130kW up from 120kW) and torque (380Nm up from 333Nm).Meanwhile, fuel consumption is down from 9L/100km to 8.1-8.3, which is better than Holden's more powerful unit. It still has a five-speed manual transmission, but it has developed a super-smooth and responsive five-speed auto to replace its somewhat outdated four-speed box. While Holden has a six-speed auto, the extra gear really isn't missed in the Isuzu. Tradies will welcome iPod and Bluetooth connectivity throughout the range.DESIGNIt is longer, wider, bigger inside, with a larger tray and more muscular, flared guards, just like the Holden. But with that bold chrome grille and big door handles - all the better for tradies wearing gloves to operate - somehow it seems more purposeful. "A tool, not a toy," says Harding.Aerodynamics were tested in the same wind tunnel used for the Japanese Bullet train and have been improved for a quieter ride and better economy. Beach anglers and off-roaders will welcome the increased clearance and better approach, departure and breakover angles.SAFETYIsuzu has joined Holden in hoping their new utes will join the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and Volkswagen Amarok with a maximum five stars in the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).While there is no schedule yet for ANCAP testing, Isuzu believes its new model will record maximum safety stars. Harding says the D-Max will have "the same safety features or better than its competitors"."We're aiming for the highest possible score," he says."But we're not speculating on scores and there is no schedule yet for testing."The superseded D-Max has a poor three-star rating against much of the competition which has four stars. However, with the federal government and BHP Billiton recently announcing their fleets will be all five-star vehicles, Isuzu needs to score maximum points. Harding says the improvements are largely in the area of pedestrian safety which held its current scores down.The new model features recessed headlamps, impact absorbing bonnet and front design that will lift a pedestrian rather than run over them. It also comes with six airbags across the range, stability control and advanced brakes in all models and a reversing camera in the new top-of-the-line LS-Terrain model.DRIVINGIsuzu launched the D-Max with a comprehensive and varied drive from Port Douglas in North Queensland. It included straight highway, twisting tarmac, rainforest gravel roads, sandy creek banks and some radical clay and loam hills. On the highway, the new aerodynamics and extra sound dampening in the cabin made for a quiet drive while the longer wheelbase makes it more composed and stable.The twisty tar revealed a settled vehicle with slightly less "squishy" suspension than before. It's still a small truck, but it behaves with more car-like handling thanks to its independent front suspension, stiffer rear leaf springs and more rigid chassis. Up these mountain passes, the extra torque of the diesel engine is perfectly matched to the spread of gears in both the manual and auto.Hitting the gravel road didn't increase the cabin noise greatly although we are concerned about the life of some of the flimsy wheelarch plastics. Here the ute was fun in rear-wheel drive, but safe and predictable in high-range four-wheel drive which can be selected on the fly up to 100km/h. Even with tyre pressures at normal road levels, the ute churned effortlessly through deep sand in low-range 4WD.It also tackled some of the steepest ascents and descents thanks to its traction aid system which brakes free-spinning wheels and delivers traction where needed. The Clarion satnav and entertainment system is a delight to use in the new top-spec LS-Terrain, but it means it loses the audio controls from the steering wheel.Cabin comfort is fine for five adults in the crew cab, which will be the most popular variant, and there is added practicality in the space cab now with "suicide" (front-opening) rear doors that include the structural B pillar. The interior is very similar to the Colorado, even down to the hard and cheap-looking plastics. The only real difference is the satnav and some of the instruments.VERDICTIsuzu has refined the product, added more features and most importantly increased safety making this ute a must-consider for families and fleets.Isuzu D-Max Crew, Single & Space CabPrices: from $27,200-$51,700Warranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: 52%Service interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 4 or 5 starsSpare: full-sizeEngine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 5-speed auto and manual; RWD/4WDBody: 5-5.3m (L); 1.7-1.9m (w); 1.7-1.8m (h)Weight: 1527-1935kgTowing: 3 tonneThirst: 8-8.3L/100km; 212-220g/km CO2
Read the article
Isuzu D-Max 2012 Review
By Mark Hinchliffe · 20 Apr 2012
This is ute country. The macho machines are lined up out the front of the Birdsville pub, resplendent with pig-shooting lights, roll bars, oversized tyres and jacked up suspenders.Our basic no-frills Isuzu D-Max LS-M crew cab almost looks the part with its optional roof racks and standard all-terrain tyres. It certainly helps nullify the embarrassment of turning up to a gun fight with three blunt sticks - in this case our three luxury SUVs.The Isuzu is our insurance policy and is set to be the real hero of the piece if the other vehicles require rescue.In the end it's not needed for that, but it is still our pack horse, carrying three spare wheels, camping gear, gas bottles, extra fuel, even a dinghy.The heavy load doesn't faze it at all. It actually rides better over the lumps and bumps, never hitting the bump stops. Together with the comfortable seats, it was actually the most comfy ride of all four vehicles.As for the dunes, it was a piece of cake in high-range four-wheel drive with 14psi in the tyres.Despite the heavy load, it returned 9.7 litres per 100km which is only slightly above the claimed 9L/100km. That makes it good for range of more than 750km out of the 76 litre tank.For the off-road fanatics, it has 225mm of clearance while approach, departure and breakover angle are 34.6/23.3/21.For those who don't care, it will tackle just about any obstacle.Isuzu D-Max LS-M Crew CabPrice: $42,800Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 52%Service interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety rating: 3 starSpare: full-sizeEngine: 2900cc turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 120kW/333NmTransmission: 4-speed auto; AWDBody: 5m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1874kgTowing: 3 tonneThirst: 9/100km; /237km CO2Options: towbar ($484) and roof racks ($340)
Read the article
Isuzu D-Max LS 2012 Review
By Karla Pincott · 13 Feb 2012
Some utes don't bother pretending to be show ponies. They're for packing up and working, much like the Aussie stock-horse - it might not be as fast and elegant as a thoroughbred, but it's not going to shy at the sight of a loaded toolbox either.And that's the frankly honest charm of the Isuzu D-Max range. If the face is familiar, it's probably because it's long been a Holden Colorado (formerly the Rodeo) under another name.The current ute was co-developed with GM, but later this year we'll see a new D-Max generation completely developed by Isuzu.VALUEThe rear-wheel drive D-Max LS dual-cab auto turbodiesel starts from $38,600 with all the basic equipment: airconditioning, cruise control, CD audio and alloy wheels, with a leather-trimmed steering wheel the only bid for luxe touch.Most people looking at this level will be pricing it against others with a similar 3000kg tow capacity and close to a tonne payload, and the first obvious contender is the clone Holden Colorado, which is pretty much identical but asks $12,000 more to sport the lion logo on the grille, and like the D-Max is only three-star crash rated.Oddly, despite being overpriced by comparison, the Holden outsells the Isuzu - suggesting that buyers don't realise it's the same vehicle, or don't see past the badge. Sending in the other leading clones - Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 - will get you 3350kg tow capacity from the shared 3.2-litre turbodiesel and six-speed automatic.But the Mazda is about $4000 more than the Isuzu, and the Ford another $500 on top of that. However it's worth considering that the extra spend brings you two more crash safety stars and a better equipment list.DESIGNThe D-Max is not going to win any catwalk contests, but it's got an honest no-nonsense appeal. It's built on a tough ladder-frame chassis, with a basic four-door cabin that has a hard-wearing hose-out feel, but offers fairly practical space for legs and heads.The seats are firm and flat, hard plastics are everywhere, and there's little in the way of high-end gizmos. But with the practical packaging and thought given to storage spaces -including a fold-down rear seat that lets you stash some items out of sight -- it's a case of function being more important than frills.TECHNOLOGYIt carries a 3.2-litre direct-injected turbodiesel that develops 120kW of power at 3600rpm and a handy 333Nm of torque between 1600-3200rpm - not the segment leader for grunt, but more than capable for most worksite towing and payloads.Our rear-wheel drive test use had the archaic four-speed automatic that is looking easily outclassed by the more modern five and six-speeds appearing in newer utes - some with a 'manumatic' sequential mode.SAFETYIt gets only a three-star crash rating, with two front airbags and anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution to compensate for uneven loading. Don't look for brake assist, stability or traction controls. Or for airbags in the second row. Hopefully the new Isuzu will put a stronger focus on worker safety.DRIVINGYou'll have no doubt there's a diesel under the bonnet right from the start. First there's the signature clatter, but then there's also the confidence from stacks of low-down torque - as long as you're willing to go at things steadily.The transmission is basic and both the changes and the accelerator response will call on your patience if you're trying to dodge through city traffic gaps or overtake on the highway.But for everyday load-lugging, the D-Max is a simple and uncomplicated workhorse. And the suspension is clearly happier with a load on board, with a tendency to bounce if it doesn't have a job to do but surprisingly compliant with enough gear in the tray.The steering is vague, and combines with the vehicle's workhorse design and dynamics to make any attempt at speedy cornering a futile joust with the laws of physics. But nobody is going to buy the D-Max to take to track days, and it would be pointless to mark it down on that.VERDICTThe D-Max is a solid workmate and good value against the competition, but let down mainly by having three-star safety when the workforce deserves five.Isuzu D-Max LS dual-cabPrice: from $38,600Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 39%Service: 15,000km/12 monthsEconomy: 9.0L/100km, diesel, 237g/km CO2Safety: 3 starsEquipment: two airbags, ABS, EBDEngine: 3.0 litre turbo-diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, 120kW/333NmTransmission: 4-speed automatic, RWDBody: 4-door ute, seats 5Weight: 2800kgDimensions: 5030mm (L), 1800mm (W), 1735mm (H), 3050mm (WB)Tyres: 16x7Spare: full-size
Read the article