2022 Isuzu D-Max Buyers Guide

The Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 – twins under the skin cloaked in unique bodywork – were dual winners in the double-cab ute category.

While the Isuzu D-Max won this award solo the year prior, price rises and spec changes across both models brought them closer together.

Although the Isuzu and Mazda utes appear different to consumers, they are identical in every other regard, right down to the air in the tyres. 

The judges deemed both vehicles – made on the same Isuzu production line – to be so similar it would be unfair to split them, and took into consideration the fact that the Isuzu might not be as good as it is without the significant financial commitment from Mazda.

While testing showed the Toyota HiLux is better off-road and the Ford Ranger is better on-road, the Isuzu and Mazda twins are willing and able in both disciplines and have the longest list of standard safety technology across their entire ranges, are powered by a proven 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, and represent a significant step forward compared with their respective predecessors.

If you’d like to read our pick of the Mazda BT-50 range, follow this link. For the Isuzu D-Max read on.

OUR PICK: Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain or LS-U Plus

Isuzu initially pegged the top of its D-Max ute range – the X-Terrain model – with an attractive drive-away offer, but over time these have shown to come and go.

The sweet spot as this article was published is the top-of-the range Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain pegged at $62,990 drive-away (after launching a year earlier at $58,990 drive-away). 

Frustratingly, the next model down in the Isuzu D-Max ute line-up – the LS-U – is in fact dearer on Isuzu Ute Australia’s online calculator because there is no drive-away deal on that model.

This has seen a number of Isuzu D-Max buyers opt for the X-Terrain only to remove the roller shutter cover or ute tub when they would have been quite happy with the lesser-equipped LS-U.

We hope Isuzu Ute Australia will eventually return to fairer drive-away pricing across its entire range, as it did with the previous generation D-Max.

Unfortunately the dealer can’t rip up the price on lesser model grades because the discount on the flagship D-Max X-Terrain is funded by Isuzu Ute Australia.

We are a fan of the the Isuzu D-Max LS-U Plus, which comes with some of the extra features of the X-Terrain such as leather upholstery, 8-way electric adjustment for the driver seat, heated front seats, and auto dimming rear-view mirror, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

However, at full retail, it is dearer than the Isuzu X-Terrain. We’re hoping this anomaly is resolved once stock shortages subside.