The All-New Isuzu D-Max: Commercial Utes for the Workers

August 13, 2020 Rob Fraser Ute and Van News
Isuzu D-MAX 21MY IDAS Front Camera Scanning

Isuzu D-MAX has always been recognised as a robust work Ute. The previous SX range was particularly popular with trades and delivery workers.

Isuzu has just released the all new D-MAX range with a more stylish appeal and a number of excellent standard features that makes the SX and LS-M class leading in some areas.

Here we have details of the pertinent features etc of the work range. There will be a full road test in coming weeks.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY Tilt & Telescopic Steering

Key highlights include

  • New level of safety for ute segment, IDAS: Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System, standard across range
  • New reengineered 3-Litre turbo-diesel, 140kW and 450Nm powertrain, with new 6-speed transmissions
  • Modernised with more space, comfort and premium features, including Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay® as standard
  • Backed by Service Plus 6-7-7 (6 Year Warranty, 7 Years Roadside Assist, 7 Years Capped Price Servicing)
  • On sale from 1 September 2020 with introductory drive away pricing of $29,990 for the 4×2 D-MAX Single Cab Chassis SX MT.

Unique in specification to the Australian market, the All-New D-MAX now features standard safety and convenience equipment previously unseen within the Ute vehicle segment.

Australia is ranked as the largest export market for the D-MAX in the world, only second to Thailand. Fuelled by the feedback from the local Australian market, the All-New D-MAX features excellent standardised equipment, with the new safety and driver assistance technology as part of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which comes as standard on all models.

With surveys detailing that close to half of all Isuzu owners tow with their vehicle, the complete All-New D-MAX range comes equipped with 3.5-tonne towing capacity, which is among the best in its class.

Streamlined to consist of 20 variants, the new local line-up will start with the D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 high-ride—available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission—which now features a higher level of specification than ever before.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x2 Single Cab Chassis HDA Tray Obsidian Grey Mica

D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis | D-MAX SX Space Cab Chassis/Ute | D-MAX SX Crew Cab Chassis/Ute

Built to last, with a hardy wipe-down vinyl floor and hard-wearing surfaces throughout the cabin’s main touch points, this is as durable and utilitarian as they come.

Fronting the range is the D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis, a vehicle that has found much favour amongst fleet operators and enterprising tradesmen alike, due to its 2,550mm long alloy or steel tray and a payload capacity of over 1.3-tonnes.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY Space Cab Storage Closed

If more interior space is required, the D-MAX SX Space Cab features extra space within the interior, and an 1,835mm long style cab ute tray or a sizable 2,100mm long alloy or steel tray out back in cab chassis guise, with up to 1,250 kg of payload capacity.

For the families or drivers that need to cart the crew around, the D-MAX SX Crew Cab comes equipped with four doors, five seats and a decent 1,570mm long tray out back.

Also available in Cab Chassis configuration, the tray length increases to 1,800 mm and a payload capacity of up to 1.2-tonnes.

The entire D-MAX SX range is equipped to tow, with 3.5-tonne towing across every model.

Streamlining the All-New D-MAX range to better suit the needs of Australian consumers, the low-ride D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 has been discontinued, making way for the high-ride D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2—which boasts increased capacities including 3.5-tonne towing.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x2 SX Single Cab Chassis ECO Tray Mineral White

D-MAX SX range highlights:

  • 3 litre Turbo diesel engine (4JJ3-TCX) with 140kW and 450Nm, 6-speed auto or manual, 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain with rear diff-lock
  • 3-leaf standard rear suspension on ute model (3-leaf heavy-duty on Cab Chassis and Space Cab 4×2 ute)
  • Heavy-duty urethane steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake
  • Vinyl floor
  • Cloth trim upholstery
  • Power windows, mirrors, electric power steering and air-conditioning with rear air vents on Crew Cab models
  • 7” infotainment display with Voice Recognition, DAB+ radio, Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, with 4-speakers
  • Isuzu signature matt grey metallic front grille
  • 17” steel wheels with 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY Interior Dash LS-U MT

D-MAX LS-M Crew Cab Ute 

Retaining the favoured hose-out vinyl floor, the LS-M carries a few advantages over the SX range.

Available in Crew Cab body style only, the LS-M is targeted at savvy adventure seekers who require a no-nonsense, tough ute for work and play.

The LS-M features upgrades in the form of 17×7” alloy wheels wrapped in All-Terrain rubber, Bi-LED headlights with daytime running lights (DRL) and premium high-grade cloth pews.

D-MAX LS-M highlights:

  • 3 litre Turbo diesel engine (4JJ3-TCX) with 140kW and 450Nm, 6-speed auto or manual, 4×4 drivetrain with rear diff-lock
  • 3-leaf heavy-duty rear suspension
  • 2x additional cup holders and 1x additional 2.1-Amp USB port
  • Vinyl floor
  • High-grade cloth trim upholstery
  • 7” infotainment display with Voice Recognition, DAB+ radio, Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay®, with 6-speakers
  • Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), with auto-levelling
  • LED fog lights
  • Body coloured mirrors, handles
  • Isuzu signature matt grey metallic front grille
  • 17” alloy wheels with 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY Engine Bay

Engine and Drivetrain

Standard across all models of the All-New D-MAX is the new 4JJ3-TCX 3-litre, turbo-diesel engine, a derivative of the famed 4JJ1-TC that powered the previous-generation D-MAX.

Power and torque outputs have been increased to 140kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm at 1,600-2,600rpm—a 10kW and 20Nm improvement over the preceding engine—respectively.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x2 SX MT Gear Selector

More importantly, midrange torque has been improved, with a hearty 400Nm on tap from 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm, resulting in improvements to both drivability and performance, particularly when towing or under load. Impressively, 300Nm is produced at just 1,000rpm—testament to how torque-efficient the 4JJ3-TCX is.

Depending on the D-MAX model, fuel consumption figures return 7.7-8.0-litres/100km, during ADR 81/02 combined cycle testing.

Power and torque is transferred to the wheels via either Isuzu’s MVL-6S 6-speed manual transmission or an Aisin-built AWE6B45 II 6-Speed automatic transmission.

4×4 D-MAX models further benefit from a revised 4×4 transfer case with a new electronic actuator, that speeds up the shift from 2-High to 4-High at speeds of up to 100km/h in less than a second. Switching from 4-High to 4-Low also takes just under a second, a huge improvement over the preceding system that took 2.5 seconds to engage.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY IDAS Front Camera Scanning

Safety comes standard – Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS)

Unlike a lot of other Utes the work range of D-MAX gets the new IDAS as standard across the range. This means the entry level SX model has the same safety features as top spec models.

This is class leading

All-New D-MAX features a new body constructed extensively using ultra-high tensile steel—which is close to four times the strength of conventional mild steel, but at a fraction of the weight.

Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS is a suite of comprehensive safety and convenience features that complement the driver and dramatically improves the level of safety for all occupants, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. IDAS encompasses the All-New D-MAX’s main driving systems, combining Active Safety, Passive Safety and Driver Assistance technology into one complete package.

e heart of IDAS is a Hitachi 3D Stereo Camera, a binocular camera system so advanced it can precisely detect and measure distance, size, velocity and depth of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential obstacles around the D-MAX.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY SX Rear tail Gate Handle and reverse camera

IDAS integrates with Accessories

Another significant benefit of the IDAS is the seamless integration with accessories. With many ute owners opting to install frontal protection to their utes, Isuzu has engineered IDAS to work in conjunction with Isuzu UTE Genuine frontal protection options, such as nudge bars and bull bars—including bull bars with UHF aerials fitted.

Coinciding with the launch of the All-New Isuzu D-MAX, a range of Genuine Isuzu nudge bars and bull bars in steel and alloy—with provisions to mount a UHF antenna at the dedicated mount spot—will be available. These Genuine Isuzu UTE accessories have been specifically engineered and calibrated to work in complete harmony with Isuzu’s IDAS.

Providing additional safety and with customer feedback in mind, all D-MAX models come standard with a Reverse Camera with integrated parking lines and a rear-step bumper—constructed from Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP)—which houses the rear IDAS radar sensors.

With a braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes, all models come equipped with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which will intervene if trailer sway is detected, bringing the D-MAX and trailer back under control.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY IDAS Rear Sensors

Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) includes:

  • 8 airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full length curtain, front knee and centre (far-side)
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Turn Assist with AEB
  • Post-Collision Braking
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Misacceleration Mitigation (MAM) (*AT models only)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (*AT models only)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
  • Intelligent Speed Limiter
  • Manual Speed Limiter
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA) (*AT models only)
  • Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
  • Driver Attention Assist
  • Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Automatic High Beam(AHB)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Hill Start Assist (HSA)
  • Hill Decent Control (HDC)
  • Rear Differential Lock (*4×4 only)
  • Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
  • Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)
  • Rear Park Sensors (LS-U and X-TERRAIN)
  • Front Park Sensors (X-TERRAIN)
  • LED Daytime Running Lights DRL
  • Automatic headlights
  • Automatic Windshield Wipers
  • Crash Door Unlock
  • ISOFIX Compatible Seats

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY IDAS Front Camera Scanning

Interior

No longer is it acceptable for commercial drivers to be uncomfortable. They spend a lot of time behind the wheel of their Utes and along with the improved safety features the all new D-MAX has significant improvements in driver ergonomics and comfort.

The D-MAX interior has a focus on occupant comfort and higher levels of standard equipment, premium textures and finishes and the very latest in connectivity with smart phone mirroring and true hands-free voice recognition integration.

Proportionately laid out for functionality, all buttons, switches and knobs have been meticulously designed to be ergonomic to use, with precise tactility when used.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY Smart Multi-information Display

Sitting brightly behind the wheel is a new 4.2” Multi-Information Display (MID), which relays vital vehicle data back to the driver, alongside a digital speedometer, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, fuel usage and range data and menu sequences to the vehicle’s IDAS.

The driver’s indicator and wiper stalks now feature Comfort Turn indicator operation for easy lane changing and automatic rain sensing and headlight control, with automatic high-beam control.

SX and LS-M models sport a 7” infotainment display, with 1280 x 800 resolution, which benefits from a high pixel density of 215 PPI.

Voice Recognition is standard on all models—allowing the driver a full hands-free experience whilst on the road, with full integrated control of the paired phone’s function and audio control.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY SX Manual AC Controls

All models feature Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) radio, and up to up to 6-speakers on Space Cab models and 4-speakers on single cab models. Overall sound quality, frequency, range and sensitivity has been significantly improved through the inclusion of these new JVC Kenwood speakers.

Air conditioning controls are conveniently laid out in front of the gear selector, in easy reach of the driver. There is a HEPA filter and in crew cab models rear vents.

All models feature a large glove box, centre console storage, a coin and card box on the driver’s side and large cavernous door storage pockets—with LS models benefiting from an additional top glove box and dash top storage. 

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x2 SX Space Cab Mineral White

Dimensions and Capacities

Measuring in at 30mm shorter than the preceding D-MAX, the All-New D-MAX boasts increased load area dimensions.

Overall the ute is wider, has a lower roof-line, a longer wheelbase, shorter front and rear overhangs, with improved ground clearance, approach, departure and ramp-over angles.

Cab Chassis models benefit from increased load areas; with Crew Cab Chassis trays measuring in at 150mm longer at 1,800mm in length and Space Cab Chassis trays also measuring in with an additional 150mm in length, at 2,100mm. Shorter in overall vehicle length, but with more useable space in the cabin and the load area.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x4 Space Cab Chassis HDA Tray Cobalt Blue Mica Rear

All-New D-MAX Load Area (mm)
Cab to rear axle Length (top) Length (floor )
(*inside genuine accessory tray body)		 Maximum width
(*inside genuine accessory alloy tray body)		 Width between wheel houses Depth
4×2

High-Ride

 Single Cab Chassis
SX		 1240 – 2550* 1777* – –
Space Cab Ute
SX		 765 1805 1835 1530 1122 490
Crew Cab Chassis
SX		 450 – 1800* 1777* – –
Crew Cab Ute
SX		 450 1495 1570 1530 1122 490
Crew Cab Ute
LS-U		 450 1495 1570 1530 1122 490
4×4 Single Cab Chassis
SX		 1240 – 2550* 1777* – –
Space Cab Chassis
SX		 765 – 2100* 1777* – –
Space Cab Ute
LS-U		 765 1805 1835 1530 1122 490
Crew Cab Chassis
SX		 450 – 1800* 1777* – –
Crew Cab Ute
SX		 450 1495 1570 1530 1122 490
Crew Cab Ute
LS-M		 450 1495 1570 1530 1122 490
Crew Cab Ute
LS-U		 450 1495 1570 1530 1122 490
Crew Cab Ute
X-TERRAIN		 450 1495 1570 1530 1122 490

With the increase in chassis strength, comes an increase in capacity, with the All-New D-MAX equipped with the highest Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of any Isuzu ute ever; 3,000kg on 4×2 and 3,100kg on 4×4 models.

The increase in GVM permits caravaners and drivers that tow, more usable payload. Gross Combination Mass (GCM) remains at 5,850kg on 4×2 and 5,950kg on 4×4 models.

Front and rear axle capacities have also improved, from Front: 1,350kg and Rear: 1870kg, to Front: 1,450kg and Rear: 1,910kg.

All models have been engineered to tow a maximum of 3.5 tonnes braked, and 750kg unbraked, which is among the highest in the 1-tonne Ute class.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY SX Rear tail Gate Handle and reverse camera

Wheels, Brakes, Suspension and Steering

With occupant safety in mind, Isuzu engineers have fitted the largest front brakes of any 1-tonne ute, to the All-New D-MAX. Measuring in at 320mm in diameter by 30mm in width, the new vented front rotors have significantly better stopping performance and cooling efficiency, and are clamped by twin-piston floating calipers.

With the larger brakes come larger and wider wheels with wider tyre tread, providing an increased contact patch with the road surface. D-MAX SX models come equipped with hardy 17×7” +33 steel wheels fitted with 255/65 R17 Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain tyres.

The LS-M is fitted with the same all-terrain tyres, but with the added styling of 9-spoke 17×7” +33 alloy wheels.

Improvements in the All-New D-MAX’s ride, comfort and handling have been made with a heavily redesigned suspension—a suspension tune engineered for Australian conditions.

Steering feel and weight has been significantly improved through the introduction of Electric Power Steering (EPS). Slow-speed manoeuvrability has been further improved, with the All-New D-MAX boasting a turning circle of only 12.5 meters, a 10cm improvement over the preceding model and one of the tightest turning circles in the ute class.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x4 SX Crew Cab Chassis HDA Tray Mineral White (1)

Genuine Accessories

Owners will have the privilege of fitting out their All-New D-MAX with an extensive selection of Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories, enhancing their vehicle to their own specific taste.

A full catalogue of parts and accessories is available through local Isuzu UTE Dealers, with over 50 accessories available exclusively for the All-New D-MAX at the time of launch.

With an extensive range of canopies, rear covers, frontal protection and dress-up accessories, all components have been tested and developed for local conditions, completely IDAS compatible and come backed by a comprehensive 3-year or 100,000km parts and accessory warranty.

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x4 SX Crew Cab Ute Mercury Silver metallic, 4x4 LS-U Crew Cab Ute Marble White pearl (2)

Service Plus 6-7-7

Testament to the confidence instilled within the very DNA of the All-New D-MAX, IUA has improved on the comprehensive ownership care package program, Service Plus 6-7-7; encompassing a 6 Year/150,000km Warranty, up to 7 Years Roadside Assistance when serviced through IUA Dealers and 7 Years Capped Price Servicing (CPS) program.

Through improvements and efficiencies made within the powertrain, the cost of maintaining an All-New D-MAX through CPS is around 12% less than the preceding model—with 7 years worth of CPS totalling only $3,373—making it among the most cost-effective utes to maintain.

Recommended Servicing Interval

15,000km / 12 months

 15K 30K 45K 60K 75K 90K 105K Total
Capped Price Servicing Cost $ 389 $ 409 $ 609 $ 509 $ 299 $ 749 $ 409 $ 3,373

Isuzu D-MAX 21MY 4x4 SX Single Cab Chassis Mercury Silver metallic

Paint Colour Availability

In keeping with customer feedback, the All-New D-MAX range will be available in a tasteful selection of colours and finishes.

  • Mineral White
  • Basalt Black mica
  • Cobalt Blue mica
  • Mercury Silver metallic
  • Obsidian Grey metallic
  • Marble White pearl (LS-U and X-TERRAIN exclusive)
  • Magnetic Red mica (LS-U and X-TERRAIN exclusive)
  • Volcanic Amber metallic (X-TERRAIN exclusive)

Vehicle Availability

The first examples of the All-New Isuzu D-MAX will arrive at Isuzu UTE Dealers towards the end of August, before the official on sale date of September 1, 2020.

Pricing – RRP from 1st September, 2020

Drivetrain Model Body Type Transmission Rear Tray  RRP
4×2 Single Cab Chassis SX Single Cab MT Cab Chassis  $       32,200
Single Cab Chassis SX Single Cab AT Cab Chassis  $       34,200
Crew Cab Chassis SX Crew Cab AT Cab Chassis  $       40,700
Space Cab Ute SX Space Cab AT Ute  $       38,900
Crew Cab Ute SX Crew Cab AT Ute  $       41,900
Crew Cab Ute LS-U Crew Cab AT Ute  $       48,900
4×4 Single Cab Chassis SX Single Cab MT Cab Chassis  $       40,200
Single Cab Chassis SX Single Cab AT Cab Chassis  $       42,200
Space Cab Chassis SX Space Cab MT Cab Chassis  $       43,700
Space Cab Chassis SX Space Cab AT Cab Chassis  $       45,700
Crew Cab Chassis SX Crew Cab MT Cab Chassis  $       46,700
Crew Cab Chassis SX Crew Cab AT Cab Chassis  $       48,700
Crew Cab Ute SX Crew Cab MT Ute  $       47,900
Crew Cab Ute SX Crew Cab AT Ute  $       49,900
Crew Cab Ute LS-M Crew Cab MT Ute  $       51,000
Crew Cab Ute LS-M Crew Cab AT Ute  $       53,000
Space Cab Ute LS-U Space Cab AT Ute  $       53,900
Crew Cab Ute LS-U Crew Cab MT Ute  $       54,900
Crew Cab Ute LS-U Crew Cab AT Ute  $       56,900
Crew Cab Ute X-TERRAIN Crew Cab AT Ute  $       62,900