Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ 2024 Review

By Tim Britten, carsales.com.au

If you know anything about Australia’s favourite summer sport, cricket, then you understand why the best players are in the middle of the batting order. The openers are there to be flashy and unsettling and take the shine off the ball. But it’s legends like Richie Benaud, Steve Waugh and Shane Warne that did all the heavy lifting. That’s because they are all-rounders.

If you look at it like that, the Isuzu D-Max is the Warnie amongst the team of the century in dual-cab utes that are hitting sixes all over the country at the moment. It might not be as polished as its peers, but it’s certainly reliable, dependable and a little more rugged than its peers.

While the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux battle it out for the captain’s role, the D-Max’s position in the middle order seems relatively well assured. It’s been that way since it first arrived in 2008.

But Isuzu isn’t complacent about its skillset and has continued to deliver a raft of improvements in the latest generation that are designed to cement its status – and ranking. So, let’s see if the near range-topping LS-U+ model can bowl us over.

How much does the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ cost?

The 2024 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ sits near the top of an extensive model line-up, in between the standard LS-U and the flagship X-Terrain, and costs from $63,500 (plus on-road costs). That’s a $2500 premium over the non-plus version, but a $4000 saving compared to the X-Terrain.

That positions it on the same level as the likes of the Ford Ranger XLT (from $63,990 plus ORCs), the Toyota HiLux SR5 (from $60,490 plus ORCs) and the new, range-topping Mitsubishi Triton GSR (from $63,840 plus ORCs) that recently went on-sale in Australia.

Consumers should note, however, that a substantially upgraded model is set to arrive Down Under by the middle of the year with revised exterior styling, a new interior design and more features. Isuzu has yet to confirm any details, but it is expected that prices will increase across the range.

What equipment comes with the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+?

The plus element in the D-Max’s nomenclature refers to a host of extra features over the standard LS-U model that are designed to add a touch more luxury and convenience to its working-class cabin.

These includes black-stitched leather interior trim elements, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and heating for both front seats.

That’s on top of an already extensive list of standard equipment, such as keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, colour-coded exterior panels, bi-Led headlamps with automatic high beam and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Isuzu’s standard warranty is a small step ahead of most of the competition at six years/150,000km (whichever comes first), with seven years of roadside assist.

Capped-price servicing totals $3689 over seven years or 105,000km.

What technology does the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ feature?

The 2024 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with embedded sat-nav, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, AM/FM/DAB radio and voice recognition. There is no wireless phone charging capability.

However, it does have an eight-speaker stereo and digital info displays on the (otherwise analogue) instrument panel.

What is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ like inside?

The D-Max LS-U+ cabin isn’t flashy in its design, but it does present well and feels well built. The stitched part-leather seats are pleasantly supportive for a long day behind the wheel and there’s plenty of room for full-size adults in front and back, which will please owners who task their utes with work duties during the week as well as weekend family outings.

While the LS-U+ is mostly good – it’s a step behind the Ranger in terms of technology and presentation – we found the sat-nav has a highly reflective touchscreen that makes it hard to read during the day. And, even when you can, the menu system is more complicated than it needs to be.

How safe is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+?

The 2024 Isuzu D-MAX is fitted with eight airbags and scored a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating when it was first released in 2022.

IDAS (Intelligent Driver Assistance System) is Isuzu-speak for a suite of safety equipment that includes high- and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection turn assist, post-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping aids, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, multi-camera parking assistance and trailer sway control.

Automatic, self-dipping and self-levelling LED headlights as well as LED daytime running lights are also used from LS-U upwards, as are rear parking sensors and ‘walk away’ door locking that automatically activates when the driver leaves the cabin.

Refinements for the MY23 model year introduced a new feature that automatically disables blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert when a trailer is being towed (trailer sway control is standard), adding to the ability to manually de-select lane keep functions, also when a trailer was being towed, that was introduced in 2021.

What powers the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+?

The familiar 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is at the heart of the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+, delivering 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1600-2600rpm.

Those outputs place it below the smaller-capacity 2.0-litre Ford Ranger and 2.8-litre Toyota HiLux but the engine’s steady torque delivery – with 300Nm available from just 1000rpm – is such that it continues to satisfy the legions of trailer-hauling Isuzu fans.

How fuel efficient is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+?

Isuzu claims the D-Max LS-U+ consumes a combined average of 8.0L/100km, which is fairly respectable amongst its rivals. In the real world, we managed around 9.3L/100km during our week-long test period.

What is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ like to drive?

The first-generation D-Max built a loyal customer base on the strength of its rugged driving character and affordable price tag.

And, in this generation, it continues as one of the hardest-working utes in its class, with excellent towing and four-wheel drive capabilities. But the LS-U+ proves it is no longer the cheap and cheerful option it once was.

It has lost almost all of the agricultural elements of its predecessor, and now exudes a confident and charming, more car-like manner in the way it rides and steers.

The engine can still be a bit gruff and noisy under heavy acceleration, but the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel has more than adequate passing power and strong hauling ability on the hills. Unlike the all-disc-braked Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and GWM utes, the Isuzu makes do with the otherwise universally accepted set-up with front ventilated discs and rear drums, which perform well.

Although the steering is quite low-geared (the wheel has a sizeable 3.75 turns lock-to-lock), the D-Max is really not a handful – as some utes still are – on roundabouts or in sharp corners. In a recent carsales comparison against the Toyota HiLux, we gave the nod to the D-Max for its better all-round composure on sealed roads.

The new gas-strut-damped tailgate helps take the weight out of loading items in the tray while the tub liner that comes from LS-U upwards means one less stop at the 4x4 aftermarket store.

How good is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ off-road?

It’s an excellent choice for those that need to get off the beaten track, whether that is for work or pleasure. The 2024 Isuzu D-Max matches the class-leading HiLux in every discipline other than wheel-travel-challenging terrain where the Toyota’s off-road traction control system worked wonders and the Isuzu, lacking a similar system, was left floundering.

The MU-X SUV, which is the wagon version of the D-Max, has off-road traction control and this, hopefully, will eventually find its way into the ute with the mid-life facelift due to arrive later this year.

The transmission typically takes a little time to lock in low range 4WD. And, once that happens, there’s not a lot that will stop the D-MAX, what with its rear diff lock, workable approach/departure and breakover angles, 240mm ground clearance and 800mm wading depth.

How much can the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ carry?

The Isuzu D-max LS-U+ has a competitive 985kg payload capacity and its style side tray, now with a standard tub liner, offers similar dimensions to the HiLux.

Its maximum braked towing capacity is the segment-standard 3500kg and the D-Max has repeatedly proven itself as one of the best bets if you’re hauling, with impressive control and stability as well as that ample engine torque.

Should I buy an Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+?

The popularity of the Isuzu D-Max is not by accident. It delivers a no-nonsense, hard-working character that is perfectly suited to being a tool of the trade vehicle during the week and a play toy for adventurous families on the weekend.

The one downside is the imminent arrival of a heavily upgraded D-Max, that is likely to arrive before mid-year and which should rectify many of the complaints we’ve made mention of here, in particular the infotainment system and off-road traction control.

If you can’t afford to wait, the current LS-U+ has plenty going for it.

2024 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ at a glance:

Editor’s Rating: 7.7/10

Price:  $63,500 (plus on-road costs)	Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Available:  Now	Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
Engine:  3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel	CO2: 207g/km (ADR Combined)
Output: 140kW/450Nm	Safety Rating:  Five-star (ANCAP 2022)

 

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