If you want a ute that’s built tough like a truck, has loads of nice features, but isn’t bound up in flares and skirts, then it’s hard to fault the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 LSU+ Crew Cab Ute. Hitting the tarmac at $63,500 before on roads, it represents great value.
There’s no denying the 2023 version of the aforementioned pickup was one of the better looking offerings in the dual (or Crew as Isuzu calls it) cab space, and its rugged toughness DNA remains this time round.
What it does score, is a little more refinement inside and outside the cabin. Most notable of the changes are the dual layer grille – tweaked into a more streamlined design, with a cleaner front bar, and new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Wrapped in Bridgestone 68411 H/T tyres, the rims are visually superior to the outgoing model, and suit the style of the vehicle much better. The subtle flares, without over creasing the side panels, add to the sophisticated and strong look.
Around the back, the tail lights have an updated LED combination set up, along with a new look tailgate. Importantly, the tray measures 1530mm wide (1122 between the wheel arches), 1570mm deep and 490mm tall.
Jumping into the vehicle, you’ll notice what has become a theme that spans the entire D-MAX range; the foundations of a work truck, accented by snazzy looking detail. The partial leather seats for example, are in the running for the most comfortable on the market.
Power adjustable 8-ways, the extra padding they feature is a welcome addition for when you inevitably find yourself bouncing around in an off road setting. In fact, it’s fair to say the styling choices all around the cabin are satisfying and cohesive.
The same crystalised diamond pattern appears on the seats, dash and even door cards, and nothing feels overlooked or lazy. The leather wrapped steering wheel gives a premium touch, with all the buttons in obvious, easy reach.
There is something to be said about the presence of physical buttons, and while the world seems hell bent on everything being hidden in a touchscreen, Isuzu has resisted the switch, and we’re thankful for it. An actual handbrake doesn’t feel dated either.
While it may compromise space in the centre console area a little, it is well worth it. On the subject of touchscreens, the LSU+ features a new 9.0-inch infotainment system, running new software and sporting greater processing power.
Wireless Android Auto has been added alongside the existing cord-free Apple CarPlay, but there’s still no wireless charger. A 7.0-inch instrument cluster beyond the steering wheel has a newer and cleaner look.
More importantly, there’s plenty of room. The 2024 Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 LSU+ Crew Cab Ute (try saying that 10 times quickly) is easy to climb into thanks to bulky grab handles. Once you’re in, there’s loads of leg and head room.
The second row seats are also positioned higher than the first row, which drastically reduces the tunnel vision from days gone by. The centre console mounted air vents, USB-C ports and the fold down centre armrest all add to the comfort levels.
With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and eight airbags, the new D-MAX offers plenty of safety tech, including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, emergency auto braking, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert (when not towing).
The LSU+ gets rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitors on top of that long list. Towing capacity sits at 3500kg braked, with a payload of 990kg and GVM of 3100kg. But it’s what’s under the bonnet that is one of the bigger drawcards for the D-MAX.
What is essentially a modified light commercial engine, the 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine is designed to be put to work. Producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, it’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
While these numbers may be mid-pack when compared to some rivals, the longevity and strength of the Isuzu powerplant is unmatched, even if it does sound a little agricultural. Power is sent to the rear axle, for the most part, via 2H.
4H and 4L modes are mostly reserved for the non-standard driving experiences, like off road, or even tricky wet conditions. On the road, or in this case, the sand, the D-MAX performs effortlessly, even with highway focused Bridgestone terrain tyres.
The soft sand was a breeze to tackle and the motor just kept on trucking, allowing us to tackle some more difficult dunes. To ensure we were getting the most out of the Isuzu, we took it up some mountain trails too.
These were handled with aplomb, by the impressively flexible chassis. Back on the black top, the LSU+ spec ute handles urban streets and tight carparks with ease. The cameras and sensors definitely help, especially in smaller spaces.
Its only real downside is that almost agricultural engine noise we mentioned earlier, with acceleration up to speed on highways quite noisy, with a similar outcome on downhill runs during braking. In reality, that’s part of its charm.
Ride has been vastly improved this time round too, making it feel less tradie and more family friendly. It still has coils in the front and leaves at the back, but there is no bouncing around with an empty tray, and it’s very responsive at the front end.
Across all the surfaces we sampled, it had daily driver levels of comfort. Try as we might, we couldn’t get the D-MAX LSU+ to fail, and even after pushing it around on sand and in the mountains, there were no rattles.
The LSU+ is available in eight colours, including Mineral White, Magnetic Red Mica, Neptune Blue Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Obsidian Grey Mica, Granite Grey Mica, Mercury Silver Metallic and Moonstone White Pearl.
You can find out more by visiting the Isuzu Ute Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was supplied by Isuzu Ute Australia for independent review purposes.
64k for a ute is NOT GOOD VALUE mate. Much as i like my dmax and workmates for that matter, they are utilitarian vehicles. Toss the tonneau cover too as a ute without ability to throw crap in the back is just a car with a high riding position. If you need a tonneau – buy a van. If you need a canopy – buy a Wagon. 4x4SUV’s wipe the floor with utes on driveability. Where are the ~$25-30k dual and single cabs we actually WANT and NEED? Some c@nt needs a reality check in the marketing department. Over.