Designed to endure tough Aussie conditions, the Isuzu D-MAX range balances functionality with comfort. The LS-U Crew Cab Chassis appeals equally to tradies seeking a dependable workhorse and families needing a truly versatile recreational ute.
The prominent new grille and sleek LED headlights blend functionality with refined aesthetics. As a family, we found it the perfect solution for everything from the school run to carting motorcycles around.
Inside, the LS-U impresses with its practical yet luxurious enough interior. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium fabric seats and soft-touch surfaces create a robust yet comfortable environment, again catering to both work and leisure activities.
There’s a bevy of cup holders, air conditioning vents, and numerous charge points to enhance convenience. Those seats offer excellent comfort, complemented by rubber off-road mats for muddy excursions or food spills.
A welcome feature is the reverse camera, providing clear visuals and showing the tow ball, which is a practical advantage for trailer users. Rear passengers are well accommodated, with two large outer seats and a smaller middle seat, all equipped with headrests.
The dashboard and infotainment system have been updated over the previous incarnation too, with an intuitive 9.0-inch touchscreen interface, paired with physical buttons for essential functions like climate control and audio.
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with sat-nav, with tunes coming through a 6-speaker sound system with DAB+ digital radio. The steering wheel features ergonomic controls for cruise control and infotainment as well.
Adjustable for comfort, it ensures drivers can find their ideal position effortlessly. The leather wrap is a neat touch. There’s lots of door storage, cleverly placed compartments, and practical layouts that keep the cabin organised and efficient.
Under the hood of the D-MAX is a proven 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 140kW and 450Nm via a 6-speed auto. While not the most powerful in its class, and limited by ratios, it excels in reliability and smooth performance. It’ll tow 3500kg as well.
Fuel efficiency is impressive. During our 735km test week if urban, highway and off-road driving, we achieved an average of 8.6-litres/100km. With a 76-litre fuel tank, the D-MAX offers an impressive range for extended journeys.
Driving the Isuzu is an enjoyable experience. It’s not a quiet engine by any means but the smooth power delivery and beefy torque right off idle make it easy. Acceleration is not going to set any records, but it’ll pull the same whether loaded up or driving solo.
On sealed roads, the D-MAX delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride for a work-oriented ute. Its firm yet compliant suspension is designed to carry five adults and a full tray, although big bumps will hit you hard. That said, it’s not too bad.
The ride becomes even smoother with added weight in the back thanks to a local suspension tune too. Off-road capability is another highlight. With 235mm ground clearance and favorable approach and departure angles, it tackles rough terrain effortlessly.
There’s a mode for everything, even the standard road bias tyres work reasonably well off-road. During testing in a local state forest, the D-MAX conquered steep climbs, deep mud, and dirt tracks with ease.
While it occasionally felt a little unsettled on corrugations, it remained capable of handling challenging terrain with confidence. Safety features are comprehensive too, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert feature too. Parking the big ute in tight spaces is tricky but was simplified by the rearview camera and parking sensors. Advanced safety features, such as traffic sign recognition, add another layer of confidence.
Versatility defines the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Chassis. The customisable setup allows users to adapt the tray for specific needs, with our tester sporting an alloy version with removable sides and lots of tie down points.
A sturdy unit, it handled heavy loads effortlessly, thanks to a payload capacity a bit over 1100kg. A factory-fitted towbar and trailer sway control add convenience and safety. We towed a trailer with two large motorcycles and barely noticed it.
Priced from $61,000 plus on-roads, the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Chassis offers good value. Isuzu’s reputation for reliability ensures you are investing in a durable, dependable vehicle capable of long-term service and performance.
The comprehensive 6-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance package provide peace of mind for a vehicle that blends durability, practicality, and comfort. You can find out more on 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 provided by Isuzu Ute Australia for independent review purposes.
