Isuzu’s D-Max has earned its reputation through proven dependability and toughness. The 2025 line-up received a fresh sibling to tackle the roughest of terrain – in the form of the Blade. It boasts tuned suspension chunkier tyres and unique styling.
Focused on off road ability, it’s priced at $78,990 drive away. The Blade positions itself above the more luxurious and conservative X-Terrain an LSU+ variants, trading subtlety and comfort for a more assertive presence.
The Blade features a dark matte finish on the more aggressive flared wheel arches and sports bar, with a further tweaked grille that looks even meaner than the X-Terrain. You also get the much appreciated factory graphics on the front bar, bonnet, doors and tailgate.
Other key visual upgrades include a red Isuzu branded bash plate, a tubular side step to maximise clearance, and a hidden LED bar, good for lighting up to 300m of path in front. All this confidently leans towards a ute that looks ready to leave the bitumen behind.
Improving traction both on an off the tarmac are 17-inch satin black alloy wheels, fitted with exclusive Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres. They’re a noticeable step up from the usual highway terrain style rubber.
The 8.5-inch wide wheels have a +17 offset, which widens the Blade’s track by 32mm.
Each corner features Isuzu’s improved tyre pressure monitoring system too. The tub measures 1530mm wide (1122mm between the wheel arches).
It’s also 1570mm long and 490mm deep, offering practical carrying capability, whether it’s work gear or camping equipment. It also has a gas assisted tailgate struts that make everyday use noticeably easier.
Climbing aboard is effortless thanks to the solid side step and well placed grab handles. Inside, the Blade retains its work horse roots but adds a welcome layer of refinement. The redefined leather seats feature extra bolstering.
This delivers comfort without sacrificing durability, which is particularly valuable when tackling uneven tracks. The elevated driving position reinforces confidence, with an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat helping you dial in the perfect set up.
The white stitching throughout the cabin stands out, but feels like it’s a downgrade from the performance look orange from the X-Terrain. Controls feel intentionally solid, with clearly defined buttons that provide a mechanical response.
Traditionalists will also appreciate the physical hand brake. Ahead of the driver sits a refreshed 7.0-inch digital instrument display, offering sharper visuals and Blade specific graphics.
A larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen takes centre stage, benefitting from faster processing and cleaner resolution. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, though there’s still no wireless charging pad.
USB-C ports do make up for that omission. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either. Larger grab handles make entry easier, and the second row offers generous head, leg and shoulder room.
The stadium-style seating improves outward visibility, while rear air vents, USB-C outlets and a fold-down armrest with cup holders add comfort for longer trips. Safety is well covered, with the D-MAX boasting a 5-star ANCAP rating.
Features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, wrong-pedal mitigation and front and rear parking sensors. Power comes from Isuzu’s familiar 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
It’s an engine with roots in light-commercial duty and a reputation for longevity. Producing 140kW and 450Nm, it’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It may sound a little industrial at idle, but it’s built to work.
And while those outputs may not top the segment on paper, how the engine delivers its torque is where it shines. Drive is sent to the rear wheels in normal conditions, with selectable 4H and 4L on hand for more demanding terrain.
The X-Terrain can tow up to 3500kg (braked), carries a 990kg payload and has a GVM of 3100kg. With peak torque arriving from just 1600rpm, the engine pulls confidently without constant downshifts.
It’s happy being worked hard off-road, yet remains calm and comfortable once back on sealed roads. Around town, the D-MAX is surprisingly easy to place, despite its size. Light steering helps in tight spaces as well.
While the automatic transmission isn’t the quickest to respond, it settles nicely at cruising speeds. Highway travel is relaxed, with the engine rarely feeling strained. The ride has improved through a partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
Their handiwork adds 35mm twin tube dampers, tuned for local conditions. The setup offers better chassis control, larger pistons and increased durability, which all translates to an addition 29mm of lift, making the Blade one of the most capable utes on the market.
Visually, the Blade makes an impression wherever it goes, often drawing second looks. It’s wider, taller and backs up its bold appearance with genuine capability. In a fiercely contested segment, it stands out as a tough, well-rounded package.
With its proven diesel engine, enhanced interior, confident on-road manners and real off-road credentials (that includes a dedicated rough terrain mode), it delivers exactly what buyers expect from a flagship dual-cab, and a handful more.
You can have your D-MAX Blade in Sunstone Orange Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Wolfram Grey Metallic Moonstone White Pearl, and Mineral White. A range of factory accessories includes a snorkel, a variant-specific soft tonneau cover and that missing phone charger.
It’s backed by 5-years capped price servicing, a 6-year or 150,000km warranty, and up to 7-years roadside assistance (conditions apply). 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 vehicles were provided by Isuzu Ute Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
