Isuzu is set to strengthen the D-MAX ute portfolio with new variants, a new engine option, and customer-driven upgrades for 2022. The entire range is expected to arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of next year.
The updated D-MAX range is Isuzu Ute Australia’s most comprehensive starting line-up to date, and introduces updates based on feedback received from customers and the media over the past year.
“Preliminary specifications of the 2022 D-MAX range are incredibly exciting; with a new engine, new models and updates fast-tracked to meet Australian customer demand,” IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato said.
Six new models are set to strengthen the range, offering one of the widest selections of body styles, tray-configurations and powertrain options available across the Australian 1-tonne ute segment.
Starting the range, the SX grade adds three new variants; the SX Space Cab Chassis 4×2 Auto (powered by the existing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel) and two SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 variants.
These are both powered by Isuzu’s frugal RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The new motor offers 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Braked towing capacity on the lighter-weight RZ4E-powered SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 manual and auto is 2,800kg and 3,000kg respectively, with both models rated to tow 750kg un-braked.
The 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine remains an available choice in all D-MAX variants including the SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2, offering 140kW/450Nm.
Coupled with a 2,550mm-long alloy or steel tray, the D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 is set to offer fleet, tradesmen and small business operators an economical and practical choice in the showroom and on the road.
For drivers requiring more cabin space, the new D-MAX SX Space Cab Chassis 4×2 auto joins the 2022 range. This versatile workhorse adds rear wing cabin doors and a worksite ready 2,100mm-long alloy or steel tray.
Developed on the feedback from customers, IUA is set to add two new mid-spec variants to the 2022 starting roster as well.
Available in the highly-versatile Crew Cab Chassis configuration, the D-MAX LS-M Crew Cab Chassis 4×4 auto and D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 4×4 auto are both powered by the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 4×4 terrain command and rear diff-lock.
Both feature a 1,800mm-long alloy or steel tray. Favoured for its versatility, high payload capacity, touring and towing credentials, the new variants are the perfect option for tradesmen, families and travellers who are looking for a tray-back crew cab chassis.
The sixth new addition to the D-MAX range is the new D-MAX LS-U+ Crew Cab 4×4 auto. A step between the flagship X-TERRAIN and LS-U, the LS-U+ adds class and luxury by way of a sumptuous leather-accented interior with variably heated front seats.
The driver’s seat features 8-way electric adjustment with electric lumbar support, along with a host of welcomed additional features.
Streamlining the range to focus on customer needs, expectations and consumer trends, the D-MAX SX Space Cab Ute 4×2 auto and D-MAX SX Crew Cab Ute 4×4 manual have been discontinued.
In terms of other upgrades, the 2022 D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4×4 now adds variable heated front seats, a vanity mirror light, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated door mirrors, factory-fitted tow bar and tasteful black and red accents to the interior.
The ever-popular mid-range D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Ute and LS-U Space Cab Ute gains the additional convenience of smart keyless entry with push button start, walk away door lock, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and a factory-fitted tow bar receiver and tub liner.
The same additional features are equipped in the 2022 D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 4×4, but without the tub liner, due to the fitment of the 1,800mm-long alloy or steel tray.
The new D-MAX LS-U+ Crew Cab Ute 4×4 features similar equipment as the LS-U Crew Cab Ute adding smart keyless entry, walk away door lock and auto-dimming rear view mirror, with the addition of premium black leather-accented upholstery and interior trims.
Adding a touch more comfort to the package, the front seats are variably heated, with the driver’s featuring 8-way electric adjustment with electric lumbar support. A vanity mirror light and heated door mirrors, and factory tow bar receiver and tub liner are included.
Adding another level of safety when reversing, the LS-M Crew Cab Ute 4×4 gains rear parking sensors, which work in conjunction with the reversing camera that is standard equipment across all D-MAX models.
The flagship 2022 D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4×4 is expected to be available for $62,990 drive away. Next year’s range opens with the 4×2 single cab chassis in SX for, with the 1.9-litre engine and manual transmission, for $31,990 plus on-roads.
The colour range includes Mineral White, Basalt Black Mica, Cobalt Blue Mica, Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey Metallic. Marble White Pearl and Magnetic Red Mica are available on LS-U and X-Terrain only, with Volcanic Amber Metallic an X-Terrain exclusive.
Full 2022 D-MAX specification details are due in the coming months, ahead of local deliveries commencing in Q1, 2022.
