Massive range expansion for 2022 Isuzu D-Max: New engine, variants - and pricing - as ute family booms in Australia

The Isuzu D-Max family is set to expand in Australia from December 1, with new variants, a new smaller engine option and a heap of new features arriving to usher in the 2022 model year.

The expansion strikes at both ends of the D-Max spectrum, with the flagship X-Terrain 4X4 now fitted with more gear, while a new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel debuts in the entry-level D-Max SX on January 1.

But let’s start at the top, where there D-Max X-Terrain now adopts a factory-fitted tow bar receiver, red-and-black highlights in the cabin, an auto-dimming mirror, and heated front seats and door mirrors. It remains powered by Isuzu’s punchy 4JJ3 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, good for 140kW/450Nm.

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But as you no doubt know, almost nothing comes for free, and with the upgrades comes an MSRP price jump, from $63,900 to $65,900. There is, however, a bargain afoot, with Isuzu to price-guarantee anyone who has already ordered a D-Max, so any unfulfilled orders made up to July 31 may be upgraded to a 2022 variant at no extra charge.

The range then steps down to a new LS-U+ trim, designed to sit above the existing LS-U, which adds leather-accented trim in the cabin, heated front seats, and a powered seat for the driver, as well as keyless entry with proximity locking, an under-rail tub liner and a new tow bar receiver. The LS-U+ is available as a Crew Cab only, and is yours for $61,900.

At the other end of the D-Max table is the entry-level SX, which is now available with new variants; a Space Cab Chassis 4x2 Auto, which packs the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, rear wing cabin doors and a 2100mm alloy or steel tray, and a SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2, which debuts Isuzu’s new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.9-litre engine, you might recall, is offered with the D-Max globally, but the brand’s Australian arm opted to offer the bigger engine exclusively, in keeping with our towing and payload demands. But using the smaller engine, albeit sparingly, allows Isuzu to unlock a lower starting price for its ute, with the cheapest manual-equipped offering now $31,200, down from $33,200.

The engine, which is only offered on the entry-level SX Single Cab Chassis, delivers 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, and will tow a braked 2,800kg (manual) or 3,000kg (auto).

Elsewhere, Isuzu has also added two new mid-spec variants for 2022 – the LS-M Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 and LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 4x4, both of which get the bigger diesel engine, 4x4 Terrain Command with a rear diff-lock, and an 1800mm alloy or steel tray.

Elsewhere, spec upgrades abound, but with them come some price increases. The LS-U Crew Cab, Space Cab and Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 now get keyless entry with push-button start and proximity locking, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a factory-fitted tow bar receiver (and tub liner where relevant). But where the Space Cab was $54,900, it’s now $56,400, and where the Crew Cab was $55,900, it’s now $57,400.

Meanwhile, the LS-M Crew Cab 4x4 now gains rear parking sensors, with pricing for that model unchanged.

"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," says Isuzu Ute Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.

"It's the feedback from our customers that has been the driving force in introducing these updates and we are proud to expand on the proven D-Max recipe that has solidified its place in many Australian driveways."

2022 Isuzu D-Max driveaway pricing

UPDATED FROM: 01/09/2021