Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 2021 review: snapshot

Sitting at the top of the all-new D-Max 2021 range is the X-Terrain, a flagship model aimed squarely at the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

This variant is available in one body, one drivetrain only: it’s a dual cab ute, with 4x4 and an auto ‘box. And it costs $62,900 - well, that’s the MSRP/RRP or list cost, but Isuzu has already stated a promo price of $58,990 drive-away for the X-Terrain at launch, which is essentially a $10k discount.

As with all D-Max models, it is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm (at 1600-2600rpm) - and that could actually be a negative: some punters out there might be wishing for a little extra grunt from their range-topping ute.

Explore the 2021 Isuzu D-Max range

• Isuzu D-Max SX 2021 review: snapshot
• Isuzu D-Max LS-M 2021 review: snapshot
• Isuzu D-Max LS-U 2021 review: snapshot
• Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 2021 review: snapshot
• Isuzu D-Max 2021 review
• Isuzu D-Max 2021 review: SX 4x4 Space Cab off-road test
• Isuzu D-Max 2021 review: LS-M
• Isuzu D-Max 2021 review: X-Terrain long-term
• Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: X-Terrain
• Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 2022 review: off-road test
• Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: 1.9-litre SX single cab-chassis 4x2 auto - GVM test
• Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: LS-U 4x4 auto - GVM test
• Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: LSU+ 3500km on and off-road test

Towing capacity is 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked, and Fuel use is claimed at 8.0L/100km.

The X-Terrain may appear similar to a Wildtrak at a glance, with a bunch of additional sporty extras fitted to this model, including: dark-grey-coloured aero sports bar, side steps, front grille, door and tailgate handles, and side mirrors, dark grey 18-inch wheels, roller tonneau cover, an under rail tub liner, and front and rear underbody spoilers.

Plus the spec list adds keyless entry, push-button start, a leather-accented interior, driver’s electric seat adjustment, and remote engine start over all the LS-U gear, like dual-zone climate control, electronic lumbar adjust for the driver’s seat, carpet flooring, a a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, and leather steering wheel.

And then there’s the comprehensive safety kit: adaptive cruise control, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front turn assist, driver attention assist, eight airbags including a ute-first front centre airbag, a reversing camera, and more.

The D-Max has scored the maximum five-star ANCAP crash test safety rating - and it's the first commercial vehicle to achieve that accolade under the stricter criteria from the safety watchdog for 2020.