Isuzu D-Max LS-U 2021 review: snapshot

Second from the top in the all-new D-Max 2021 range is the LS-U variant, which is available in a few different body styles and drivetrain options.

The Isuzu D-Max LS-U goes most of the way towards offering customers an upmarket offering from the brand, with a number of additions over the LS-M and SX. We’ll get to that in a sec.

First, you need to know the LS-U is available as a 4x2 dual cab ute with a six-speed automatic transmission for $48,900 (all prices MSRP/RRP), while you can also choose an extra cab ute - or space cab, in Isuzu speak - 4x4 automatic for $53,900 . Then there’s the LS-U dual cab ute is available in manual ($54,900) or auto ($56,900).

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

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). Towing capacity is 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked. Fuel use is claimed at 7.7L/100km (manual) and 8.0L/100km (auto).

Over the LS-M, there’s a decent jump in spec, with LS-U models scoring: 18-inch alloys, a chrome grille, chrome mirror caps and door handles, blacked-out B-pillars, dual-zone climate control, electronic lumbar adjust for the driver’s seat, carpet flooring, a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, and leather steering wheel. The LS-U dual cab gets an eight-speaker stereo, while the two-seat Space Cab has six speakers.

That’s further to what you get in grades below: wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, cloth interior trim, and a tilt and telescoping multi-function steering wheel. Plus there’s all the safety gear: manual variants miss out on adaptive cruise control, but autos get that tech standard, while all have 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.