Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: LS-U 4x4 auto - GVM test

Our Mercury Silver test vehicle is the LS-U, which is one rung below the premium X-Terrain on the D-Max model ladder. It’s available only with Isuzu’s trusty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and either standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed torque converter automatic like our example, for a list price of $59,400 plus ORCs.

That’s $6500 less than the X-Terrain yet it combines similar upmarket looks with standard features unique to this model grade, most notably the eye-catching 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tyres and a full-size steel spare. Ours is also fitted with Isuzu’s genuine accessory roller tonneau cover (standard only on X-Terrain), which doesn’t leave much change from $3K but looks sharp.

Our Mercury Silver test vehicle is the LS-U, which is one rung below the premium X-Terrain on the D-Max model ladder. (image: Mark Oastler)

The MY22 LS-U adds smart keyless entry with push-button start, walk-away automatic door locking, lane support system deactivation switch, auto-dimming rear view mirror, load-tub liner and tow bar receiver. The 4x4 model’s GCM (Gross Combination Mass) has also been boosted to 6000kg.

These upgrades are in addition to the LS-U’s flashy chrome grille, side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle, aluminium side-steps, automatic Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, auto-levelling and high beam control, LED fog lights and taillights, premium leather steering wheel and shifter, fabric-trimmed seating with power adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker infotainment system with 9.0-inch touchscreen, DAB+ radio, Android Auto/wireless Apple CarPlay and more.

The Euro 5-compliant (no AdBlue required) 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm between 1600-2600rpm. It has great flexibility, particularly for off-roading and towing, with 300Nm or more than 60 per cent of maximum torque available from as low as 1000rpm and 400Nm or almost 90 per cent served across a broad 1850rpm band width from 1400-3250rpm.

The 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm between 1600-2600rpm. (image: Mark Oastler)

The smooth and quick-shifting Aisin AWR6B45 II six-speed torque converter automatic has fuel-saving converter lock-up from third to sixth gear, ‘intelligent’ uphill/downhill shift protocols and the option of sequential manual-shifting. The dual-range, part-time 4x4 system includes a rear diff lock.

Isuzu states an official combined figure of only 8.0L/100km and the dash display was very close to that, claiming 8.2 at the conclusion of our 306km test which comprised mostly city and suburban driving with light loads of up to four occupants. Our own number calculated from fuel bowser and tripmeter readings was higher again at 9.2, which is still excellent single-digit economy for a two tonne-plus commercial vehicle in urban use. So, based on our figure you could expect a useful driving range of more than 800km from its 76-litre tank.

The LS-U’s 2105kg kerb weight and 3100kg GVM results in a 995kg payload, which is only a bag of potatoes short of 1000kg. That’s close enough to a ‘one tonner’ in the real world.

It’s also rated to tow up to 3500kg of braked trailer, but to do that would require a sizeable 600kg reduction in payload to 395kg to avoid exceeding the 6000kg GCM, which determines how much it can legally carry and tow at the same time. Alternatively, you could reduce the trailer weight by 600kg to 2900kg (most dual cab owners don’t tow more than 3000kg anyway) and retain the maximum 995 kg payload. Either way, this is a useful set of numbers, whichever way you arrange them.

The load tub floor is 1570mm long, 1530mm wide and 490mm deep with 1122mm between the rear wheel housings, so like most dual cab utes you can’t fit either a standard Aussie or Euro pallet between them. There are also four anchorage points for securing loads.

The 70/30 split in the rear seat’s base cushion allows each to be rotated upwards through 90 degrees. (image: Mark Oastler)

Generous cabin storage includes a large-bottle holder and storage bin in the base of each front door, pop-out cup/small-bottle holders in front of the air vents on each side of the dash, a closable bin to the right of the driver’s knee ideal for small items, overhead glasses holder, another storage bin with ‘clamshell’ type lid in the centre of the dash pad and upper and lower gloveboxes. The centre console has a shallow bin up front, two cup/small-bottle holders in the centre and a lidded box at the rear, with a contoured lid designed to double as a driver’s elbow rest.

Rear seat passengers get a large-bottle holder but hardly any storage room in each rear door. To compensate, there are storage pouches on the backrests of each front seat and a fold-down centre armrest with two cup/small-bottle holders.

The 70/30 split in the rear seat’s base cushion allows each to be rotated upwards through 90 degrees and stored vertically if more internal load space is required. This also reveals two underfloor storage compartments, which are great for hiding valuables when the seat bases are down.

Generous cabin storage includes a large-bottle holder and storage bin in the base of each front door. (image: Mark Oastler)

Like the X-Terrain, the large metal drum required to house the roller tonneau cover when retracted blocks access to the front load anchorage hooks in the load tub.

We weren’t prepared to take the risk of trying to secure 750kg or more of cargo using only the rear anchors, so we could not do our usual payload test. That’s something to consider if you regularly carry heavy or bulky loads, because fitting one of these roller-type covers could restrict your ute’s load-carrying ability. And that applies to all ute brands, not just Isuzu.

The ride quality remained supple yet disciplined. (image: Mark Oastler)

Even so, for what it’s worth we can attest to the D-Max’s heavy load-hauling competence, having previously lugged a 900kg payload with essentially the same vehicle. The ride quality remained supple yet disciplined, floating over large bumps and tracking straight over road irregularities on a notoriously bumpy test route.

Engine performance, braking and steering response were hardly affected and the intelligent auto’s eagerness to assist with engine-braking by downshifting as soon as braking was applied on downhills was always appreciated.

The D-Max is covered by a six years/150,000km warranty and up to seven years of roadside assistance if serviced at a participating Isuzu Ute dealer. Scheduled servicing intervals of 15,000km/12 months whichever occurs first. Total capped-price of $3084 for the first six scheduled services or an average of $514 per service.