2022 Isuzu D-Max Buyers Guide

While the Isuzu D-Max is available as both a 4X2 and 4X4 workhorse, and in a single, space cab, and double-cab body style, we're looking at the most popular four-wheel-drive double-cab range.

Pricing starts from $47,700 (before options and on-road costs) for an Isuzu D-Max SX cab chassis (manual), which is a great platform to start with if you want to add your own custom body to the use.

The more traditional 'style side' tub-body comes in at $50,900 (before options and on-roads) for an automatic SX.

Pricing rises through the range which includes LS-M (from $52,000), LS-U (from $57,400), LS-U+ (from $61,900) to the range-topping X-Terrain (from $65,900).

OUR PICK: Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain or LS-U Plus

Isuzu initially pegged the top of its D-Max ute range – the X-Terrain model – with an attractive drive-away offer, but over time these have shown to come and go.

The sweet spot as this article was published is the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain pegged at $62,990 drive-away (after launching a year earlier at $58,990 drive-away). 

Frustratingly, the next model down in the Isuzu D-Max ute line-up – the LS-U – is in fact dearer on Isuzu Ute Australia's online calculator because there is no drive-away deal on that model.

This has seen a number of Isuzu D-Max buyers opt for the X-Terrain only to remove the roller shutter cover or ute tub when they would have been quite happy with the lesser-equipped LS-U.

The X-Terrain includes front parking sensors, a sail-plane spoiler, grey body and trim accents, roof rails, red stitching on the interior, and a remote engine start feature. The additional kit adds 53kg to the X-Terrain's tare weight (2165kg against 2112kg in the LS-U+).

If you are using the tub, it's worth noting the LS-U+ includes four tie-down points to the X-Terrain's two. This is due to the roller shutter cover's placement.

We hope Isuzu Ute Australia will eventually return to fairer drive-away pricing across its entire range, as it did with the previous generation D-Max.

Unfortunately, the dealer can't rip up the price on lesser model grades because the discount on the flagship D-Max X-Terrain is funded by Isuzu Ute Australia.

We are a fan of the Isuzu D-Max LS-U Plus, which comes with some of the extra features of the X-Terrain such as leather upholstery, 8-way electric adjustment for the driver seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

However, at full retail, it is dearer than the Isuzu X-Terrain. We’re hoping this anomaly is resolved once stock shortages subside.

Read more about 2022 Drive Car of the Year Best Ute Award

Read about all other 2022 Drive Car of the Year categories and winners

Buying now? View new Isuzu D-MAX models in stock