Isuzu expands D-Max range for 2022

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has announced a series of running changes to its local D-Max portfolio for the 2022 model year, however none of them include a Raptor-baiting or Warrior-engaging hero ute.

Instead, the brand has gone the other way and introduced two new 4x2 variants at the bottom of the range, powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, and bolstered the middle of the range with a trio of new cab-chassis variants and introduced a new LS-U+ trim level below the flagship X-Terrain.

Starting from the bottom, the new 1.9-litre engine is only available in 4x2 SX Single-Cab Chassis guise, however, customers do get the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The manual is priced from $31,200 plus on-road costs while the automatic carries a $2000 premium at $33,200.

Compared to the familiar 140kW/450Nm outputs of bigger 3.0-litre engine, the smaller donk churns out 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque – enough to tow up to 2800kg braked in manual form or up to 3000kg in the automatic’s case.

For those needing the full 3500kg braked towing capacity and a bit more room in the cabin, a 3.0-litre 4x2 SX Space Cab Chassis has been added to the range for $38,700 as a more versatile replacement for the now discontinued ‘Ute’ version.

Another deletion from the range is the manual 4x4 SX Crew Cab Ute.

However, Cab Chassis versions of the mid-range and upper tier 4x4 LS-M and LS-U Crew Cabs have been added to the range, priced from $52,800 and $58,200 respectively – $1200 cheaper than their Ute equivalents.

The other new addition for 2022 is the $61,900 LS-U+ that bridges the gap between the standard LS-U and the flagship X-Terrain with black leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated wing mirrors, vanity mirror lights and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

While the new variant count stops there, there have also been plenty of changes to the standard kit lists of the existing versions, including the inclusion of an under-rail tub liner (Ute only) and tow bar receiver (but not the tongue or ball) on all versions of the LS-U and X-Terrain.

Sticking with the more lavishly equipped versions, the MY22 X-Terrain scores all of the new goodies the LS-U+ has as well as an ‘enhanced’ instrument cluster, red stitching throughout the cabin and some extra black trim.

Moving down the order, LS-Us pick up keyless entry, walk-away locking and an auto-dimming rearview mirror as standard while LS-M Utes have inherited rear parking sensors.

All this additional gear has inevitably resulted in some price increases, but only for the LS-U and X-Terrain, which have all gone up by $1500 and $2000 respectively – as of the first quarter of next year, the X-Terrain will again be available from a promotional driveaway price ($62,990).

“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,” said IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato.

“It’s the feedback from our customers that have 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.”

One glaring omission from the enhanced kit lists is the ‘rough terrain’ off-road mode as found in 4x4 variants of the new MU-X large SUV.

When asked whether this was ever considered for the MY22 D-Max, IUA said it was “unable to comment on future model plans”.

This was the same response given to fresh queries about the possibility of a hardcore flagship to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior.

It was a similar story when GoAuto raised questions as to if similar changes were likely to find their way across to the MU-X line-up as part of an MY23 update. 

“IUA will actively monitor the reception of the D-Max updates in the market and continue to work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer requirements,” a spokesperson told GoAuto.

As an extra sweetener for customers, those still waiting for their MY21 vehicles ordered before July 31 will be upgraded to the MY22 equivalent at no extra charge.

2022 Isuzu D-Max pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs