Updated MY22 Isuzu D-Max range arrives early

ISUZU Ute Australia has updated its D-Max workhorse range for 2022 with a raft of updates, including a new entry-level RZ4E-TC-series 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, additional equipment, as well as six new variants – headlined by the upmarket LS-U+. 

Due in local dealerships from December 1, the 24-variant MY22 D-Max range is priced from $29,990 (plus on-road costs) for the SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 1.9TD manual and is topped by the flagship X-Terrain 4x4 3.0TD automatic, which is priced at $62,990 drive-away. 

Standard pricing applies to all other variants (see below) with increases of between $1500 and $2000 on some LS-U and X-Terrain variants when compared with the 2021 pricing table.

The gross combination mass for 4x4 models has increased by 50kg to 6000kg, while all variants now receive a Lane Support System switch on the steering wheel (with which to toggle between various lane assist functions).

Newcomers to the D-Max line-up include manual and automatic SX single-cab chassis 4x2 derivatives, which are powered by Isuzu’s new 1.9-litre mill, an SX space-cab chassis 4x2 auto, LS-M and LS-U crew-cab chassis 4x4 auto, as well as an LS-U+ crew-cab Ute 4x4 automatic. The latter slots between the LS-U and X-Terrain variants at the upper end of the MY22 D-Max range and is priced from $61,900 (plus on-road costs).

Isuzu says it streamlined the D-Max range as a direct response to “customer needs, expectations and consumer trends”. The brand has discontinued the SX space-cab Ute 4x2 auto and SX crew-cab Ute 4x4 manual for 2022.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our updated 2022 D-Max range to our Australian customers earlier than initially forecasted. Fast-tracking its availability ensures that we’ll get the improved product and a wider variety of options to market sooner, which essentially helps to improve customer satisfaction – which has always been our priority,” Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Hiroyasu Sato said.

Revisions to the D-Max range begin with the SX single-cab chassis, which is powered by Isuzu's new RZ4E-TC-series 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It is topped by SX space-cab chassis models, which are powered by Isuzu’s 3.0-litre 4JJ3-TCX-series turbo-diesel engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

LS-M and LS-U grades (in crew-cab chassis 4x4 variants, pairing a 1800-mm long tray with a heavy-duty three-leaf rear suspension, 3.0TD engine and six-speed automatic transmission) are now available, while the LS-U+ crew-cab Ute 4x4 auto features leather trim, heated front seats, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat (with lumbar support), dual vanity mirror lights, a self-dimming rear-view mirror, heated wing mirrors and a factory-fitted tub liner.

Isuzu said that in response to customer feedback it would fit LS-U, LS-U+, and X-Terrain variants with a tow bar from factory, which is optionally available with a choice of seven- or 12-pin electrical connector, Anderson plug, electronic brake controller, tow tongue insert with a 50-mm ball, as well as a weight distribution hitch.

Furthermore, LS-U and LS-U+ variants will now be sold with a fitted tub liner, while LS-M crew-cab Ute variants feature reversing sensors. Cabin updates see LS-U variants receive Smart Keyless Entry with push-button start, Walk Away Door Lock (WADL) and a self-dimming rear-view mirror. 

The flagship D-Max X-Terrain adds heated front seats, dual vanity mirror lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and heated wing mirrors alongside a blacked-out instrument cluster, contrasting red stitching on the black leather upholstery, as well as black trim garnishes on the dashboard, door cards, steering wheel, and air vents.

“Our focus on customer satisfaction has led to the development of the 2022 D-Max updates, with enhancements across the range, increased GCM of 6000kg on 4x4 models and the expansion of our cab-chassis range to include the LS-M and LS-U, which are all customer-centric developments,” Mr Sato added.

All Isuzu Ute D-Max variants are backed by a six-year/150,000km warranty and up to seven years’ roadside assistance (when serviced through IUA dealers) and Isuzu’s seven-year capped-price servicing program. 

Service intervals for D-Max models are set at 12 months/15,000km with service pricing over seven years capped at $3513 for 3.0TD powered models and $3223 for models fitted with the entry-level 1.9TD engine.

The MY22 D-Max range is available in eight paint colours – all hues (apart from Mineral White) attract a $500 premium. Colours include Basalt Black, Cobalt Blue, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Grey, Marble White (LS-U, LS-U+, and X-Terrain only), Magnetic Red (LS-U, LS-U+, and X-Terrain only), and Volcanic Amber (X-Terrain only).

2022 Isuzu Ute D-Max pricing*

*excludes on-road costs