The ute. It’s as ingrained in Australian culture as the barbie and the footy. And when it comes to utes, the Isuzu D-Max has carved a reputation for being a reliable workhorse. But is the 2024 D-Max all brawn and no finesse? Let’s take it for a spin and see if it can handle the daily grind as well as the weekend getaway.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durability: The Isuzu D-Max is built tough, ready to tackle any terrain or job site.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 1.9L turbo diesel engine offers excellent fuel economy, making it cost-effective for daily use.
- Spacious Interior: The cabin provides ample space for both passengers and cargo.
- Advanced Safety Features: The D-Max comes equipped with modern safety technologies, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
Cons
- Limited Infotainment: While functional, the infotainment system lacks some of the bells and whistles found in competitors.
- Stiff Ride: The suspension can be firm, especially when driving over rough surfaces.
How Much Does It Cost?
The beauty of the D-Max is its range of trims. You can snag a base model D-Max SX (4×2) for around $32,200, perfect for those prioritizing a work ute. Craving a feature-packed adventure companion? The top-of-the-line D-Max X-Terrain (4×4) will set you back around $67,500.
Features and Benefits
- Turbo Diesel Power: The D-Max’s engines deliver impressive torque and power, perfect for towing and off-road adventures.
- Spacious Bed: The cargo bed can handle heavy loads, making it ideal for tradies and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Connectivity: While the infotainment system is basic, it still offers Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration.
- Off-Road Capability: The D-Max’s 4×4 variants excel in challenging conditions, thanks to features like hill descent control and electronic stability control.
Safety
The Isuzu D-Max prioritizes safety with features like:
- Multiple airbags
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
- Traction control
- Rearview camera
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Running Costs: Filling Up the Tank
Diesels are known for their efficiency on the highway, but the D-Max might leave you reaching for the pump a bit more often in city traffic. Isuzu claims a combined fuel economy of around 8.0L/100km, but expect that number to creep up in stop-start driving.
The Competition
The D-Max‘s main rivals are the Toyota HiLux and the Ford Ranger. The HiLux offers a similar blend of capability and comfort, while the Ranger boasts a more car-like driving experience. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your priorities. If reliability and towing capacity are king, the D-Max is a strong contender.
Conclusion
A Solid Choice for Work and Adventure
The 2024 D-Max isn’t flashy, but it gets the job done and done well. Whether you’re a tradie needing a tough ute or an adventurer seeking a reliable companion, the D-Max has a trim that will suit your needs. It might not win any awards for excitement, but its focus on practicality and dependability makes it a great choice for the Aussie market.
Rating: 8/10
The D-Max loses a couple of points for its slightly dated infotainment system and so-so fuel economy. However, its stellar reliability, impressive towing capacity, and range of trims make it a strong all-rounder and a worthy contender in the ute market.