D-MAX X-Terrain – I recently spent a couple of weeks in the latest Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Ute and as usual I loved it.
The D-Max has long been a favourite of mine but what makes it so.
First up is its rugged, robust reliability. These Utes simply keep going and going. The 3.0L turbo diesel engine is under stressed and over engineered. I have a friend with one that has over 250,000km on it now with no problems.
Second is the abundant safety features, Isuzu has for a while now lead the Ute market in safety, the others are just now catching up.
Third is the interior comfort. It’s not the plushest Ute on the market but the interior is a comfortable place to sit for hours driving along.
Fourth is the 4WD capability. Here is a Ute that will go anywhere a sane person would want to go with ease.
Lastly the towing capability, Most Utes will tow 3500kg, but the Isuzu does it with such ease and economy that you need to check sometimes that you are still towing.
Yes, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is a favourite Ute of mine and is priced from $67.500 plus the usual costs.
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I’m Rob Fraser
TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX X-TERRAIN RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Motoring Minute Video
Some other X-Terrain thoughts
- The D-Max X-Terrain looks good with the rear sports bar and roller top.
- Roller tops keep things more secure and weather/dust proof in the tub.
- However, they have some issues as well.
- If its manual operation, If you need to open it you need to open it all the way up to close it again. Not so great if its dumping rain as I found out
- Also, they waste a lot of load area in the tub.
- Reaching front tie down points is difficult, if they are there at all (the HiLux Rogue doesn’t even have them.
- Heated front seats are good, but they are two stage and mild on really cold mornings
- I am not a fan of the windscreen washer system. Having water dribble out of the wipers seems counter intuitive, but others are heading this way and none of them seem to work well.
- It appears some designer thought up a clever design without actually testing if it works better.
- The combination of low torque delivery, matching of the engine and transmission and driveability makes the X-Terrain one of my favourite tow vehicles.
- Sitting in the D-Max and hearing the low diesel rumble is comforting. Its just enjoyable.
Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain final thoughts
There are reasons Isuzu Ute sells so many D-Max Utes. They aren’t the flashiest, aren’t the trendy Utes, don’t have a 30 plus year history, aren’t the most powerful. But they are reliable, robust and give owners a sense of peace that they will be with their D-Max for a long time.
In Thailand where most Utes are made, it’s a race between the D-Max and HiLux for number one spot.
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Some more Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain articles
- Isuzu D-Max and MU-X buyers update for 2023
- Isuzu 23MY D-MAX Upgrades
- 2023 Isuzu D-Max Ute gets some customer requested improvements
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Crew Cab 4WD Ute 2022 Review
- 2021 Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2021 Review
- Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Crew Cab 2021 Review
- Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 2021 Radio Review
- 2020 Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2020 Review
- Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN Radio Review
- Isuzu Ute all new D-MAX X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab
Also look at:
Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market and everyone is aiming upmarket.
Buyers could look at Ford Ranger Sport, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 Thunder. SsangYong Musso Ultimate, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.
Isuzu | |
Model | D-MAX X-Terrain |
| Model Price | $67,500 MLP* |
| Engine | 3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD |
| Power | 140kW @ 3,600rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm |
| Safety | Five-star ANCAP (tested Sept 2022) |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 207 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 8.0L/100km / 76L capacity |
| Economy on test | 9.0L/100k |
| Max Range | 1101km |
| Servicing | 12Mth / 15,000km 7 Yrs. Capped Price |
| Warranty | 6yr/ 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assist | 7Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating | 87/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 8 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| AWD/Towing Capability* | 10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5) |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 5280mm |
| Wheelbase | 3125mm |
| Width | 1880mm |
| Height | 1810mm |
| Wheels | 18×7.5 Alloy |
| Tyres | 265/60 R18 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 240mm |
| Wading Depth | 800mm |
| Approach | 30.5 degrees |
| Rampover | 23.8 degrees |
| Departure angle | 19 degrees |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.5m |
| Tub Length | 1570mm |
| Tub width arches | 1122mm |
| Tub width | 1530mm |
| Tub Depth | 475mm |
| Kerb Weight | 2175kg |
| Payload (kg) | 925kg |
| GVM (kg) | 3100kg |
| GCM | 6000kg |
| Towing Capacity | 3500kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 350kg |
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