Isuzu D-MAX BLADE – Isuzu has recently upgraded their LS-U+ D-MAX Ute with a host of functional and cosmetic additions to aim at more off road focused buyers.
With many other manufacturers all having hero Utes, Isuzu has stepped up. The result of over three years of conception and prototyping behind closed doors, Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) has finally answered Australia’s call by introducing an off-road Ute without compromise, the Isuzu D-MAX BLADE.
Purpose-built for adventurers who tow, modern-families, and off-road enthusiasts. The D-MAX BLADE embodies evolutionary design and engineering with higher-specification packaging. Australians continue to look for ways to escape each weekend or travel our Great Southern Land. D-MAX BLADE has been built to offer rugged capability, without compromising on consumer expectations for comfort, versatility, and reliability.
The D-MAX BLADE has strong competition with:
We have reviewed the Isuzu D-Max numerous times across many of our sites, such as OzRoamer, AnyAuto and Motoring Minute.
This article will focus specifically on the changes that the BLADE brings.
Overall impressions
Anyone that has read any review, watched any video or listened to any Motoring Minute of mine on the D-MAX will know how much a fan I am of the Ute.
The Isuzu D-MAX BLADE certainly looks the part. The cosmetic changes by WAG are subtle, stylish and appealing. An example of this is the hidden light bar. Also the grill changes and wider track bring a bolder style.
There is greater under body protection which is useful.
The suspension changes allow more dampening both off and on road as well as better articulation. However the increased clearance is disappointing.
Inside it s a mixed bag. BLADE highlights contrast with now slightly dated central screen. However what has been brought by the BLADE upgrade is stylish.
Overall it seems to be more a cosmetic style upgrade with some functional additions, rather than a full blown off road HERO Ute.
I just cant escape the feeling that so much more could have been achieved.
What is it like to drive on the launch
The launch of the D-MAX BLADE covered a number of different conditions. These included lots of on road kilometres on the blacktop and back roads as well as some dirt road sections.
The off road section was focused on the challenging Adelaide 4WD park.
The beach drive was at Goolwa Beach up to where the Murray River meats the sea.
On road ride and handling has marginally improved. The wider track, and revised suspension provide a more grounded feel. It soaks up the road irregularities reasonably well.
It did jiggle a touch front to back, on some sections, but less than a normal D-MAX. There was more positive rebound dampening over bigger bumps.
Steering feels slightly more responsive, but I would like to drive the donor vehicle back to back to really get a feel for any improvement.
I didn’t get the opportunity to test it on long stretches of outback dirt roads.
I have a feeling it would excel there.
Off road, there appeared to be more wheel articulation. Following other Utes on the 4WD track, the BLADE kept its paws on the ground for longer than the standard LS-U+ did. The side lugs on the Wrangler tyres are designed for this type of driving.
Where the standard model grated, scraped and whined, the BLADE made short work of some more difficult sections.
The standard LS-U+ D-MAX is pretty dam good off road, the BLADE is a bit better.
On the beach we set the tyres to 20 psi. The BLADE simply glided over the sand with ease. Here the Goodyear Wrangler tyres provided a longer footprint that really helped.
ISUZU D-MAX BLADE: details
Quick highlights
- In partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive, the D-MAX BLADE has been developed locally for Australian off-road conditions—completing a 100,000km durability test program in Melbourne and Outback Australia.
- Sporting a suite of locally developed enhancements, including a lifted suspension tune, lightbar, underbody protection, bold design aesthetic and new 17-inch satin black alloys wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres.
- The D-MAX BLADE will be available to order from 1st November 2024, with a special introductory price of just $76,990 drive away.
Engineered and tested locally
Engineered and tested locally by way of a comprehensive 100,000km durability testing program in Melbourne and Outback Australia. The D-MAX BLADE is set deliver an unparalleled combination of off-road performance and rugged reliability. With local ride and handling tuning to suit local conditions.
All whilst maintaining the hallmark qualities that the nameplate is renowned for. Such as its 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, a generous 896kg payload capacity, and proven performance, efficiency and dependability. From Isuzu’s venerable 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Reflecting on the journey to bring the D-MAX BLADE to life, Isuzu UTE Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Junta Matsui, said. Isuzu D-MAX BLADE “has been a long time coming, a result of over a dozen vehicle prototypes tested locally for the unique Australian off-roading conditions. With our Melbourne-based remanufacturing partner, Walkinshaw Automotive Group.”
“Before we even kicked this project off, we spent months speaking with local engineering outfits to determine how to best bring the BLADE to life. In the end, we chose to partner with Walkinshaw due to their unrivalled local LCV experience and local engineering and design talent pool—with the finished product speaking for itself.”
Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG)
Bringing the D-MAX BLADE from concept to reality, IUA turned to Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG). To capitalise on their 40-years of local automotive manufacturing experience to further Australianise and enhance the D-MAX into the D-MAX BLADE.
As one of Australia’s leading automotive engineering firms, WAG have designed, engineered and remanufactured some of Australia’s most iconic and special nameplates. With over 100,000 vehicles having been through the doors of their Melbourne-based facilities.
“Timing was everything—it certainly was a challenge to navigate the midlife facelift of the 24MY D-MAX, introduced in May 2024. But given that the 24MY D-MAX instilled a suite of updates that directly addressed consumer feedback. It was essential that Walkinshaw based the BLADE on that vehicle—improving on that specification and the overall package,” said, Mr Matsui.
Partnering with Walkinshaw not only provided advantages with local tuning and development—it afforded unmatched evaluation and benchmarking opportunities. Each BLADE component and change point was subjected to simulations, dynamic rig tests, and real-world evaluation regimes. BLADE was thoroughly validated against baseline vehicles—with over a dozen prototypes developed and tested, including 22MY, 23MY and 24MY pilot vehicles.
Evolutionary process
“It was an ever-evolving circle of conceptualise, prototype, validate, develop countermeasures and test again,” reflected, Trevor Barallon, Chief Engineer, Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
“With second stage manufacturing projects like this, we have a proven framework in place to ensure we meet the client’s brief. We’re lucky that Isuzu developed a strong core vehicle to work with. Making our job less challenging with minimal countermeasures required.”
“The new Rough Terrain Mode off-road traction control introduced in the 24MY facelift works well. We’ve spent considerable time testing the new components to work in harmony with all existing features. Including Isuzu’s camera-based suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.”
“It is quite the honour to be involved with such a project. Our team of 60 in-house engineers in Melbourne were entrusted by Isuzu to perfect the BLADE. Developing it into something truly competitive and capable. We’ve had engineers with 35-years of experience lead the development of this program and the ride and handling improvements speak for themselves,” he remarked.
During the three-year development process, BLADE prototypes were subjected to a 100,000km testing program. Encompassing dynamic rig rough track tests which simulated local road surfaces,. Rough tracks and the likes of the torturous Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, Northern Territory.
What was done to the wheels, tyres and suspension
First up was a 29mm lift, courtesy of new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension tuned for local conditions and a larger wheel and tyre package.
I asked the WAG engineers why they didn’t go for a full 50mm lift. Their response was along the lines of increased capability without compromising ride, handling and durability. A full 50mm would have been good though.
Various spring rates and damper tunes were evaluated before Walkinshaw engineers settled on the OEM spring rate and Monroe 35mm MTV twin-tube dampers with lifted spring seats.
16.6 per cent larger than the original, the twin-tube offers:
- greater chassis control,
- improved temperature management and
- a larger piston and more heavy-duty seals for durability.
Ensuring that the suspension met the rigorous design brief, Walkinshaw evaluated a total of 30 different damper tunes at their engineering facility and at the Lang Lang Proving Grounds, in Victoria. A week-long Outback Australia signoff test in the Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola, South Australia followed.
Choice of tyres
Improving traction both on- and off-road, a set of 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres are fitted to each corner. Shod on new satin black 17×8.5-inch flow-formed alloy wheels unique to the BLADE—including a full-size matching alloy spare.
Each wheel features Isuzu’s improved Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Which incorporates both pressure and temperature monitoring, essential when off-roading or towing.
Subjected to rigorous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and physical load testing programs to ensure its load rating and to engineer weaknesses out of the design. The 8.5-inch wide alloy incorporates a +17 offset, which widens the vehicle’s track by 32mm, for improved vehicle handling and stability.
Walkinshaw evaluated several all-terrain tyre options, before working directly with Goodyear to secure the new Duratrac RT for the BLADE. Making it the only vehicle fitted with this all-terrain from the showroom floor.
Wider, taller and more durable, the Duratrac RT features deep tread blocks, shoulder lugs, and a triple-ply sidewall construction for improved puncture resistance.
While the Duratrac RT carries a Light Truck rating, it also carries the coveted 3PMSF rating, certified for use in snowy conditions, making it truly suitable for the hot and cold weather extremes seen in Australia.
With significantly improved chassis control and off-road capability, while maintaining its impressive 3.5-tonne towing capacity. The suspension has been tuned specifically for the wheel and tyre setup. A total package developed uniquely for the BLADE and the local roads and terrain seen across Australia.
Making the BLADE tough
Designed to go further off the beaten track and to get back home again after. Walkinshaw improved on the standard 1.5mm steel underbody protection. Doubling the thickness to a 3.0mm steel bash plate, which offers greater protection of vital powertrain components.
Fitted behind the bash plate is a load rated recovery point system featuring an integrated cross-member, which braces both chassis rails together for improved torsional rigidity. The idea is to eliminate deflection when under the maximum 8-tonne load from an angle of up to 35-degrees, as tested by Walkinshaw.
The dual hook, single-piece recovery point frame is the only system on the Australian market that incorporates cross-bracing reinforcement to the same degree, highlighting the unparalleled robustness of the D-MAX BLADE.
Ensuring longevity when out in the harsh Australian environment, both the bash plate and recovery point system features a dual-layer powder coat finish. Consisting of an 80-micron e-coat base layer and an 80-micron top layer in Isuzu’s signature red.
Validating this, Walkinshaw subjected both components to rigorous simulated and real-world testing, including a 480-hour salt spray corrosion test and impact test in the Australian Outback.
While both components are finished in Isuzu’s signature red, the bash plate integrates laser-cut ‘ISUZU’ lettering, which maximises visual impact and appeal.
D-MAX BLADE design
Regarded as one of the toughest looking Utes on the market, Walkinshaw’s challenge to improve the design wouldn’t be the easiest. Reflecting on the task, Julian Quincey, Chief Designer at Walkinshaw Automotive Group said he found “harmony by working with and accentuating the existing design language of the core vehicle—building upon its strengths.”
With the D-MAX already sporting aggressively angled headlights and sharp bodylines emanating from the signature double horizontal grille, Walkinshaw started about tackling the design brief with the front grille.
The more dynamic front grille, finished in a striking satin black features bolder ‘ISUZU’ lettering. Surrounded by the hexapod motif—a common theme of the core vehicle.
That same hexapod design language populates the grille opening and the chiselled chin spoiler below. Airflow was tested by Walkinshaw to ensure optimal performance. The revised radiator and intercooler guides channels airflow to critical hardware components. With Denso wind tunnel, climatic chamber, and hot weather load and towing testing validating the results.
Integrated into the base of the grille is a curved 112-Watt lightbar. Recessed and tinted to remain inconspicuous, test results show a light pattern throw of over 325-meters—ideal for off-roading applications.
The front profile has been accentuated with a wider stance, courtesy of the lift and wider wheels with more aggressive track width. New wheel arch flares featuring the hexapod design language with integrated air curtains complete the off-road ready aesthetic.
Other exterior additions
Chassis-mounted tubular side steps finished in satin black with integrated hexapod motifs across each footpad, adorn both sides of the BLADE, which also offer improved ground clearance and durability when off-road. In keeping consistent with the design language, a lightweight, one-piece extended sports bar in satin black further accentuates the sporty profile of the BLADE.
Across the doors and tailgate, it’s a bold affair of satin black accents replacing the chrome and body coloured of the original, with badges, mirrors and door handles finished in satin black and basalt black, respectively.
Accentuating the hard bodylines across the front, bonnet, and tailgate, including the signature Japanese ‘Katana’ line across the doors—which the name ‘BLADE’ extends from—are a series of satin black geometric stripes, which channels attention whilst emphasising the depth of each sheet metal crease.
“Visually, with the widened stance and increased ride height, the BLADE makes an absolute statement. But equally, it looks a part of the Isuzu range.”
With the BLADE concept-to-prototype process spanning over three years, in which a facelift was introduced in May 2024, Walkinshaw needed to work around the design change, finding a solution with unprecedented access behind closed doors to 3D scan the facelift, months before global reveal.
“One challenge was working with the pre-facelifted D-MAX, knowing that a facelift was coming. But we found a solution by working with Isuzu to 3D scan a pre-production vehicle in Thailand, back in June 2023, five months prior to the global launch, which expedited the development of the prototypes. Being trusted with that and to work with someone’s brand identity was quite the privilege,” reflected, Julian Quincey.
Interior highlights
Inside, the cabin remains bold, with the black headlining and trim accents introduced as part of the 24MY facelift casting a shadowy symphony of utilitarian and luxury.
Complimenting the darkened interior is a suite of BLADE-exclusive accents, including ‘BLADE’ embossed scuff plates and ‘BLADE’ embroidered headrests and floor mats.
Differentiating one BLADE from the others is a build plate on the transmission selector and in the engine bay, both with unique matching numbering denoting that each BLADE is one of a kind.
Pricing and owner benefits
In line with the rest of the D-MAX range, the D-MAX BLADE is supported by:
- a national network of over 160 Isuzu UTE dealer sites,
- as well as IUA’s updated Service Plus customer care program,
- which includes a five-year Flat Price Servicing program at $449 per year/15,000km intervals,
- a six-year/150,000km warranty, and
- up to seven-years of roadside assistance.
D-MAX BLADE is available to order from Isuzu UTE Australia dealers from 1st November 2024—with an special introductory price of $76,990 drive away, inclusive of premium paint.
Befitting of the new flagship of the range, the D-MAX BLADE is exclusively available in a selection of four no-cost premium paint finishes, including Moonstone White pearl, Basalt Black mica, Granite Grey mica and Sunstone Orange mica.
D-MAX BLADE highlights (bold unique to BLADE):
Safety
- Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which includes
- AEB with Turn Assist,
- Forward Collision Warning,
- Adaptive Cruise Control,
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control,
- Traffic Sign Recognition,
- Lane Departure Warning,
- Lane Departure Prevention,
- Lane Keeping Assist,
- Emergency Lane Keeping,
- Blind Spot Monitoring,
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert,
- Rear Cross Traffic Brake,
- Welcome Headlight,
- Digital Reversing Camera,
- Trailer Sway Control and
- eight airbags
- BSM, RCTA and RCTB ‘Auto-Off’ when towing
Engine, drivetrain and transmission
- 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission with 4×4 Terrain Command: with 2-High, 4-High, and 4-Low dual-range transfer case
- Rear-Diff Lock and Rough Terrain Mode
- 244mm ground clearance (standard LS-U+ is 240mm)
- 29.2° approach, 19.2° departure and 25.2° breakover angles (standard LS-U+ is 30.5 approach, 19 breakover and 23.8 departure)
- 800mm wading depth
- BLADE-exclusive lifted suspension, finished in signature Isuzu red
- BLADE-exclusive 3-mm bash plate underbody protection, finished in signature Isuzu red
- BLADE-exclusive 8-tonne load rated recovery points with cross-bracing, finished in signature Isuzu red
- BLADE-exclusive satin black 17×8.5-inch +28 flow-formed alloy wheels with 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
D-MAX BLADE cosmetic improvements
- Satin black front grille with ‘ISUZU’ lettering
- Satin black front bumper cladding
- Satin black fender flares with integrated air curtains
- BLADE-exclusive widened mudflaps
- Satin black ‘BLADE’ lettering across tailgate
- BLADE-exclusive satin black tailgate badging
- BLADE-exclusive satin black decals on front bar, bonnet, doors and tailgate
- BLADE-exclusive satin black tubular sidesteps
- Satin black one-piece extended sports bar with integrated stop lamp
- Tinted lens lightbar integrated into the front grille
- Premium leather steering wheel and gear selector
- Leather-accented upholstery with stitched leatherette across interior door trims and centre console
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel and transmission selector
- 8-way electric front adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support
- Variably heated front seats
- ‘BLADE’ embroidered head rest
- ‘BLADE’ embroidered floor mats
- ‘BLADE’ embossed scuff plates
- Individually numbered BLADE identification plaque on transmission selector surround
- Individually numbered BLADE identification plaque in engine bay
- Push Button Start with Smart Entry and Start
- Walk Away Door Lock – automatically locks when the driver walks away from the vehicle
- Welcome Light – automatically illuminates the interior when the driver walks towards the vehicle
Infotainment technology and connectivity
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with tuning and volume dials, Voice Recognition, DAB+ radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, integrated Terrain Command 4×4 drive modes, ADAS, TPMS, Inclinometer and electrical systems, with 8-speaker audio
- 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display
- 3x 3.0-Amp USB-C ports – 2x front row, 1x second row
- 1x 2.1-Amp USB-A port for aftermarket dash camera
Other features
- Dual-zone air-conditioning
- Dual ISOFIX compatible anchor points with two top-tether points
- Automatic Bi-LED headlights with automatic high beam control and LED daytime running lights (DRL)
- Automatic windshield wipers
- LED combination taillights
- Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines
- Basalt Black tailgate and door handles
- Basalt Black door mirrors
- Tailgate assist
- Tub liner
- Available in Moonstone White pearl, Basalt Black mica, Granite Grey mica or Sunstone Orange mica
