2022 Isuzu D-Max LS-U Review – Dubai Car News

TWhat’s remarkable about the 2022 Isuzu D-Max LS-U is that it feels purposeful, useful and practical, but at the same time without sacrificing too much in the way of everyday usability. It’s a dual-cab ute designed to be used as a dual-cab – loaded with trays, hitched onto a trailer, and where other SUVs and soft-roaders wouldn’t dare.

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Jump ahead.

How much is it, and what do you get?

The D-Max is one of the latest utes available thanks to recent updates since its launch in 2020 in second-generation guise. Its list price is $59,000 before on-road costs, or $66,119 drive away.

In LS-U trim it is powered by Isuzu’s venerable 3.0-litre turbo diesel and is strong on safety and drive assistance technology. A recent update has added a 1.9-litre engine to the D-Max range, but the 3.0-litre is still the best option. You can read more about the latest model year updates for the D-Max later in the review, which includes new additions including keyless start for added convenience.

Eight airbags are standard, along with several other active safety tech features, giving the Isuzu D-Max a five-star ANCAP rating from testing in 2020.

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How do competitors compare on value?

The Isuzu D-Max offers good value compared to key rivals like the 2.0-liter Ford Ranger XLT ($61,190 sticker, $67,543 drive away).

However, under the skin its Mazda BT-50 twin costs $57,290 in comparable GT trim ($66,939 drive-away if you have an ABN), and the similarly utilitarian-oriented Mitsubishi Triton GSR wears a $55,690 sticker. (Currently $90 for ABN-150) holders including roll top tonneau).

The Toyota Hilux SR5 ($58,680/$66,201 drive-away) and Nissan Navara ($58,730/$65,680 drive-away) are close to the Isuzu in price.

Service intervals for the D-Max are 15,000 km or 12 months, with seven limited-price services available until seven years or 105,000 km have elapsed. The first service costs $409, followed by dealer visits between $319 and $769.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

While the Mazda BT-50 has easily the most car-like UT cabins with its tasteful two-tone upholstery and logical dashboard layout, the related Isuzu D-Max has its platform partner’s more luxurious cabin finish, electric Lacks driver’s seat adjustment, classier. Black roof lining and heated front seats.

At least the Isuzu’s front seats are as comfortable as they look and offer 90mm of headroom for the driver. An impressive 9.0-inch central touchscreen is found on the BT-50 and while it has sharp graphics and decent features, the system takes more than 20 seconds to boot after the engine starts – in our recent Giant Dual. Longest of any ute – taxi comparison.

Unlike some others, the touchscreen doesn’t include the climate control functions, which are instead housed in a dedicated panel at the bottom with a clear digital display and hard switches.

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Common to both Isuzu and Mazda is a small, sporty and ergonomic steering wheel covered in high-quality leather with two-way adjustment, an upholstered dashboard with original stitching, a large phone storage tray and a USB-A port plus. 12 volts. Power outlet for front row.

There’s also a tidy double glove box, which Isuzu has added with a further lidded cubby above the dash.

Second-row passengers are also well looked after with 100mm of knee room, another USB socket, plenty of finger room, roof-mounted speakers and great visibility for even the smallest occupants.

Headroom is limited in the second row compared to the front, with only 40mm of space and the rear doors aren’t as wide as some other doors which can make loading people and things a bit difficult.

The D-Max gets pleasant cloth upholstery and manual driver’s seat adjustment, though electric lumbar support adjustment is interestingly shared with the Mazda.

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What is payload and what tray is practical?

The LS-U grade D-Max is equipped with a rigid roller tonneau cover, which is easy to operate and an effective way to keep gear out of sight.

However, it takes up valuable real estate and is the first to be thrown away if you use the tray for adventure or work – which is why you’ll find a bunch on online marketplaces.

Unfortunately, the tray only has two tie-down points on the rear, which is near the low end for the current market. The D-Max in LS-U trim as tested here has a payload of 995kg.

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How’s that for stretching?

If you, like many Australians, are looking to tow a trailer, caravan, boat, or similar wagon with your dual cab, the D-Max LS-U makes a great choice. It has an official breaking towing rating of 3500kg with a gross combination mass of 6000kg.

During our testing, we found the six-speed automatic touch too eager to shift into higher gears, although it has a simple-to-operate gear selector that allows the driver to choose the appropriate ratio as needed. .

While its slightly firmer suspension tune can be a small negative when driving unladen, it proved to be quite beneficial during our tow test.

Overall the D-Max proved to have impressive control and comfort while towing. Using just 15.3L/100km it boasted the best fuel consumption we’ve come across.

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How is it to drive?

The Isuzu D-Max Dual Cab isn’t the final word in driving refinement but given its real-world prowess, that’s all too easily forgiven.

It should also be noted that with a more useful lean, the D-Max still outshines key competitors in the segment when it comes to on-road driving.

We were impressed with the relatively responsive engine, which delivers a surge of torque through a sweet spot at 2000rpm to 3500rpm.

Although it has fewer ratios than rivals, the six-speed automatic transmission has intuitive calibration. Its only major downfall is that we tend to hold higher revs on long downhill sections.

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A tighter suspension calibration means the D-Max has a characteristic dual-cab ‘petter’ in most urban environments, but this is offset by excellent (for the class) cabin refinement. With Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires, the D-Max impressed us with its ability to keep road and tire noise under control.

Our biggest highlight though was the steering. It’s a huge step up from the old model and few drivers will complain – especially if they’ve had a lot of exposure to other key dual-cab models. The steering wheel itself is well-proportioned and weighted in a sweet spot that balances the needs of around-town commuting and highway stability with agility at slow speeds.

Although there is some stiff-legged compromise, we found the D-Max to be a true ‘jack of all trades’ when it comes to driving needs.

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How about the fuel?

During testing we found the D-Max used fuel at a rate of 9.65L/100km, making it the third most efficient of our recent dual-cab group tests.

The only models with lower fuel consumption during testing were the Mazda BT-50 (9.3L/100km) and the Toyota Hilux SR5 (9.5L/100km).

The next best competitors were the Nissan Navara Pro-4X (9.83L/100km) and the Mitsubishi Triton GSR (10.64L/100km). The Ford Ranger has a tested efficiency of 11.28L/100km with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine, and 11.75L/100km with the new diesel V6.

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How about the new 2023 update?

From 1 December, a mildly updated D-Max will be available in Australia as a MY23 model. Pricing remains unchanged from the current MY22 models but the Dual Cab gets new alloy wheels, a redesigned front grille, new trim and paint finishes, and a tailgate gas strut.

Other feature additions for MY23 include Auto Off Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when a towing connector/plug is detected.

Owners of the MY22 D-Max will be able to have their vehicles retrofitted with these features, but will have to pay for parts and labor.

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Decision

The D-Max is a highly recommended dual cab ute for buyers who want all the freedom and capability associated with a dual cab.

Others on the market will be better suited for urban driving, but if you want to reach the far reaches of the map, try a new off-road trail and enjoy adventures in the great outdoors, the D-Max is the choice to make. should be higher. your short list.

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2022 Isuzu D-Max LS-U Specifications

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