The 2024 Isuzu D-Max marks the second update to this platform, which was introduced to the Australian market as the Third Generation D-Max back in 2020. The D-Max was the third best selling 4×4 in 2023 and 2024, so this is an important update for the brand to get right.
The last time I drove a D-Max at a launch event, it pretty much received new wheels, a new bumper design and an additional colour or two. A facelift really. So what’s new for 2024? Well, I’m happy to say there’s a fair bit to talk about, especially for us four-wheel drivers.
2024 Isuzu D-Max Rough Terrain Mode
A gripe I’ve had with the previous generation Isuzu D-Max, is the ineffective traction control system experienced when driving technical terrain. Sure, the inclusion of a rear diff lock back in 2020 was very welcomed, but the traction control system when driven off-road, failed to be HiLux good – which is my benchmark for a decent traction control system in a ute.
Well, that’s all out the window now, as the 2024 Isuzu D-Max has an incredibly effective off-road traction control system. If you remember back a few years, Isuzu installed a special little button into their MU-X wagon, called Rough Terrain Mode. Well, the 2024 D-Max now features Rough Terrain Mode. It’s even better for 2024 as well. We tested it out and can confirm it will operate with the rear differential lock engaged, making for an incredibly capable package in the rough stuff.
Side note – what is Rough Terrain Mode?
Rough Terrain Mode is essentially an off-road friendly traction control system. Press the button when off-road, and if you lift a wheel or lose traction, Rough Terrain Mode will send drive to the wheels with traction as well as apply brake pressure to spinning wheels. And it works, too. I found it made the D-Max crawl forward even with one or two wheels in the air, with precision and without fuss. The 2024 Isuzu D-Max is a far more capable four-wheel drive than the 2023 model, thanks to the inclusion of that glorious little button.
Safety increased across the board
Every model in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max range receives the same levels of safety equipment, which is great to see from Isuzu. There are also some new features for 2024. These include a new 3D stereo camera, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Welcome Headlight, and Digital Reverse Camera.
Tech improved – now with dials to twist
Infotainment systems have been completely upgraded, and they now have louder speakers (I like my tunes loud) as well as incorporating off-road settings. These off-road settings are pretty handy, including an inclinometer, and access to off-road Terrain Command drive modes.
On SX, LS-M and X-RIDER models there’s a new 8-inch screen. 9-inch units have been installed into LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN models. Standard across the range is voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 9-inch screen is also equipped with Sat-Nav, ADAS setting controls (how you adjust some safety settings to suit your requirements) and one extra USB-C point. Oh, Isuzu has switched to USB-C points, so bring the right cable if you are planning a 10-hour drive home… ask me how I know. They have also wisely decided to include volume and tuning dials on the screen, as it seems everyone wants dials still. Good to see.
Less invasive safety systems
Lane Keep Assist has been updated for 2024, which it needed to be. It’s great to see Isuzu has listened to customer and media feedback and redeveloped this. Now, for 2024 Lane Keep Assist is smoother and tracks the centre of the lane rather than reacting to outer lane markings. Lane Keep Assist is now available on models with manual transmissions too.
TPMS works when airing up tyres
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems really are a great feature, and Isuzu has included TMPS on LS-U, LS-U+, and X-Terrain models. Best of all, there’s an off-road mode so it doesn’t lose its mind beeping at you when you are driving down the beach with reduced tyre pressures. You can also use this when airing up, as the TPMS will beep once it reaches placard pressure. Handy. But only available on 18-inch wheels at this point.
What’s new for the 2024 Isuzu D-Max?
- Six grades and 25 variants are available in the D-Max line-up for 2024 including the new X-Rider, which was trialled last year and brought back to the line-up full-time for 2024.
- New grille, headlights and bonnet in 2024. Subtle styling cues.
- Front bumper air curtain provides additional air flow to brakes and some aerodynamic improvements according to Isuzu.
- D-MAX LS-M and X-RIDER benefit from a softer suspension tune
- New bonnet design,with a ‘Soft nose’, new headlight design, with the indicator has been moved to the headlight, new LED fog light and Bezel and new 3D mesh grill
- Nine different colours to choose from
- Halogen headlights on SX variant, everything else gets LED lights
- Four different wheel designs, LS-M and X-Rider on 17s and LS-U, LS-U + and X-Terrain see 18-inch wheels
- Rear new digital reverse camera, tailgate with spoiler, new rear combination light design, tailgate assist carries over
Full review to come
While we love attending vehicle launches, they are very busy days trying to get to know the vehicle, as well as create content. I’m doing something different this time, and will be heading to the Flinders Ranges next week, for a proper off-road evaluation of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max. Even though I drove a vehicle back from Queensland to NSW (used around 9L/100km – not bad for a fresh motor), to get more seat time, I want to see how the D-Max really performs while living with it. Stay tuned for the full off-road evaluation and video review coming out soon. I really want to put the effort in, to bring you these unbiased vehicle reviews, focussing on off-road ability over counting cup holders – even though, I must say, the D-Max has excellent cup holders…
2024 Isuzu D-MAX Pricing (RRP before on-road costs)
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 1.9L Manual 4×2:$32,700 ($32,490 drive away)
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 1.9L Automatic 4×2: $34,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L Manual 4×2: $34,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×2: $36,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Space Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×2: $40,200
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Chassis 1.9L Automatic 4×2: $41,200
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×2: $43,200
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Ute 1.9L Automatic 4×2: $42,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×2: $44,700
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×2: $54,500
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 3.0L Manual 4×4: $42,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single CabChassis 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $44,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Space Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $48,200
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L Manual 4×4: $49,200
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $51,200
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-M Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $54,300
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $61,000
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Ute 1.9L Automatic 4×4: $50,700
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $52,700
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-M Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $55,800
- Isuzu D-MAX X-RIDER Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $59,500 (NEW
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Space Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $59,500
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $62,500
- Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $65,500
- Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN Crew Cab Ute 3.0L Automatic 4×4: $70,500 ($67,990 drive away – not a typo)
Can you still not use 4H on loose surfaces only and not sealed roads?
How very 20 years ago..