Towing upgrades for Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has announced a series of updates for its booming Isuzu D-MAX ute line-up, including some cosmetic changes, three new SX variants and a couple of specification upgrades to enhance the popular ute’s functionality.

Before we delve into the upgrades, however, it’s worth noting that none of the Isuzu D-MAX’s recommended retail prices have been changed for the 2023 model year despite the new features and styling detailed below.

This means the entry-level SX Single Cab Chassis 1.9 4x2 manual still starts at $31,990 drive-away, while the flagship X-Terrain continues on at $64,990 drive-away under IUA’s special promotional pricing model.

Starting with the range-wide upgrades, all MY23 D-MAX variants have been treated to a tweaked grille design which the brand says has been moulded to better suit the bonnet creases and chiselled front fascia.

The two upper slats have also been recoloured depending on the trim level, with each grade getting its own unique two-tone combination – black-on-black for SX, black and grey for LS-M, grey and chrome for LS-U and LS-U+, and dark grey-on-grey for X-Terrain.

A subtler change is the adoption of grey foglight bezels on variants fitted with LEDs – a detail mirrored at the back by grey tail-light surrounds.

The external aesthetic tweaks are rounded out by a batch of new variant-specific alloy wheel designs on all grades bar the base SX in response to customer feedback, which also led to the inclusion of the previously optional tailgate assist function as standard on all ute variants.

Changes have been made to the interiors too, with SX Crew Cabs scoring an extra USB port and the LS-M, LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain all nabbing updated upholstery finishes as well as a new ‘Moonstone White Pearl’ body colour.

‘Neptune Blue mica’ has been added to the colour palette of the entire range, whereas the X-Terrain goes one better and scores another bespoke colour: ‘Granite Grey metallic’.

The final key updates to the new range in terms of spec are the automatic disabling of the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems when a trailer is hitched up to the genuine tow bar and the standard inclusion of tyre pressure monitoring on the LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain.

Having first launched here in mid-2020, the current Isuzu D-MAX line-up has always been comprehensive, but the variant count got a booster shot in the arm for the 2022 model year when the 1.9-litre powertrain was introduced in the SX grade and the LS-U+ joined the upper ranks to span the specification gap between the standard LS-U and the decked-out X-Terrain.

Now the range is about to grow again with the addition of another three SX variants, specifically the SX Crew Cab Chassis 1.9 4x2, SX Crew Cab Ute 1.9 4x2 and the SX Crew Cab Ute 1.9 4x4.

All of the new additions are fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission available across the rest of the D-MAX range.

IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato said the MY23 update was the most significant one made to the D-MAX range since its debut because it brings new variants, new styling and new features.

“In a market where some brands have removed features to meet delivery timeframes, we’ve listened to the feedback from customers and the media and have introduced new features to keep the Isuzu D-MAX towards the top of the segment; features that appeal to the modern ute driver, and the towing and touring adventurer,” he said.

Similar changes have been applied to the related Isuzu MU-X large SUV and both updated models are set to enter local showrooms in December.

*Prices exclude on-road costs unless otherwise indicated