2023 Isuzu D-Max updates detailed, here in December

Isuzu Ute Australia has revealed the updated D-Max ute, which brings a range of aesthetic and equipment enhancements for the 2023 model year.

Headlining changes include a new grille, new wheel designs, new paint and trim options, as well as what the company describes as “functionality updates”.

Further, the entry-level 1.9-litre diesel powertrain will be available “across a wider range of body styles” in the base SX trim level – with three new Crew Cab options joining the line-up.

“This is the most significant update to the Isuzu D-Max range since debut – with each model set to receive a bolder design aesthetic, new features, and four new models added – giving Customers more choice,” said Isuzu Ute Australia’s managing director Hiroyasu Sato.

“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.”

2023 Isuzu D-Max updates detailed, here in December — **SX Crew Cab Chassis**

New Variants

The 2023 Isuzu D-Max range will now consist of 27 different variants, with the addition of three new SX Crew Cab models featuring the smaller 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with a standard six-speed automatic.

Isuzu says the move to introduce these new variants was driven by positive reception of the 1.9-litre powered D-Max from customers and the media thanks to its “fuel efficient and versatile” attributes.

2023 Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×2 6AT: $40,700
2023 Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4×2 6AT: $42,200
2023 Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4×4 6AT: $50,200

Prices exclude on-road costs

That brings the number of 1.9-litre D-Max variants to five, which now outnumbers Mazda’s three-strong range of BT-50 models featuring the 1.9-litre oiler, all automatic only. Clearly though, the 3.0-litre remains the main engine.

Exterior Design

All versions of the D-Max get some aesthetic enhancements for the new model year, including a new version of the brand’s signature horizontal bar grille.

The design has been “moulded to meet the swooped hard creases atop the bonnet and chiselled front bar fascia”, and is finished in two-tone black on the SX, two-tone black and grey on the LS-M, two-tone grey and chrome on the LS-U and LS-U+, and dark grey on the flagship X-Terrain.

Models fitted with LED fog lights get new surrounds in dark grey metallic, while the LED tail lights also receive dark grey metallic accents – replacing the outgoing model’s chrome trim.

New alloy wheel designs also feature on D-Max LS-M and above, ranging from 17 to 18 inches. LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain models also pick up standard tyre pressure monitoring for MY23.

New Colours

Three new exterior paint finishes join the palette, including Granite Grey which is exclusive to the D-Max X-Terrain.

Neptune Blue mica is now available across all D-Max variants, while the new Neptune White Pearl is offered on LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain models.

These new finishes join Mineral White, Basalt Black mica, Obsidian Grey mica, Mercury Silver metallic, Magnetic Red mica and Volcanic Amber metallic (X-Terrain only).

All but Mineral White incur a $650 premium.

Interior Design

Inside, the brand has introduced new upholsteries and trims depending on variant.

The LS-M and LS-U get new high-grade cloth, while the LS-U+ and X-Terrain get updated leather-accented upholstery. As before, the X-Terrain gets distinctive red top-stitching.

SX Crew Cab models (Cab Chassis and Ute) also receive an additional 2.1A USB charging port in the second row to match higher grades, which Isuzu says is in response to “more families turning to utes as default dual-purpose family vehicles”.

Functionality Enhancements

Isuzu claims to have simplified the towing process, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert automatically disabled when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine wiring harness accessory.

The brand adds this new development should “improve the functionality and user experience” when towing.

All D-Max ute variants also now feature Tailgate Assist; a gas strut-assisted tailgate mechanism that allows for one-handed operation according to the brand.

Pricing

The enhanced 2023 Isuzu D-Max range goes on sale from December. RRP for the 2023 range remains the same as MY22 with the exception of the new SX Crew Cab variants, naturally.

Isuzu Ute Australia is also running national drive-away pricing for the entry-level SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 manual with Eco Alloy Tray ($31,990), as well as the flagship X-Terrain 4×4 ($64,990). This represents thousands in savings.

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