Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-U+ (2017-2020)

Isuzu listened to its customers and made possibly the best D-MAX model you can buy – This is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+, and it’s the bridging model between the LS-U and the off-road focused X-TERRAIN. It’s meant to be the best of both worlds: a luxurious working truck that you enjoy using on your time off too. The D-MAX is no stranger to being built to withstand tough environments. The LS-U+ trim of this ute is no exception to that… Read more

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At $61,900 before on-road costs, there’s a lot to appreciate about not having to spend over $70,000 for additional features.

Although, for those focused on wanting a more aggressive looking ute from the factory, the LS-U+ might not cut it entirely.

To be honest, for the price, I think you’ve got the pick of the range if you like how this looks. I don’t entirely love the looks of the X-TERRAIN, so this would be the ute I’d be opting for.

You have additional features, like a leather interior, tow hitch receiver, heated front seats, electronically adjustable drivers seat, dual vanity mirror lights, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated door mirrors, the Lane Support System Switch, a GCM of 6,000kg and a tub liner.

As for maintenance, as standard, the D-MAX comes with a 6 years warranty/150,000km, 7 years roadside assistance and 7 years capped price servicing. You can jump onto the Isuzu website to see what every service interval will cost you, as part of Isuzu’s capped price servicing. Your cheapest service will cost you $299.00 at 75,000 km, and your most expensive service will cost $749.00 at 90,000 kms. Service intervals are 15,000km apart.

The braking experience in the D-MAX never faltered, despite being used to descend from the heights of the Blue Mountains to sea level.

There’s no strange sponge effect or excessive dead zone in the pedal feel; the D-MAX makes you feel as if you’re in control, especially if you need to brake for an emergency.

This is the more powerful 3.0L four-cylinder diesel engine option in the D-MAX range, producing 140kW and 450Nm from this turbocharged motor.

It’s enough power if that’s what you’re thinking. Thanks to that large displacement, it’s a motor that rarely feels strained.

Acceleration in the wet can be a little unnerving if you’re in 2WD mode, as that surge of torque low in the rev range will spin those rear wheels with ease.

Once traction is gained, that turbocharger pulls strongly, however there’s a distinct drop in acceleration if you’re determined to change gears yourself once you’re high up in the rev range.

The 6-speed automatic transmission found in the D-MAX does an excellent job of moving through gears without hesitation.

You can only battle the physics of a larger dual-cab ute like this for so long, without changing the suspension for a more road-focused set-up. For the money, you’re getting a hybrid on-road/off-road suspension setup, so you’ll need to expect compromises at the extreme ends of both experiences.

Off-road, the D-MAX does take a little bit of time to get used to when it comes to its high centre of gravity. Once acquainted, you realise this work ute is ready to play.

Thanks to its tighter proportions, you can squeeze through smaller trails, and it’s far from a daunting activity to navigate more challenging off-road stages.

Combined fuel consumption is claimed at 8L/100km. I saw around 10L/100km during my week with the D-MAX, a respectable figure that’ll allow you to travel a week without having to fill up your tank.

Just as this interior was in the X-TERRAIN, the LS-U+ is a refreshing upgrade over the previous generation. There are clean lines, a large touchscreen, easy-to-read analogue dials and simple buttons to operate the climate controls and 4x4 controls.

Thanks to the leather seat upgrade, the LS-U+ interior feels every bit as premium as the exterior. There’s no doubt that the LS-U+ will stand up to the test of time, as there’s a blend of soft touch materials, mixed with a healthy appointment of tough plastics

This dual-cab’s tray measures in at 1,570mm x 1,530mm x 490mm (length x width x depth), and is rated with a Gross Vehicle Mass carrying capacity of 6,000kg.

Towing is absolutely recommended, as the LS-U+ comes with a towing hitch right from the factory. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3.5T, making it more than capable of hauling whatever you want to throw at it.

Travelling with four people will be ideal, however, just advise any passengers taller than 6’2” that they’re going to suffer a little. Limited under-seat feet room, and limited knee room will impact those taller individuals. Additionally, the middle seat is strictly for temporary use. I wouldn’t recommend three adults to drive further than a local destination in the second row seats.

Deeply impressed with the Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN, I wasn’t expecting a lot when it came to the more affordable and slightly less equipped LS-U+.

How wrong I was. Instead, I’ve found the pick of the range when it comes to looks, pricing and features. This is a capable ‘out-of-the-box’ ute. It’s a great marriage of work and play, and something that I’m sure will sell well for Isuzu.

I appreciated the more subtle, yet muscular, looks of this LS-U+. It doesn’t set high expectations with its exterior, but still proceeds to impress both on and off-road as the ute that has it all. Take it to work, and it’s built for it.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.