Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 X-Terrain (2017-2020)

Isuzu's halo ute is ideal for daily driving and off-roading but could do with some additional tech – The Isuzu’s interior looks premium, and for the most part, feels it. While on road, and even off-road, there was a surprising lack of rattles, squeaks and shakes coming from the cabin, even over more demanding surfaces. If you start moving your hand away from the steering wheel or door inserts, there is a use of cheaper plastic trim, with the… Read more

biggest let down being the build quality of the centre storage bin. It just felt cheap and moved a bit too much side to side when opening and closing for my liking.

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.

The new generation D-MAX also offers a 20% stronger ladder chassis, higher mounted suspension control arms, lighter but stronger leaf suspension and a claimed 4,000,000 kilometres of simulated testing over 6 years here in Australia.

Hopefully, this will translate into an increase in long-term reliability.

Isuzu is transperant on what scheduled services with them will cost, as part of Isuzu’s capped price servicing, with your cheapest service costing you $299.00 at 75,000 kms. Your most expensive service costing $749.00 at 90,000 kms.

Service intervals are 15,000 kilometres apart, which is normal.

There’s no mistaking that there is a diesel motor under the hood, or that you’re rocking hybrid road/off-road tires.

Immediately starting up the D-MAX, you’re greeted with a distinct turbo diesel thrum, which quiets down once you get moving.

Acceleration isn’t really what you’d be buying a D-MAX X-TERRAIN for, as some sources have claimed the D-MAX to head to 100km/h in around 10 seconds.

When driving around town, and even on the highway, I couldn’t tell you this thing felt underpowered. Quite the opposite actually.

That would be thanks to the 450Nm being produced by the large 3.0L 4 cylinder motor, being delivered as low as 1,600rpm.

Never did I feel like the D-MAX was ‘running out of puff’ at higher speed thanks to possessing 140kW, nor did I feel any distinct lag in the engine when setting off from lights in city driving.

The Isuzu’s power off-road was delivered smoothly, consistently and reliably, so there were no complaints about the power delivery here, it was as expected.

This turbo diesel motor, and four wheel drive system is paired to an automatic 6-speed gearbox.

6 speed is a little antiquated compared to the likes of modern SUV’s which are now offering 7 speed or up to 9 speed gearboxes.

But, you can’t fault 6 speed if it works, and in this case, it does.

I love how the suspension set-up looks on the D-MAX X-TERRAIN, it really makes the look of the truck. Giving this truck the appearance of being able to tackle the toughest of terrains.

The only downside which is obvious to those who know, is that this results in some body roll during corners at higher speeds, which is simply the trade off you need to accept if you want to drive a large dual cab ute that is designed to head off-road.

Besides some moderate body roll, on-road manners were impressive, with there being obvious local testing involved.

Aussie roads did not phase the D-MAX, it behaved well across all surfaces it encountered. Ironed out the creases and bumps, without resulting in an overly numb driving experience.

Averaging around 10L/100km around town, traffic and occasional highway driving, I wasn’t shocked by this number, or disappointed.

Naturally, any motor will be thirsty in a car that weighs 2130kg and rides as high as this truck.

Aerodynamics and weight are working against the D-MAX here, but ultimately, a claimed 8L/100km should be close to achievable under longer stretches of road without too much traffic.

A dual purpose suspension set-up matched with a respectable power and a purposeful four wheel drive system, the D-MAX is able to drive you to the campground on Friday, head deep into the bush, and bring you back for work at 9AM on Monday.

Off the road, the suspension, even with no payload in the rear tray, behaves with exceptional precision. The handling setup of the truck allows you to explore tougher terrain, without having your eyeballs shaken out of your skull.

From photos, I could immediately tell that the revised interior was a step above other dual cab brands. It’s the one thing I’ve never understood in this segment, making a beautifully brutish exterior, but incorporating an interior from 2009.

This is where I feel Isuzu really worked hard to shake this perception.

It features one of the largest centre media screens in the segment, at 9 inches. There is also a 4.2 inch digital display between two analogue gauges in the driver’s instrument cluster to help modernise the cabin. Wireless Apple CarPlay meant I never needed to worry about connecting my phone to a cord everytime I set off, nicely complimenting the low latency and clear centre screen.

The only reason why you’re buying a ute, is because of the massive load carrying capacity they possess over traditional SUV’s or station wagons.

Your load area is 1570mm in length, 1530mm in max width and 490mm in height. You have a max rear payload of 970kg.

The entire tray is covered in a robust tray liner, which means you don’t have to be too shy pulling items in and out of the rear.

The locking tonneau cover is a fantastic addition, especially as it’s a rolling cover, meaning you don’t need to lock it every time you drive, unlike a lockable hard lid cover.

You’re also able to tow up to 3.5 tonnes, very respectable, making this a more than capable ute for most requirements.

If you've compared the D-MAX with other dual cab Utes and decided it's the truck for you, there is no need to hesitate.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the X-TERRAIN and could see myself heading into work in plenty of comfort, and even had the urge to go camping again.

*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.

Pretty Awesome – Much better than expected. Very comfortable, spacious and with excellent safety features. Cant complain really. So far so good. Show details

Ute Tray Leaks – I bought the X terrain because it had the lockable roller cover, not once was I advised it was not waterproof and to expect so much water in the tray that you cannot store any items in the tray. I have rung Isuzu and they say it is fit for purpose. I would not have bought this model of car, I would have bought a cheaper model with another cover if… Read more

I was advised of this. I had an older DMAX and it never failed and I regret buying this car now. Very disappointing and do not recommend the car to anyone who wants to put things in the tray without getting wet\mouldy.

Isuzu confirmed it does leak in two places but wouldn't fix it.

Tech misses the mark in 2021 – For the latest model to hit the road the IDAS is absolutely horrible, in fact I’d almost say it’s dangerous! Turning it off it not a simple task but leaving it on often means fighting with the steering wheel (not in a way you should be). I’ve driven plenty of different makes and models with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise and so on and… Read more

sadly Isuzu have really failed here. The ride is comfortable however, and the suspension is to be expected on a 4x4 dual cab. It has plenty of power but when towing struggles to maintain a low RPM. Overall I’m happy with the interior however a few features are missing i.e it has wireless Apple CarPlay but no wireless charging (even though it’s a premium model). A few minor issues so far with quality which is no biggy as nothing is perfect but being told parts are months away is disappointing.