Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-M (2017-2020)

Solid 'no-frills' 4X4 with all the features you need – This is the second-most expensive Isuzu D-MAX dual-cab you can buy. It moves up the range with alloy wheels and a nicer set of LED lights. Some buyers don’t want the leather seats, or the bigger screen. Instead, they’re after this: the bare-bones dual-cab that’ll take a beating at work, and be able to drive from the work site to your favourite… Read more

campground the second you clock off.

The D-MAX is a tough ute. There’s plenty of durable materials, robust tub-lining and a lot of hard plastics.

The issue with those hard plastics is that they’re more susceptible to rattles and squeaks, some of which were heard across bumpy sections of tarmac and trails.

In addition, there could have been some improvements to the trims to make them feel more secure, and there was a little lifting on the tub liner from the body of the ute. I did also spot some sound isolation foam sticking out from the centre console, which wasn’t the most impressive either.

The LS-M 4x4 dual-cab specced with an automatic gearbox, as you see here, is priced from $55,300 and is just above $60,000 drive-away (in NSW).

It’s not a significantly affordable ute, but I have to say that Isuzu’s inclusion of technology throughout the car helps justify that price.

There’s radar cruise control, rear cross traffic assist, wireless Apple CarPlay, a reversing camera and autonomous emergency braking. Along with automatic headlights and wipers, these features help justify this ute as a comfortable and safe daily driver.

Not to mention that you’re also getting a 4x4 system with a rear locking differential, and you have a capable ute for all conditions.

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.

Just like every other Isuzu D-MAX, you’re absolutely going to hear that 3.0L four cylinder when accelerating.

The speaker system is fine, and plenty powerful for listening to podcasts and music with the windows down. However, as some of my passengers noted, that diesel motor is obvious.

You’re still getting drum brakes on the rear and discs on the front, just like every other D-MAX in the range. 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.

I will note that those rear drums were a little squeaky, either because this was a brand new car, or because there was some debris in the drum (reinforcing my preference for discs all around).

Strangely, I did notice a slight improvement in acceleration with the D-MAX LS-M. It was a little lighter than the more generously appointed LS-U+ and X-Terrain, and felt a little more nimble when putting its power down.

What’s great is that you don’t lose power by saving some cash when buying the LS-M version of the D-MAX.

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.

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.

Leaf springs on the rear help justify that large payload capacity of over 1 tonne, and springs on the front aid in cornering.

The LS-M was comfortable to drive around day-to-day, although a little bouncy on tough sections of road. Out in the country highways, that suspension set-up offered comfort and respite from the hours of driving I had to do across this tarmac. I really didn’t feel strained after spending a surprising amount of time behind the wheel.

When off-roading, the lack of a multi-link rear suspension set-up means that articulation is a little more limited. Yet, the D-MAX still delivered in its ease of use when it came to taking it away from paved roads.

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.

It’s utilitarian inside the D-MAX to say the least. It’s built around the ethos of function over form, yet there still are a few bits of design in here that make the new D-MAX interior feel a little nicer to look at.

There are bag hooks, under seat storage compartments and 2 additional storage cubbies on the dashboard. In addition to cloth seats, there’s a smaller 7-inch touch screen surrounded by an obvious large bezel.

There are plenty of hard buttons too, making it easy to interact with when wearing gloves. Forget keyless entry and exit too, there’s a traditional turn-key start instead.

A lack of mirrors in the sun visors points to the fact this is a work-ute more than anything too.

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-M comes with a towing hitch right from the factory. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3.5T.

There are a few dual-cab utes to choose from at this price point. However the D-MAX offers an ideal blend of performance, price and features when it comes to buying a model that’s more on the affordable end. Wireless Apple CarPlay, a reversing camera and a full-safety feature suite are clear advantages when buying a D-MAX.

In addition, you’re not missing out on any power or capability when buying the D-MAX LS-M. Rather, it’s almost better suited to those who enjoy modding their dual-cabs for off-road and work purposes.

If you’re not after a bigger screen, heated seats, or any additional exterior upgrades, the basic LS-M is the one to get. It’ll leave you room in your budget for upgrades, along with the same utility capabilities enjoyed by the more expensive versions of the D-MAX.

*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.

Very unhappy with the clutch – We purchased a Dmax LS-M manual new in October 2019. Almost the first thing I noticed was that I was having to push the clutch pedal to the floor to get a reliable gear change. Took it back to the dealer for review and was told "they are all like that". As it turns out the clutch is hydraulic and supposedly self adjusting. It cannot be adjusted… Read more

manually. I find pushing the pedal to the floor very wearing. I am hoping that somewhere along the line I find a solution in Google.

Also we live and work on a farm. Our surrounding roads are all dirt and vary in condition from fair to dreadful. The LS-M has heavier rear suspension and is very uncomfortable on poor roads. It would no doubt improve with a good load in the back but 99% of our driving is with loads less the 100kg and mostly less than 20kg. If we end up keeping it I will need to do something about the rear suspension.

At only 400kms I am not aware of anything it does particularly well but the engine does seem good to me. I have seen other reviews complaining about noise levels but coming from a Navara D22 it seems very quiet to us.

All in all I think this purchase was a mistake for us given our circumstances.