Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-M (2017-2022)

What is it?

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.

Other Isuzu utes we’ve reviewed focused on delivering a blend of luxury, comfort and iconic Isuzu capability.

However, 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 campground the second you clock off.

I took this D-MAX on a long road trip and tested it at our off-road proving grounds and came to the conclusion that this is the budget sweet spot in the D-MAX range. Here’s why.

Build Quality

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.

I loved the distinct lack of any carpeting throughout the cabin, allowing for better durability over time and greater ease of washing.

Compared to the Nissan Navara, the tub lining is a lot better fitted in the tray, preventing finer materials like dirt and sand from leaking out between panel gaps.

How Much Does it Cost?

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.

You can spec this without a 4x4 system or head down to the cheaper SX model to save a bit of cash.

Warranty and Servicing

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.

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.

Noise Level

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.

Road noise also makes itself known thanks to the more coarse hybrid off-road Dunlop tires too.

It’s a relaxing cabin for the most part, but the D-MAX isn’t the quiet sanctuary that you might find in a diesel SUV.

Braking

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).

What is noticeable is the autonomous braking system, which is extremely active in the event the car believes that you’re not slowing down fast enough to prevent a crash. It’s occasionally intrusive, however, it’s rarely dangerous. It makes a comfortable safety net, just in case you miss the opportunity to be in complete control when you need to avoid hitting an obstacle.

Acceleration/Power

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.

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.

It’s an effortless feeling four-cylinder powerplant, and allows for a balance of performance alongside daily usability.

Accelerating from 0-100km/h, it’s noticeably not a performance ute by any means, but it’s fast enough to hustle up to speed without causing a traffic jam behind it. Mid-range acceleration feels even stronger, however a smidge of turbo lag can occasionally stifle any sports ute aspirations.

Gear Shifting

The same deal goes for the 6-speed automatic; it’s just the same as you’d find in the range-topping X-Terrain.

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

It’s an easy-to-use transmission that rarely faults or makes itself known to you as the driver. Engagement with each gear is instant, and also allows for careful modulation of the throttle for tight space manoeuvres.

However, the manual shifting experience leaves a lot to be desired, but at least you have an option to engine brake if that’s something you desire.

Suspension & Handling

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.

Thanks to its size and the lack of side-steps on the LS-M, I was able to navigate tougher sections of our off-road proving ground with a little more confidence.

Just note that you’ll have a hard time making hard turns when in 4x4-high mode, something which was a little annoying compared to other AWD off-roaders.

Fuel Efficiency

Sure, it would be nice to have a higher output 6-cylinder motor, or if we can dream, maybe even an 8-cylinder motor. Until Isuzu jumps on the impending electric truck/ute trend, a turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine is the most sensible choice when it comes to reduced fuel consumption.

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.

Expect to pay around $150 for a full tank of diesel thanks to the D-MAX possessing 76L of diesel-carrying capacity.

Interior Design

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.

It’s not a bland interior design, it just focuses on ensuring the interior is just as usable as a ute like this should be.

Boot Size & Comfort

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, making it more than capable of hauling whatever you want to throw at it.

I spent hours and hours behind the wheel of the LS-M, and I have to say it delivered on comfort in every sense. Whether it’s using radar cruise control or effortlessly riding that wave of torque, the D-MAX makes for an ideal dual-cab ute.

My passengers and I loved the height, comfort from the cloth seats and how easy the D-MAX was to drive smoothly. And when we came across a muddy field to head to the farmers market, the D-MAX could park right at the entrance without any fuss thanks to that 4x4 system.

Features

Although there are a few features missing for the LS-M, there’s still plenty on offer that satisfy basic needs and help with the daily commute.

A personal favourite was radar cruise control with active steering assist - it just made the 4 hour trip to our farm a little less strenuous.

Here’s the full list:

Buy it, Consider it, or Leave it?

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.