New Isuzu D-Max Challenges The Establishment

New Isuzu D-max Seeks To Compete Head-on With Hilux And Ranger.

- Matt Raudonikis

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has pulled the covers off its newest D-MAX midsize ute, which went on sale in Australia on September 1.

The new third-generation D-MAX represents a step up in style, equipment and price for the well-regarded pickup, and IUA now sees it as a product that will compete head-on with segment leaders Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

The new D-MAX lands with a line-up of 20 model variants, taking in two- and four-wheel drive; single-, extra- and double-cab cabin styles; ute and cab-chassis; and four trim levels.

The range starts with the 4x2 Extra-Cab SX ute at $38,900 and runs through to the range-topping X-Terrain Double-Cab ute at $62,900; although, introductory driveaway pricing will get you in to a 4x2 D-MAX Single Cab-Chassis SX manual for $29,990 or $58,990 for an X-Terrain.

Looking at the other top-spec utes in this class and a Ranger Wildtrak lists at $66,290; the most expensive Hilux, the Rogue, is $62,490; a Nissan Navara Warrior is $63,790; and even the outgoing, top-of-the-line D-MAX LS-T was listed at $54,800.

There was no X-Terrain equivalent in the previous D-MAX line-up, but it’s a sizeable step-up in price to play with the top dogs in the game and it will be interesting to see if Isuzu has the bite to match its bark when we drive the new car.

Safety is a leading factor in the new D-MAX, with the company claiming it has the most standard safety kit in the segment.