Australia’s third best-selling vehicle of 2023, the Isuzu D-MAX ute, is set to receive a significant update driven by media and customer feedback, with Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) welcoming the facelifted 2024 (24MY) D-MAX range at local IUA Dealers on 1st May, 2024.
Significant updates to the exterior design underscore the bold and masculine aesthetic, combining signature Isuzu design language with contemporary bodywork and utilitarian hardiness. Inside, it’s a similar feedback-driven-affair, with new 8.0-inch and 9.0-inch infotainment systems, an updated 4.2-inch or new 7.0-inch digital Multi-Information Displays, and new upholstery trim and interior design elements influenced by the Japanese paperfolding art of Miura Origami.
“This update marks the most comprehensive update to the D-MAX since local debut,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Junta Matsui.
“As one of Australia’s top-selling vehicles, the D-MAX represents exceptional value for money and with the addition of some new safety features, it is once again one of Australia’s safest vehicles on sale with segment-leading standardised safety features on every single model - from the entry-level SX to the flagship X-TERRAIN."
“Not only does the 2024 D-MAX feature specifications bespoke to the Australian market, but the design changes have also been influenced by the very feedback we’ve received from the media and customers over the past three years - improving one of Australia’s favourite vehicles to make it even more appealing and competitive.”
2024 D-MAX RANGE
With utes accounting for over 20 per cent of the 1.1 million new vehicles sold in 2023, the 2024 D-MAX range doubles down on catering for Australian families, tradesmen, and travellers - sporting a wide bandwidth of versatility and capability that suits the school runs, worksite and towing the boat or caravan around Australia - ensuring it remains one of Australia’s favourite vehicle choices.
Offering an extensive choice of body styles, tray configurations, and powertrain options, the 2024 D-MAX range sports a total of 25 models with the X-RIDER joining the line up as a regular offering, after a successful introduction as a limited-edition model in 2023.
Updated - LS-M Crew Cab Ute Suspension
Recognising that the LS-M has been a popular choice for families, the 2024 D-MAX LS-M Ute features a softer and more compliant rear standard-duty 3-leaf spring suspension tune. This update comes off the back of feedback received from customers who wanted improved comfort and handling when unladen, and improved rear suspension travel and articulation when off-roading. The D-MAX LS-M Crew Cab Chassis still features the heavy-duty 3-leaf spring suspension tune.
New - X-RIDER added to the range
Built upon the popular mid-spec D-MAX LS-M, the X-RIDER combines adventure-ready accessories by way of a loopless soft tonneau and sports bar, with an injection of bold Basalt Black and Gloss Black accents to give the variant a sporty aesthetic. The interior is a familiar utilitarian affair, with premium hardwearing upholstery, vinyl flooring, the new 8.0-inch infotainment system, and a dark interior trimmed with a black headlining and material black accents throughout. Powered by the venerable 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the X-RIDER benefits from the updated suspension tune introduced to the 24MY LS-M for better unladen and off-road performance. With a sportier and bolder design aesthetic that is usually reserved for the flagship X-TERRAIN, the X-RIDER is set to be the choice of savvy Australians looking for affordable, out-of-the-box off-road capability, at a compelling price point.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Sporting a bold and chiselled front profile, the exterior design reflects a captivating and dynamic demeanour, with new bi-LED headlights (LS-M models and above) and sharp bodylines emanating from the latest evolution of Isuzu's signature horizontal bar grille. A higher, squarer bonnet with longitudinal creases run the length of the front, channelling both airflow and one’s vision around and over the ute and towards the rear.
A set of prominent redesigned taillights redefine the rear of the D-MAX, with familiar horizontal bodywork creases expanding the width of the tailgate, tying in the same bodylines that originate from the redesigned signature grille.
Darker and bolder, Isuzu’s design team focused on uplifting the overall exterior aesthetic with premium textures and finishes. Both the updated X-TERRAIN and new X-RIDER feature an even bolder exterior design, with both models sporting dark grey underbody spoilers, darkened accents and a menacing front bar design that ties in with Isuzu’s signature front grille.
AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY
Blending form and function, a pair of air curtains nestled within the fog lights, channels accelerated airflow around the front wheels, which when combined with airflow deflectors, sleek longitudinal body lines and the redesigned and deeper rear tailgate spoiler, improves the overall aerodynamic design.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Combining premium appointments with utilitarian hardiness, inside, the D-MAX is a familiar family-centric affair of creature comforts, the latest in wireless connectivity and occupant ergonomics. The doors, seats and dashboard, sport bolder accents and trims that are influenced by the Japanese art of Miura Origami paperfolding.
Occupant comfort remains core to the Isuzu interior design philosophy, with supportive anti-vibration EVA foam-lined seats, trimmed in redesigned ‘layer-geometry’ embossed upholstery, providing refinement and support for all seated within. LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN take comfort to the next level, with ‘Miura-Origami’ inspired perforated leather-accented upholstery§ throughout. As expected from the flagship, the X-TERRAIN sports the signature red stitching throughout the cabin, with dark grey and piano black appointments in lieu of the satin chrome, silver, black and grey accents of the rest of the range.
In line with feedback received, the instrument cluster has been redesigned with the 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and dials revised with easier to read fonts and graphics. LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN models sport a high-definition 7.0-inch MID, with the additional digital real estate offering the driver more information at a glance, such as tyre pressures and temperatures, and Sat-Nav directions.
Adopting the same ‘Hexa Pod’ design language seen across the interior, the spokes of the four-spoke wheel are trimmed in either matte silver, satin chrome or piano black, depending on model, while the centre of the wheel sports a redefined design, better matching the premium look and feel as per the rest of the cabin.
NEW – INFOTAINMENT
New 8.0-inch on SX, LS-M, and X-RIDER and 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreens on LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN command the heart of the interior - a completely new system that addresses the feedback received by both customers and media.
All systems sport USB-C connectivity, voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay®, and for the first time, wired and wireless Android Auto™, for true wireless connectivity, no matter the smartphone. With off-road enthusiasts in mind, an inclinometer and Terrain Command 4x4 drive modes have been integrated into the system - affording the driver the ability to view essential systems with a simple tap and swipe of the screen. Keeping things simple and addressing commonly received feedback, a pair of tuning and volume dials have been added, improving tactility, functionality, and usability.
The 9.0-inch infotainment system is also equipped with Sat-Nav, ADAS setting controls, and an additional 3.0-Amp USB-C connection, as well as relaying vital tyre pressures and temperatures via the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
OFF-ROAD
Earning a place in thousands of driveways nationwide, the D-MAX isn’t just one of Australia’s favourite utes, it is also one of Australia’s favourite 4WDs. Engineered to take motorists off the beaten track and back home again, the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX is Isuzu’s most capable vehicle to date. Impressive ground clearance of up to 240mm, a wading depth∞ of 800mm, and extensive underbody protection make it the pragmatic choice of enthusiasts. Selectable dual-range 4WD, a rear differential lock, and the all-important angles for approach, departure and ramp-over of 30.5°, 19.0° and 23.8°, respectively (X-TERRAIN), makes the D-MAX one of the more capable 4WDs out of the box.
Unique for the Australian market is a prefabricated pathway in the inner fender for easy installation of an engine snorkel, and a suspension tune specific for Australian roads and conditions - the result of years of localised evaluation to improve ride and handling, comfort, and articulation.
New – Rough Terrain Mode
Addressing media and customer feedback to improve the off-road traction control, 2024 D-MAX 4x4 models are equipped with Rough Terrain Mode (RTM), an electronic off-road traction control aid that maximises torque-transfer and driveability in technical, slippery, and rough conditions.
First debuting on the MU-X in 2021, RTM finely modulates brake force to individual wheels when slip is detected, proportioning torque to the wheels with the most grip, for optimal driveability, tractability, and torque-transfer to the terrain, with little to no loss to momentum.
Unlike RTM found on the MU-X, the 2024 D-MAX sports the latest generation of RTM, which works in conjunction with the Rear Differential Lock; maximising traction with a locked rear axle and traction control across the front axle - ideal when wheel articulation or front axle slippage is at a maximum and traction control is needed to transfer drive to the terrain.
Updated – Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Another feature that has been updated in line with customer feedback, the updated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) displays real-time individual tyre pressures and temperatures via the 7.0-inch MID and 9.0-inch infotainment screen.
When tyres are deflated for off-roading, the system will produce a warning for 5 seconds before minimising into the background of the MID, giving the driver full control of the MID and infotainment system. When tyres are reinflated back to placard pressures, the D-MAX will flash indicators and beep, indicating that the optimal tyre pressures have been reached. All D-MAX models fitted with 18-inch wheels feature the updated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
SAFETY
When the third-generation D-MAX debuted locally in late-2020, it reset expectations when it introduced a standardised suite of advanced driver assistance and safety systems across all models. While the D-MAX has been awarded the maximum 5 star safety rating by ANCAP under the 2022 protocols, new safety system hardware expands the comprehensive list of advanced driver assistance and safety systems even further.
New – 3D Stereo Camera
The new ‘Gen4’ Stereo Camera hardware scans the road ahead and to the sides, identifying pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. With wider peripheral vision and depth perception, the field of view (FOV) increases by +200%, from 40-degrees to 120-degrees. Vehicle detection range also increases by +25 per cent, from 120m to 150m, with the system able to identify the headlights of oncoming vehicles that are up to 700m away. An inbuilt USB-A charging port conveniently provides power to aftermarket dashcams, and an inbuilt demister system prevents condensation from obscuring the vision.
New – Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC)
Calibrated specifically for the Australian market, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) is the next generation of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), using speed zone data identified by Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) - including digital and overhead gantry signs - to conveniently assist the driver in matching vehicle speed with the posted speed limit. With IACC engaged, the driver will be alerted to any changes to the posted speed limit, with the changed speed limit displayed on the MID. The driver is then prompted to select the new speed zone with the ‘RES’ button on the steering wheel, which will set the vehicle speed to match the posted speed limit. IACC and ACC is standard on all 2024 D-MAX models, regardless of the transmission.
Updated – Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
The Lane Keep Assist (LKA) has also been revised, based on user feedback. The updated function now provides smoother steering intervention and better tracks the centre of the lane, rather than reacting to the outer lane markings. Previously, LKA was only available on D-MAX models with an automatic transmission but is now available on models fitted with a manual transmission.
New – Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB)
Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) is an active safety feature that uses the same 24-GHz radar sensors found in the rear bumper for Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Like a second set of watchful eyes scanning behind the vehicle, RCTB is designed to prevent accidents while reversing from a parking space or driveway by detecting approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians and will apply the brakes to avoid a collision or minimise its impact.
New – Welcome Headlight and Welcome Light functions
Improving visibility and safety at night, all models gain the new Welcome Headlight function, which, when the vehicle is unlocked, illuminates the park lights and low-beam headlights on SX models, and the LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and bi-LED low-beam headlights on LS-M, X-RIDER, LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN models. The Welcome Light function on LS-U, LS-U+, and X-TERRAIN models further improves nighttime visibility by automatically illuminating the interior lights when the vehicle detects the proximity key is within two meters of the vehicle.
New - Digital Reversing Camera
Addressing the feedback received from the media and customers, a new digital reversing camera has been fitted to all models, including cab chassis. Not only does it dramatically improve image quality and brightness over the previous analogue reverse camera, but the new camera also features dynamic guidelines, a wider field of view, and a hydrophobic coating over the lens to prevent the water and dirt from accumulating and obscuring the vision - particularly handy when off-road.
2024 D-MAX Safety Features
Updates or new features in bold
- 8 Airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and centre (far-side)
- AEB with Turn Assist (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – UPDATED
- Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL)
- Manual Speed Limiter
- Mis-acceleration Mitigation (MAM)
- Driver Attention Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) – UPDATED
- Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - UPDATED
- Gen4 Stereo Camera – NEW
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) – NEW
- Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) – NEW
- Welcome Headlight – NEW
- Digital Reversing Camera – NEW
2024 (24MY) D-MAX RANGE GRADEWALK
Updates or new features in bold
D-MAX SX standard equipment:
D-MAX LS-M adds:
NEW D-MAX X-RIDER adds:
D-MAX LS-U adds:
D-MAX LS-U+ adds:
D-MAX X-TERRAIN adds:
SERVICE PLUS
Providing motorists with reassurance no matter where they are in Australia, all 2024 Isuzu D-MAX models are backed by a national network of over 160 dealer sites, as well as IUA’s updated Service Plus customer care program, encompassing a five-year Flat Price Servicing> program at $449 per year/15,000km intervals, a six-year/150,000km warranty^, and up to seven-years roadside assistance<. The revised five-year/75,000km Flat Price Servicing> program was introduced in response to feedback received from the media and customers; aligning the maintenance program with the average ownership length of Isuzu owners surveyed and represents a 12 per cent or $310 saving when compared with the five-year/75,000km maintenance schedule of a 23MY 3.0L D-MAX and MU-X.
AVAILABLE COLOURS
In keeping with customer feedback, the 2024 Isuzu D-MAX range is available in a tasteful selection of colours and finishes, with optional pearl, metallic and mica finishes incurring a $695 premium. The 23MY X-TERRAIN exclusive Volcanic Amber metallic has been discontinued and is replaced with the new Sunstone Orange Metallic, exclusively available on the 24MY X-TERRAIN.