Substantiating its claim as a versatile, do-it-all utilitarian with premium levels of comfort, the Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-U+ has reigned supreme at the inaugural ProductReview.com.au Car of the Year Awards – winning the ‘Best Ute’ category to take the crown as the 2022 ‘Ute of the Year’.

As a well-established and comprehensive Australian consumer opinion site, ProductReview has built success on providing information and consumer advice on products that consumers are interested in. Not only that, but the site has expanded to also include expert product reviews – bringing to light the demand for the Car of the Year Awards. 

“After launching our new car reviews in late 2021, we've decided it was time to recognise the best of the best. Our Car Awards are part of our Awards program, which recognises products that consumers should consider because they have received praise from our users,” said ProductReview’s Managing Editor of Cars and Judge for the Car of the Year Awards, Cameron Sutherland. 

“Our role is to help new car buyers decide on what car might be best for them. Our Car Awards help simplify that process and list the cars we think deserve to be considered high up on the shopping list,” he said.  

As a new addition to the critically acclaimed new-generation D-MAX range and designed with the feedback from Australian owners in mind, the LS-U+ sits comfortably between the mid-spec LS-U and the flagship X-TERRAIN D-MAX variants. The LS-U+ combines new-levels of comfort and convenience with the proven capability of the third-generation D-MAX in a clever package – a package continuously praised by ProductReview. 

“The new-generation D-MAX took all the right steps for it to be a strong offering in the current ute market. From its towing capacity through to a full suite of safety features, the D-MAX has impressed us at ProductReview.com.au every time we sat behind the wheel,” said Sutherland.  

Commenting on the winner of the ‘Best Ute’ category, Sutherland was impressed with the LS-U+ being successful in combining practicality, technology, and creature comforts – making it a reliable companion to live with day-to-day. 

“The D-MAX LS-U+ was a refreshing example of car manufacturers listening to feedback from customers and media alike to offer a meaningful inclusion into their model line-up… it's as capable as it should be off-road, but could easily be used as a family hauler too. On the road, it felt refined and comfortable,” said Sutherland. 

“We found the pick of the range when it comes to looks, pricing and features. This is a capable ‘out-of-the-box’ ute. It’s a great marriage of work and play, and something that we are sure will sell well for Isuzu UTE.”  

To read the full list of winners for the 2022 ProductReview.com.au Car of the Year Awards, read article and for more information on our award-winning ute, discover the Isuzu D-MAX.