2024 Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Review

2024 has been quite a big year for the D-MAX, with the third generation receiving a significant update comprised of a styling package, new technology inside and revamped software to make it even more capable off-road.

This, the D-MAX LS-U+ sits at the pointy end of the D-MAX lineup, just below the flagship X-Terrain, which begs the question of whether it’s a value pick or a mere stepping stone to the range-topper.

With no less than 25 versions of the D-MAX on offer, it’s easy for buyers to suffer some analysis paralysis.

To help out, we got behind the wheel of the D-MAX LS-U+ to find out how it handles on a daily drive, how much equipment you receive and how transformative Isuzu’s updates have been for one of the favourites in the Aussie ute landscape.

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Competition

How Much Does the Isuzu D-MAX Cost?

The Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ 4x4 Ute you’re looking at here is priced at $69,990 drive-away.

This review vehicle came fitted with Isuzu’s ‘Tour Mate’ pack, which brings the price to $72,990 drive-away.

The Tour Mate package adds a canopy with dual lift-up side windows, weather shields, extended Clearview towing mirrors, a tow bar tongue and 50mm ball, 12-pin wiring harness and an electronic brake controller.

Isuzu says this represents $6,194 worth of savings, with the cumulative cost of all the accessories totalling $9,040 if they were all bundled together and sold outright.

Prices for some of the most popular MY24 D-MAX variants can be found below.

• SX Crew Cab 3.0L - $52,700

• LS-M Crew Cab 3.0L - $55,800

• X-Rider Crew Cab 3.0L - $59,500

• LS-U Crew Cab 3.0L - $62,500

• LS-U+ Crew Cab 3.0L $65,500 (tested, before on-road costs and Tour Mate package)

• X-Terrain Crew Cab 3.0L - $70,500

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, there are significant savings on offer sourcing with the help of one of our automotive experts.

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ (4x4) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Have?

The D-MAX in LS-U+ is Isuzu’s second-most premium variant.

As a result, it picks up a long list of equipment that puts it right on the heels of the range-topper while pocketing buyers some savings in the process.

The LS-U+ picks up 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone HT tyres, Bi-LED headlights with LED tail lights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry & start, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, side steps, chrome door handles and tyre pressure monitoring.

Features specific to the LS-U+ include leather upholstery and door sills, as well as power-adjustable and heated front seats.

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Connectivity & Infotainment Features

One of the major benefits of the LS-U+ is the upgraded display, which grows from 8.0 inches in lower variants to 9.0 inches thanks to a tech overhaul earlier this year.

While the added screen real estate is a welcome addition, the quality of Isuzu’s display is lacking that of the best in the segment.

It’s reasonably bright and easy to navigate thanks to the shortcuts at the bottom of the display, but the resolution isn’t the greatest, nor is the sound quality from the upgraded eight-speaker sound system.

That said, Isuzu’s upgraded infotainment system receives satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and three USB-C ports, which is a nice modern touch.

All up, the D-Max has come leaps and bounds in terms of onboard entertainment tech, but it remains somewhere in the middle of the crowd.

Does the Isuzu D-MAX Have wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Potential buyers will be pleased to know that all members of the D-MAX range, from the base model to the flagship X-Terrain receive wireless smartphone mirroring.

This means you’re able to access Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly, with a quick and simple pairing process and no drop-outs in the connection over our week behind the wheel.

You can also plug your phone in via one of three USB-C ports inside the cabin to keep your device charged, with the D-MAX range not receiving a wireless charging pad unless you lash out for an optional extra package.

Is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Comfortable to Drive?

While it’s billed as a tough-as-bricks package, the D-MAX proves itself a super capable all-rounder that isn’t a pain to drive through the urban jungle.

For all its potential off the beaten track, the D-MAX LS-U+ actually ticks some important boxes that make it fairly user-friendly on a daily drive, most notably, the steering rack which has been updated for 2024.

While lock-to-lock turns take some serious rotations, the steering is incredibly lightweight for a vehicle of this size around town, offering some meatier feedback as you pick up the pace.

Isuzu offers the D-MAX with a choice of two powertrains, with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel sitting at the base of the range, offering outputs of 110kW and 350Nm.

The majority of the D-MAX 4x4 ute lineup is packaged with the company’s powerhouse unit, with 3.0-litres of capacity that increases power figures to 140kW, while torque figures top out at 450Nm.

Power is thrown to either the rear, or all four wheels via Isuzu’s part-time four-wheel drive system working alongside a six-speed automatic transmission.

The D-MAX’s six-speed auto is beginning to show some signs of its age, though it gets the job done in an honest fashion, blending gear shifts in a buttery fashion to keep acceleration smooth.

Off the line, the D-MAX with its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel isn’t what you’d call a powerhouse, but picks up pace with some urgency thanks to ample torque on tap - it’s particularly great for short boosts between second and fourth gear.

Isuzu’s powertrain still doesn’t have the best table manners, often thrashing about when stretched out and gurgling away in the background even under mild throttle, but it’s an honest engine and we admire its willingness to get to work.

In terms of driving comfort, the D-MAX LS-U+ has all the hallmarks of a hefty dual-cab ute with a work-ready nature on the road - for better or worse.

The ride quality can prove quite choppy on certain surfaces, with the platform far more comfortable when it’s loaded up with cargo to weigh down the rear a bit more.

That said, this isn’t unique to the D-MAX, nor is it a bad thing that it’s ready for action on the job site- right out of the box with its heavy-duty suspension package underneath.

Certain variants like the LS-M and X-Rider receive a ‘standard duty’ suspension setup with more welcoming leaf springs.

On the open road, the D-MAX feels bullet-proof - tackling country roads with confidence and making for an impressive long-distance tourer.

There’s no hiding its weight in the corners, but it stays composed when pushed and can handle some punishment without kicking up too much of a fuss.

With plenty of torque on tap and a heavy-duty suspension package underneath, the LS-U+ is a fantastic workhorse that isn’t a handful to drive, proving itself as one of the most well-rounded options in the dual-cab 4x4 ute segment.

Is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Good Off-Road?

It’s damn good - even better in 2024.

One of the major upgrades for the D-MAX in 2024 has been the addition of a Rough Terrain Mode.

This has been transferred over from the MU-X and is a welcome addition to the D-MAX package, which works alongside the off-road traction control and locking rear differential for even more push when the sealed roads stop.

Combine that with Isuzu’s torque-filled turbo-diesel engine, four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case and a locking rear differential as standard and the D-MAX comes with all the fundamentals of a tough, capable off-roader.

• Ground Clearance - 240mm

• Wading Depth - 800mm

• Approach Angle - 30.5 degrees

• Departure Angle - 19.0 degrees

• Breakover Angle - 23.8 degrees 

How Much Can the Isuzu D-Max Tow and Carry?

The D-MAX remains a powerhouse when it comes to lugging around a load of cargo or hauling around a boat, caravan or work trailer.

That said, Isuzu’s optional ‘Tour Mate’ package adds 85kg worth of kit, which means payload figures drop to 905kg from 990kg in the stock LS-U+, which is something to keep in mind if you’re after the best outright payload figures in the dual cab segment.

Braked towing figures remain unchanged at 3,500kg, with gross vehicle and combination mass figures standing at 3,100kg and 6,000kg, respectively.

• Braked Towing Capacity - 3,500kg

• Payload - 905kg (with Tour Mate)

• Payload - 990kg (without Tour Mate)

• Gross Vehicle Mass - 3,100kg 

• Gross Combination Mass - 6,000kg

Is the Isuzu D-MAX Fuel Efficient?

Another area the D-MAX posts some solid marks is fuel economy.

For its go-anywhere abilities and tough towing power, the D-MAX’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel is reasonably efficient and fairly easy to match Isuzu’s official figures on the road, particularly with some highway kilometres under the belt.

Officially, the D-MAX LS-U+ is rated at 8.0L per 100km, making it one of the thirstiest members of the range.

Our time behind the wheel saw us averaging 8.2L per 100km with quite a lot of driving around town and tackling country roads with a heavy right foot.

For reference, D-MAX 1.9-litre variants are rated between 6.7 - 7.0L per 100km, while 3.0-litre versions consume between 7.7 - 8.0L per 100km on a combined cycle.

Is the Isuzu D-MAX Practical and Spacious?

Alongside some changes to the outside of the MY24 D-MAX range, there are some more changes on the inside of the cabin.

The list includes a revised steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster and a new set of seats, the latter of which are absolutely great on a long drive and, in the case of the LS-U+, have eight-way power adjustment for the pilot.

The D-MAX cabin offers a great blend of ergonomics, and simplicity, both of which are underpinned by a utilitarian nature that means it doesn’t shy away from the family test.

In LS-U+ form, which is the second most premium variant, the D-MAX receives a wide range of luxurious touches to spruce up the cabin and keep it competitive at the pointy end of the dual-cab ute segment.

Highlights for the D-MAX LS-U+ include leather upholstery to match the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever carried over from the LS-U, as well as heated front seats with power adjustment.

In the driver’s seat, there is tonnes of headroom for even the tallest of drivers and a great range of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, with a nice, lofty driving position.

Forward visibility is solid, though the Tour Mate’s rear canopy does erode rear visibility. The package includes a set of wide Clearview towing mirrors to help add some confidence behind the wheel.

The D-MAX’s cabin is simple and user-friendly, with a straightforward design that is easy to get acquainted with.

One critique of the LS-U+ is that while there are some more luxurious materials used, it doesn’t look like a significant upgrade over lower variants, while a sea of piano black trim is a magnet for fingerprints and scratches.

That said, it has all the fundamentals covered in the front of the cabin, with physical volume controls returning to the D-MAX for easy inputs and plenty of storage.

The front of the cabin offers two gloveboxes, two pairs of cupholders, added storage in the door sills, a tray behind the gear lever and a small amount of real estate under the folding armrest.

It’s not the flashiest or most modern interior design in the segment, but it’s incredibly user-friendly and benefits from a rock-solid build quality that should stand the test of time pretty confidently.

Move to the rear of the D-MAX’s cabin and the process of stepping into the cabin is made easy by the side steps and a bulky grab handle.

Interior space in the second row is decent, not class-leading but more than accommodating to adults seated in the rear, with no issues in headroom, either.

Those seated in the second row pick up a USB-C charging port, air vents, a small cubby for what looks like a smartphone, as well as a folding armrest with cupholders.

The second-row seats can also be folded up to the rear of the cabin when you need some extra capacity or you’re looking to keep valuables locked inside.

For the parents, there’s two pairs of ISOFIX anchors on each of the outboard seats, with three top tether mounts to accommodate a range of forward and rear-facing child seats.

All up, the D-MAX LS-U+ benefits from the solid practicality fundamentals on offer in the D-MAX while adding a sprinkling of luxurious touches that make it feel like a worthwhile upgrade once you’re inside.

How Big is the Isuzu D-MAX’s Tray?

Isuzu’s canopy included in the Tour Mate package is a solid option for those looking to keep their valuables, tools and camping gear out of the elements.

The canopy can be easily mounted and removed from the tray via series of bolts, with locking side windows for quick access into the side of the tray, as well as the rear without opening the tailgate.

• Length - 1,570mm

• Width - 1,530mm

• Width between wheel arches - 1,122mm

• Height - 490mm

Is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Safe?

The Isuzu D-MAX range is a solid performer when it comes to safety equipment thanks to a recent upgrade in its third generation.

As standard, all members of the D-MAX lineup receive autonomous emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a new rear cross-traffic assist system.

There’s also an updated lane-keep assist system, turn assist, lane-departure and forward collision warnings, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alerts and an updated rear-view camera.

The D-MAX LS-U+ also receives a set of rear parking sensors added to LS-M variants and above, as well as tyre pressure monitoring.

Unfortunately, front-mounted parking sensors are reserved for the flagship X-Terrain which is a bit of a letdown considering their similarities in price.

Does the Isuzu D-MAX Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

It sure does - five stars, in fact.

The D-MAX range received full marks from ANCAP during testing in 2020, securing a five-star safety rating after posting the following results.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 86%

• Child Occupant Protection: 89%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 69%

• Safety Assist: 81%

What Warranty Does the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Come With?

Isuzu has maintained its six-year/150,000-kilometre factory warranty for the MY24 D-MAX range.

Buyers also pick up seven years of roadside assist when it’s serviced within the dealer network, as well as a free three-month service.

Isuzu offers capped-price servicing for the MY24 D-MAX range, which totals $449 per visit, or a total of $2,245 over the course of five years.

Service intervals for the MY24 D-MAX range stand at 12-months/15,000-kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Worth it?

More than a handful of material improvements have made the MY24 Isuzu D-MAX range one of the most compelling in the dual-purpose, work-and-family ute segment.

It was already an immense performer off-road and now, with the help of the updated rough terrain mode, it’s even more adept at pushing up a tough trail while dialling back to a confident long-distance tourer on a mix of roads.

Key updates for the interior, safety and technology offerings have also brought it much closer in line with its most contemporary rivals, while the updated steering makes it particularly welcoming to a daily drive in town.

Specifically, the D-MAX in LS-U+ form impresses with a handful of premium touches, but doesn’t really shine as a must-have variant, especially with how closely it’s priced to the range-topper.

As a result, we’d encourage you to take a closer look at both the more affordable LS-U variant and the X-Terrain halo model to see if this is the Goldilocks variant for you and your family.

Don’t forget that our team of car-buying experts is on hand to help find you the best possible price on your next car.

Five Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/160,000-kilometre warranty

2. 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with 3,500kg braked towing capacity

3. 8.0L per 100km combined cycle fuel economy

4. 990kg payload figures drop to 905kg with Tour Mate package

5. Five-year capped price servicing totals $2,245