Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Overview
Isuzu lent me a D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Ute for a couple of weeks to evaluate.
The D Max SX 4X2 Ute High Ride is the work horse of the Isuzu range and has widespread acceptance as a hard working robust Ute.
The D Max was updated early in 2017 with a Euro 5 compliant engine and some other improvements. Here at Ute Guide we are unashamed fans of the D Max range and our time with the SX 4X2 did nothing to reduce that enthusiasm.
This comes after we have had a run of single cab Utes of late. We have tested the Ranger XL CC, the Navara RX CC, the Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 CC and others
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 External
Looks and style are subjective obviously, but from the outside the D Max SX isn’t a bad looking Ute. It adopts the softer bonnet and grill, more like the Navara rather than the American truck like a Ford Ranger.
From the outside the D Max SX looks exactly like it should for what it is designed for. A utilitarian workhorse that would last forever. From the side you realise just how long the Ute is. It has a sleek grill, medium roofline and sides. Integrated is a word that describes the overall look.
The front has halogen multi reflector headlights, no fog lights and bold wheel arches. The particular vehicle we had was fitted with a robust genuine Isuzu aluminium tray, steel wheels, under front skid/splash plate, under tray spare wheel carrier and tow bar.
Both high and low beam lights are effective, and unlike the Mitsubishi Triton GLX CC, the low beams stay on when high beam is selected.
The D Max SX rides on 16 inch steel wheels and 245/70 R16 tyres. These look OK but are robust and functional.
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Internal
Let’s state the obvious. Single Cab Utes designed for work aren’t a place of luxury or space.
One thing I like is that the High Ride structure allows easy entry and exit for the old bones. The doors open wide and with the grab handles it’s easy.
Inside, Isuzu has made concessions to some softer touch points, on the dash and console lid, but overall it’s a work Ute.
The front seat is relatively comfortable, but I would have appreciated a manual additional lumbar support. For the long legged drivers, there isn’t quite enough seat slide, but the Isuzu seems slightly roomier than some others.
There is however plenty of head room, allowing drivers to keep their hat on if they wish, and adequate shoulder and hip room, even for the more amply built amongst us. I did hit my left knee a few times though, but most drivers aren’t as long legged as I am.
The dash is typical Isuzu with two outer dials and a MFD in between. However the red graphics on the MFD are extremely hard to read in daylight. This was so obvious, as I swapped the Single cab for a space cab D Max with white graphics and the difference was amazing. Isuzu please take note.
The steering wheel is thick and houses controls for the stereo and cruise control. It is however only height adjustable. I would have liked to slide it in a little to give me some more room.
The central stack is simple but effective. I disliked the fact that there was no Sat Nav. and the screen again was difficult to read in direct sunlight. If I bought one that would be the first thing I replaced. I know it’s all about price, but this lets down an otherwise good product.
Storage is pretty good, with a decent sized glove box, a second on top and large centre console bin. Good door pockets with bottle holders, central cup holders and the clever feature of slide out cup holders on the dash.
The almost hose out interior and simple features are a nod to the practicality and functionality of the Isuzu D Max SX.
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Features
This could be a short section as the D Max SX isn’t exactly laden with features.
Recent improvements have seen some important features added such as
- Electric windows (auto for driver)
- 7″ Touchscreen DVD/CD/MP3/FM/AM/AUX audio unit with USB, iPod® input and Bluetooth® audio streaming
- Central locking with keyless entry
- Steering wheel controls for Cruise Control and sound system
- Power external mirrors.
- Hose out rubber flooring
- Plenty of storage
- ‘A’ pillar grab handles
However the story here is also about what the D Max SX doesn’t have as features that are really missed.
- No Sat Navigation. Probably essential for delivery drivers or trades people.
- No additional lumbar support.
- Height adjustable steering wheel only
- No reverse camera
Overall, it is fair to say that the D Max SX is lacking some features that are taken for granted, and necessary safety features in a vehicle such as this.
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Engine and Drivetrain
Isuzu has kept the single engine throughout its range, rather than opting for a smaller capacity in its 4X2 range like the Ford Ranger or Nissan Navara.
The D Max was upgraded early 2017 and is powered by a Euro 5 compliant 3.0L 4 Cyl. Intercooled turbo-diesel engine with double overhead cam.
The D Max engine produces 130kW @ 3600rpm of power and torque of 430Nm @ 2,000 – 2,200rpm running through a 6 speed sports automatic transmission.
The flat torque curve allows easy driving and also assistance with fuel economy, my real fuel usage was about 10.5L/100K over the 1000km.
Isuzu are, I think, the largest producers of diesel engines in the world. The engine that powers the D Max is similar to the engine I their super successful 4 tonne truck range and is virtually unbreakable. I know drivers that have more than 600,000km on their trucks with no issues.
That kind or robustness and reliability are hard to find and should count for a lot in a work Ute.
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 – What it is like to drive.
Like a lot of work Utes, the Isuzu SX is a little bumpy with no load on. However it is more compliant than a few recent Utes we have tested.
With a load on the ride becomes even more car like. With the 3.0L engine, we never experienced a problem with power either.
We used the Ute as it should be used and loaded about 1200kg of pavers on one occasion and about a tonne of sand on another. Apart from a softer ride and slightly slower off the mark, it was like the load wasn’t even there.
Front suspension is a coil with gas filled shock absorbers and stabiliser bar. The rear is a heavy duty leaf set up. What this means is that the suspension is designed for heavy load carrying capacity and not for occupant comfort.
Over the two weeks I had the D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 I drove over 1000km. This covered around town driving, freeway and country secondary roads.
On the freeway, the 6 speed transmission proved relaxed and rarely hunted between gears. It cruised at a relaxed rpm at the speed limit. There was little road noise, or wind noise and talking on the Bluetooth was better than many other Utes.
Cruising in the suburbs, again the D Max was easy to drive, however reversing anywhere without the aid of a reversing camera proved a pain in the ass, especially with a long tray. Ours wasn’t hooked up for some reason, but they should be mandatory and standard.
Around town the turning circle (like most Utes) poses a daily problem, and requires a little thinking of where you go and a bit of pre planning. It is not as bad as the Toyota LC70 we tested a few weeks back though.
Overall visibility is pretty good, except for the aforementioned reversing camera. It’s easy to see over the bonnet and the rear mirror provides clear vision. Over the shoulder is a little restricted, but the decent sized external mirrors aid greatly.
Again it always has been a good tow vehicle. While we didn’t tow this time, we have previously and we prefer an auto. Remember to factor the tow ball download rating into your payload capacity calculations.
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Dimensions
The Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 has an
- overall length of 5040 mm (depending on tray length),
- wheelbase of 3095mm,
- width of 1860mm and
- Height of 1780mm.
- Unladen ground clearance is 225mm.
- Approach angle is 29.5 degrees, rampover is 21.7 degrees and departure angle is 28.6 degrees.
- Wading depth is N/A
- Turning circle is 12.6m
- GVM of 2950kg, GCM of 5850kg,
- Kerb mass of 1656kg and Payload of 1294kg.
- Towing capacity is 3500kg and tow ball rating is up to 350kg.
- Tray size is 2550mm x 1778mm internal and genuine tray
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Safety
Safety is an ever moving feature on cars and more importantly Utes. The Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 has a 4 star ANCAP safety rating but the dual cab Utes have 5 Star.
It does however have improved safety features. These include:
- Anti-skid Brake System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- 6 Airbags: dual front, curtain and side
- Reversing Camera OPT
- Side anti-intrusion bars inside all doors
- Engine immobilizer
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Fit for Purpose
A single cab chassis 4X2 Ute is a workhorse with no pretensions at a family vehicle or a recreational vehicle.
In light of this they should be able to tow heavy trailers and have a big payload, as well as repeat the tasks asked of it over many years.
The Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 is definitely up for the task. It is singularly designed to fit this purpose.
It is a little cramped for the longer legged amongst us, but for most drivers there is enough room. The tray is huge at 2.6m x 1.8m and has convenient internal tie down points. The 1294kg payload is excellent.
Like a lot of tray back Utes, the filler position for fuel seems an afterthought. The Isuzu will fill easily enough, better than almost all the recent Utes we have tested, but the cap is difficult to get on and off.
As a workhorse Ute for a trade person or delivery driver, you will be hard pressed to find a better Ute.
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Summary
Single Cab Utes, while seemingly unpopular for the recreational market, fill an extremely important role for the work market. Unlike other competitors, the Isuzu maintains 3.0L engine in the CC variants which is a bonus.
The Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 is definitely amongst the best of the single cab Ute choices. With its high payload, low delivery of torque, High Ride sitting position, huge tray and towing capability it absolutely should be near or at the top of your list.
We had it for a week and used it as it should with zero complaints from the vehicle.
What is good?
- Towing ability
- Robust reliability
- Payload
What is not so good?
- No Reverse Camera as standard
- No Sat Nav.
- Red dash graphics difficult to read in daylight
Model: Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2
- Model Price $36,503 RDAP NSW 2000
- Engine 3.0L 4Cyl Diesel Turbo
- Drivetrain 6 Sp AT RWD
- Power 130kW @ 3,600rpm
- Torque 430Nm @ 2000rpm
- Safety 4 Star
- CO2 198g/km
- Economy ADR 7.5L/100 km
- Servicing 5 Yrs. Capped Price
- Tow Rating 3,500 kg
- Tow Ball Rating 350 kg
- Warranty 5 Yrs. / 130,000 km 5 Yrs. Roadside Assist
Overall Rating: 80/100
- Behind the Wheel 7
- Comfort 7
- Equipment 6
- Performance 8
- Ride & Handling 8
- Practicality 7
- Fit for Purpose 9
- Payload 10
- Towing Ability 10
- Value for Money 8
Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 Ute
Summary
The Isuzu D Max SX Single Cab High Ride 4X2 is definitely amongst the best of the single cab Ute choices. With its high payload, low delivery of torque, High Ride sitting position, huge tray and towing capability it absolutely should be near or at the top of your list.
