Isuzu D-Max for towing 2023 review

Is the D-Max any good for towing

Isuzu D-Max  – I’ve mentioned on many occasions that the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine. But what makes it such a good Tow vehicle.

22MY Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 X-TERRAIN Obsidian Grey mica towing Crusader Musketeer Porthos Caravan Its starts with the reliable and robust 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It provides some 140kW of power and a very useful 450Nm of torque.

That headline figure is less than some competitors, but it’s the delivery that makes it useful. Maximum torque comes on around 1600rpm and there is about 350Nm available from around 1200rpm. This is combined with a 6 Sp automatic transmission.

These two factors alone ensure that the Isuzu D-Max is an ideal tow vehicle. It will in fact tow up to 3500kg and will do it with ease. The low torque delivery also ensures frugal economy when towing. I’ve towed car trailers and caravans with the D-Max and got around 9.0L/100K doing it. That’s stunning.

Other little features are that the Isuzu comes with the towing hardware fitted as standard. You just need to add whatever hitch you want. The clear reverse camera makes hooking up a trailer easy, and when a trailer is hitched it disables some safety features that may become intrusive such as Blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert which is a bonus.

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I’m Rob Fraser

22MY Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-U Crew Cab Chassis Mercury Silver metallic - Down on the Farm.jpg

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What is good?

  • 4WD and towing ability
  • Ride and handling
  • Class leading safety features

What is not so good?

  • Not a fan of the roller top
  • Windscreen washers in wiper blades
  • Would love 150kW/500Nm

2023 Isuzu D Max LS U + towing hitch

More thoughts about the Isuzu D-Max LS-U+

  • Its comfortable and practical
  • You jump in it and drive and it feels like home
  • Packed with safety features
  • Lots of clever ideas like
    • bag hooks on the rear of the front seats
    • slide out cup holders on front dash
    • dash top storage bin
    • wireless Apple CarPlay
    • front seat heaters
    • Configurable MFD between dials on the drivers instruments
  • Not a fan of the windscreen washers in the wiper arms
  • Also not a fan of the roll top on the tub. Its takes up space and has to be opened fully to close it again. Not the best when its raining.
  • Like a lot of tubs, reaching the front middle section is difficult, especially with the roll top.

2023 Isuzu D Max LS U + profile

Some more Isuzu D-Max articles

2023 Isuzu D Max LS U + front qtr

Also look at:

Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market and everyone is aiming upmarket.

Buyers could look at Ford Ranger SportToyota HiLux RogueNissan Navara PRO 4X WarriorMazda BT-50 Thunder. SsangYong Musso UltimateMitsubishi Triton GSR.

Final thoughts

I’ve said it many times. The D-Max is a robust, reliable and practical 4WD Ute.

The LS-U+ is perhaps the best value version. It has a few extra features for comfort without the bling of the X-Terrain. It would pay to check the drive away deals on the X-Terrain though

The D-Max will tow 3500kg with ease, go anywhere you will sensibly want to go off road and do it in comfort. All D-Max vehicles come with the tow assembly installed. All you have to do is add the hitch tongue you want.

Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine.

Isuzu D-Max

Model

D-MAX LS-U+ 

Model Price$63,500 MLP*
Engine3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5
Drivetrain6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD
Power140kW @ 3,600rpm
Torque450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm
SafetyFive-star ANCAP (tested Sept 2022)
0-100kmh / Top SpeedTBA
CO2 Emissions207 g/km
Economy ADR8.0L/100km / 76L capacity
Economy on test9.0L/100k
Max Range1101km
Servicing12Mth / 15,000km 7 Yrs. Capped Price
Warranty6yr/ 150,000 km
Roadside Assist7Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2023 Isuzu D Max LS U + Interior 4 pic

Overall Rating    LS-U+

87/100

Behind the Wheel8
Comfort9
Equipment9
Performance8
Ride and Handling9
Practicality8
Fit for Purpose8
AWD/Towing Capability*10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5)
Technology/connectivity9
Value for Money9

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

2023 Isuzu D Max LS U + tub full of mulch

Dimensions

 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+
Overall Length5280mm
Wheelbase3125mm
Width1880mm
Height1810mm
Wheels18×7.5 Alloy
Tyres265/60 R18
Max ground clearanceUp to 240mm
Wading Depth800mm
Approach30.5 degrees
Rampover23.8 degrees
Departure angle19 degrees
Turning Circle KTK12.5m
Tub Length1570mm
Tub width arches1122mm
Tub width1530mm
Tub Depth475mm
Kerb Weight2115kg
Payload (kg)985kg
GVM (kg)3100kg
GCM6000kg
Towing Capacity3500kg
Tow Ball rating350kg

2023 Isuzu D Max LS U + rear qtr

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  • 8.7/10
    Overall Rating - 8.7/10
8.7/10

Summary

I’ve said it many times. The D-Max is a robust, reliable and practical 4WD Ute.

The D-Max will tow 3500kg with ease, go anywhere you will sensibly want to go off road and do it in comfort. All D-Max vehicles come with the tow assembly installed. All you have to do is add the hitch tongue you want.

Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine.

About Rob Fraser 318 Articles
Rob first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.