2024 Isuzu D-Max update revealed, but when will refreshed Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux rival come to Australia?

One of the most popular models in Australia - of course, a ute - is likely headed for an update soon as the 2024 Isuzu D-Max has been revealed in its manufacturing home of Thailand.

While it’s not confirmed for Australia yet, chances of an updated D-Max arriving locally in the near future are incredibly high given it’s consistently the third-most popular ute in Australia behind the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

As shown on Isuzu’s Thai website, the update brings a slew of visual, tech, and functional updates to the popular ute.

Most obvious for the 2024 D-Max is the new bi-LED headlights flanking a redesigned grille - the headlights can adjust brightness for day or night time - as well as ‘more aerodynamic’ sidings to the grille, and three-part tail-lights to replace the current two-part lights.

Inside, an updated 7.0-inch driver display and a new version of the multimedia screen, now with touch-buttons below the 9.0-inch screen, headline the tech. USB-C ports also replace the old USB-A versions.

In terms of driving functionality, the D-Max gains the Rough Terrain Mode seen in its MU-X SUV sibling, though its 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre diesel four-cylinder or 110kW/110Nm 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four remain unchanged.

Keep an eye out in the future though, as reports suggest an electric D-Max is under development behind the scenes for production within the next couple of years.

The updated model hasn’t officially been publicly referenced by Isuzu Ute Australia yet, but CarsGuide contacted IUA for details of the updated D-Max ute’s arrival in Australia.

“The facelifted D-MAX recently unveiled in Thailand is a specification limited to vehicles produced for that market only,” a spokesperson told CarsGuide.

“We are currently not in a position to comment on future model timing, specifications or pricing for Australia. As soon as we have confirmed information we will share this with the market.”

While this statement suggests the update is for Thailand only, the features that have been brought to the model would make sense for the Australian market.

So far in 2023, Isuzu has sold more than 32,000 vehicles, with 21,479 of those D-Max utes as of the end of September, meaning the D-Max alone has a 2.4 per cent market share of new vehicles sold in Australia this year.

The model’s importance to Isuzu Ute Australia means when it does arrive here, the brand will likely put every effort into making sure availability isn’t lacking.