Isuzu D-Max 2023 review: X-Terrain

The updated X-Terrain hasn't seen a massive change in design, however, there are little things that make it look more purposeful than previous models.

The detailing on the new black 18-inch alloy wheels is sharper and more defined. The extra black accents and crisp angles in the body panels manage to create some ruggedness, too.

The interior is the major drawcard. The seats are plush with their black leather-accented trim and contrasting red stitching. The stitching is carried across the dashboard and doors, as well, for added oomph.

The black headliner will hide little fingerprints but it also creates a Batcave-like ambience inside the cabin. There are some lovely soft touch points throughout but they are mixed with harder plastics.

Unfortunately, the sun visors are a bit too flimsy/plasticky looking for my liking but it doesn't detract too much.

The dash looks great with the 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen integrating well with the massive air-vents and sleek controls. The piano-black shiny inserts also elevate the interior.

It looks good but everything is also where you expect it to be.

The cabin is quite roomy and all passengers enjoy good legroom and headroom but passengers sitting behind a taller driver may not agree.

The storage is great for a ute with multiple cubbies up front, deep drink holders in the middle console and doors, plus retractable cupholders in the dashboard (a personal fav).

The seats are plush with their black synthetic leather trim and contrasting red stitching. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The rear seat isn't forgotten, either. With map pockets, drink bottle holders in each door and two cupholders in the arm rest – there are plenty of spots to tuck things away in.

The back seat is a 40/60 split fold, in case you need a larger space for gear (think pot plants, etc), which you don't often see in a ute.

The tray is large and fairly accessible, too.

The cabin is quite roomy and all passengers enjoy good legroom and headroom but passengers sitting behind a taller driver may not agree. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

For its size, it's a super easy car to cruise around in and that's one of my favourite things about it. It's big but it doesn't handle like it's big.

Everything feels very solid; from the chunky stalks through to the traditional gear shifter and handbrake.

The wide sidesteps made it simple for my six-year old to climb in and out (great for his sense of independence) and the wide windows meant he had great view this week.

I see why the ongoing popularity of the D-Max is well deserved. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Add the decent amenities, including directional air vents and USB-A port, and I had a happy camper in the back seat!

The tray is very practical, too, with an assisted tailgate, which I like because I can find them to be a bit heavy.

The retractable hard tonneau cover is lockable, which is always good for peace of mind; but I also like how the position is adjustable, in case you need some overhang space for bigger gear.

The extra black accents and crisp angles in the body panels manage to create some ruggedness. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The tonneau pull strap can be fastened to one of the luggage hooks, so it doesn't fling to the back when you open it.

I also like that the tray liner has thick ridges to minimise the movement of your gear and I can confirm that even with the heavy rain during the test week – my stuff was bone dry! Tick, tick and tick.

The safety features list is pretty extensive in the D-Max with blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping aids, auto emergency braking and forward collision warning being standard.

You also get trailer sway control, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert (which I always like to have), to name a few.

Front and rear proximity sensors plus the reversing camera make light work of parking, but you also see more airbags than you usually see in a ute, eight, to be exact.

The reversing camera feed fills the screen but the image isn’t as clear as I was hoping for. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The D-Max has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2022 – so it's nice and fresh.

There are ISOFIX mounts and top tethers in the second row for the outboard seats, meaning you'll only be getting two child seats in there.

This does limit flexibility for some families but the ease of child seat installation deserves a big mention. The top tether anchor point is located at the top of the middle seat; meaning there's no awkward juggling between holding a child seat, pushing the rear seat forward and trying to hook the tether on, etc.

It also makes it super simple if you need to remove just one child seat, because you don't have to unclip both seats. Perfect for families who do shared care and swap child seats between cars.

This model will cost you $67,438, before on-road costs, but that's a competitive price, considering the market.

It also has some good features, like synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, electric driver's seat with lumbar support, 4WD capability, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus built-in satellite navigation.

Our model featured an optional tow bar tongue kit ($215.05), 12-pin plug ($393.25), an electronic brake controller ($896.05) and rubber floor mats ($208.67) – which are all worth considering for the true adventuring family.

The D-Max comes with Isuzu’s standard six-year/150,000km warranty. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The official combined fuel cycle is 8.0L/100km and I achieved 7.8L, which I thought was impressive given what's under the hood.

I did do some heavy open road driving this week, so I would expect it to be higher in an urban setting.

The D-Max comes with Isuzu's standard six-year/150,000km warranty, whichever comes first, as well as, roadside assistance for up to seven years.

There is a seven-year capped-price servicing plan and services average $527, which is competitive for this class.

Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.