Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD 2023 Review

We drive the 2023 Isuzu D Max X-Terrain

D-MAX X-Terrain – I recently spent a couple of weeks in the latest Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Ute and as usual I loved it.

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain front quarter on boat ramp sunrise 2

The D-Max has long been a favourite of mine but what makes it so.

First up is its rugged, robust reliability. These Utes simply keep going and going. The 3.0L turbo diesel engine is under stressed and over engineered. I have a friend with one that has over 250,000km on it now with no problems.

Second is the abundant safety features, Isuzu has for a while now lead the Ute market in safety, the others are just now catching up.

Third is the interior comfort. It’s not the plushest Ute on the market but the interior is a comfortable place to sit for hours driving along.

Fourth is the 4WD capability. Here is a Ute that will go anywhere a sane person would want to go with ease.

Lastly the towing capability, Most Utes will tow 3500kg, but the Isuzu does it with such ease and economy that you need to check sometimes that you are still towing.

Yes, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is a favourite Ute of mine and is priced from $67.500 plus the usual costs.

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I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX X-TERRAIN RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Short video

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain front quarter on boat ramp sunrise

Some other X-Terrain thoughts

  • The D-Max X-Terrain looks good with the rear sports bar and roller top.
  • Roller tops keep things more secure and weather/dust proof in the tub.
  • However, they have some issues as well.
  • If its manual operation, If you need to open it you need to open it all the way up to close it again. Not so great if its dumping rain as I found out
  • Also, they waste a lot of load area in the tub.
  • Reaching front tie down points is difficult, if they are there at all (the HiLux Rogue doesn’t even have them.
  • Heated front seats are good, but they are two stage and mild on really cold mornings
  • I am not a fan of the windscreen washer system. Having water dribble out of the wipers seems counter intuitive, but others are heading this way and none of them seem to work well.
  • It appears some designer thought up a clever design without actually testing if it works better.
  • The combination of low torque delivery, matching of the engine and transmission and driveability makes the X-Terrain one of my favourite tow vehicles.
  • Sitting in the D-Max and hearing the low diesel rumble is comforting. Its just enjoyable.

Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain final thoughts

There are reasons Isuzu Ute sells so many D-Max Utes. They aren’t the flashiest, aren’t the trendy Utes, don’t have a 30 plus year history, aren’t the most powerful. But they are reliable, robust and give owners a sense of peace that they will be with their D-Max for a long time.

In Thailand where most Utes are made, it’s a race between the D-Max and HiLux for number one spot.

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
  • MFD changes a little messy to use.
  • Would love 150kW/500Nm

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Controls

Some more Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain articles   

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain tow hitch

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 Sport, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 Thunder. SsangYong Musso Ultimate, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain engine

Isuzu

Model

D-MAX X-Terrain

Model Price$67,500 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 X-Terrain interior front

Overall Rating    

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 X-Terrain tub

Dimensions

 
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 Weight2175kg
Payload (kg)925kg
GVM (kg)3100kg
GCM6000kg
Towing Capacity3500kg
Tow Ball rating350kg

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain rear quarter on boat ramp sunrise

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