Updated D-Max outed ahead of ’24 launch

ISUZU has unveiled its new-look D-Max in Thailand this week, the revised MY24 model sporting an updated frontal design with revised bi-LED headlights and new ‘black chrome’ grille, more technology, and several new convenience features, along with a revamped ‘triple armour’ tail-light assembly and broadened alloy wheel selection.

While Australian timing for the updated D-Max is still yet to be confirmed, GoAuto understands the strong-selling utility range will be refreshed from early in the new year, helping Isuzu Ute Australia continue its battle against the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota HiLux.

According to Isuzu’s Thai website, the facelifted D-Max will also offer bolstered wheel arch extensions on the high-grade V-Cross variant (sold locally as the X-Terrain), and an aerodynamically improved lower bumper section with drag-reducing outer vents and an angled fog- or cornering light.

Interior changes take the lead from the Isuzu MU-X with steering wheel paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, front and rear USB-C charging ports, and wireless Android Auto now featuring on select variants. Touch-sensitive controls replace many of the infotainment system’s hard buttons.

A new bronze-finish interior treatment with BT-50 style brown and black leather upholstery is depicted on the high-grade V-Cross (X-Terrain) variant.

The range is also set to see the introduction of a larger multi-function display within the instrument panel, upgraded from 4.2- to 7.0 inches, though likely only on higher grade variants.

Isuzu’s Thai website does not mention any changes to the safety apparatus fitting to the D-Max, mentioning only a wider-view frontal camera (the camera appears to be stereoscopic in the images shown).

Similarly, there is no indication of any update to the vehicle’s driveline with the D-Max set to carryover the current 1.9- and 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines (outputting 110kW/350Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively), six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and choice of two- and four-wheel drive – the latter now available with the MU-X’s ‘rough terrain mode’.

It is not yet known whether the changes noted above will be applied to Mazda’s twin-under-the-skin BT-50 range.

Isuzu Ute Australia has not yet offered timing, price, or specification details for the updated 2024 Isuzu D-Max range, saying simply that it is continuing to monitor the situation.

“Isuzu Ute Australia will continue to monitor the market to ensure that any local (Thai) product updates meet Australian market requirements before committing to any changes locally,” an IUA spokesperson told GoAuto.

“However, we are unable to comment on future model plans at this point in time.”

The current Isuzu D-Max 1.9 range is priced from $32,200 - $50,200 and the D-Max 3.0 range from $34,200 - $67,500 plus on-road costs.

Year-to-date sales (to the end of September 2023) show Isuzu’s D-Max was the third best-selling ute in the one-tonne segment with 2885 delivered for the month, and the fourth best-selling vehicle in Australia for the month.

The D-Max has sold 21,479 examples to the end of September 2023, making it the third best-selling ute in the country.

Isuzu Ute Australia currently charts as the tenth best-selling brand locally.