Despite the dizzying influx of new utes from China, including Foton, LDV, GWM, JAC and more, established players such as the Isuzu D-Max still enjoy market dominance. It seems a tough and proven reputation still resonate with Aussies. Especially in this segment where the Chinese utes no longer compete; the single-cab 4×2 category.
Although the segment has contracted by 14.3 per cent so far this year (according to November VFACTS), Isuzu has increased its share of the PU/CC 4×2 segment with year-to-date sales increasing by 9.4 per cent across the first 11 months of this year, moving from 5310 units in 2023 to 5809 units by the end of November 2024.
We borrowed the entry-level D-Max SX single-cab High Ride 1.9-litre with six-speed manual transmission to see whether it’s just a rough-and-ready poverty pack or something altogether more useful.
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: Specifications
Engine: 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 110kW@3600rpm / 350Nm@1800-2600rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 255/65
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1545kg
Power-to-weight: 14.04:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.0L/100km
Our consumption: 7.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 76L/DieselPower efficiency: 15.71kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.80 seconds*
0-100km/h: 11.27 seconds*
60-110km/h: 8.63 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.84 seconds at 124.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.586g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.77m in 3.28 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.078g*
Decibel at idle: 47*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 78*
Starting price: $32,700
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: How much does it cost?
The 2024 Isuzu D-Max SX High Ride manual is priced from $32,700 for the base model before on-road costs, with the automatic variant coming in at $34,700 – opting for the 3.0L engine is just $2000 more for manual and auto. After accounting for on-road costs, the manual version’s drive-away price is roughly $34,490, depending on your location and any applicable dealer fees. This compares favourably to the HiLux Workmate, which is $35,368 drive-away for petrol, and $38,893 for turbo-diesel.
In terms of ongoing costs, Isuzu offers a capped-price service program that helps owners forecast costs for regular maintenance. The first 15,000km service costs $445, followed by a $455 service at 30,000km and a $520 service at 45,000km. The price rises to $590 at 60,000km, after which it drops to $370 at 75,000km. At 90,000km, the price is $695, and at 105,000km, the cost is $515. Over the full seven-year capped-price period, you will spend approximately $3590 on servicing.
Fuel efficiency is another key selling point for business operators. The base D-Max SX High Ride features a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, which offers a combined fuel consumption of 7.0L/100km. This is particularly impressive for its class – again besting the HiLux equivalent. Given its 76-litre fuel tank, a full tank will cost around $137.56 based on the median diesel price of $1.81/L in Sydney, giving it a potential driving range of approximately 1085km. We managed an on-test average of 7.9L/100km.
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: Interior & packaging
Inside, the SX might offer an austere grey colour scheme, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort and features.
While the interior leans towards functionality with durable materials, including fabric upholstery and vinyl flooring, there’s decent comfort for the driver and passenger. It is one of the few single-cab utes that offer a good range of seat reclining, with some storage behind.
On the dash you’ll find a 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and some real-time driving apps and other settings. Traditional rotary dials for the climate controls are retained, which are easy to operate without distraction.
In terms of space, the cabin is fairly spacious for a single-cab vehicle. The front seat area offers ample headroom and legroom for taller drivers, while the storage options are well-placed for tools and smaller items. The centre console and door pockets offer decent storage, while the large tray in the rear ensures plenty of room for gear or equipment. The kerb mass of 1600kg and 2800kg braked towing capacity subtracted from the GCM result in a left-over payload of 900kg, or 1400kg payload if you’re not towing anything.
For the dimensions, the D-Max SX High Ride has an overall length of 5340mm, a width of 1870mm, and a height of 1790mm. The vehicle’s wheelbase measures 3125mm, and both the front and rear tracks are 1570mm. This gives the vehicle a solid stance and stability on various terrains.
The SX High Ride’s ground clearance of 235mm provides an impressive ability to tackle off-road environments, while its approach angle of 29.6 degrees, departure angle of 24.6 degrees, and break-over angle of 23.9 degrees allow it to traverse challenging obstacles without hindrance. Those with more serious off-roading in mind are advised to look further up the range to 4×4 models.
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: Powertrain & handling
At the heart of the base SX High Ride is a 1.9-litre ‘RZ4E-TC’ turbo-diesel engine producing 110kW of power at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800rpm and 2600rpm. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, we did not find this to be wanting in any particular instance. However, those who travel with a fully laden tray or max out the GCM would definitely be better off with the 3.0-litre, in our opinion, as its extra 100Nm would come in handy.
Take up position of the clutch pedal is decent, but the six-speed manual is a long-throw item, albeit with surprisingly precise shift action.
Word on the street is that the 1.9-litre may be replaced by the 2.2-litre ‘Ddi MaxForce’ turbo-diesel, which ups output to 120kW and 400Nm, with an available eight-speed auto.
In terms of drivability, the steering feels positive without being overly assisted and it turns in confidently. The higher ground clearance does produce greater levels of body roll around the bends, and the heavy-duty rear suspension is not overly dextrous or yielding around bends.
We’d definitely describe it as a capable performer though, and confidence-inspiring for a vehicle of its type. At freeway speeds, wind and tyre noise are reasonably well suppressed (for a workhorse, anyway) with the tray occasionally juddering over undulations.
How safe is the 2024 Isuzu D-Max? It has an ANCAP rating of five stars, with a well-calibrated array of ADAS features. Front and rear AEB are generally handy, but there was one false positive from the reverse AEB in a shopping mall car park during our test.
We were expecting the 1.9-litre version of the D-Max to be sorely lacking in power and torque compared with the 3.0-litre, 4JJ-engined variants. But honestly, it’s always up to the task. Impressive too, was the level of standard equipment available on this model. This is certainly a base-model ute that you could live with on a daily basis without feeling like you got the short end of the stick.
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Tough and reliable: Isuzu’s reputation for toughness is undeniable and speaks for itself.
- Impressive towing capacity: With a braked towing capacity of 2800kg, the D-Max SX can handle substantial loads with ease. Not bad for a 4×2 jalopy.
- Fuel-efficient and cost-effective: The 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine provides great fuel efficiency, while capped-price servicing ensures manageable running costs.
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: Key considerations before you buy
- Price compared with 3.0L: The bigger engine is just $2000 more and is likely to use similar fuel when loaded up, as you’ll have to push this a bit harder.
- Bigger engine available soon? The potential shift to a 2.2-litre engine could leave some buyers feeling uncertain about future upgrades.
2024 Isuzu D-Max SX 1.9: Video
