The 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is a new addition to one of Australia’s most beloved ute lineups. It sits between the utilitarian LS-M and the flagship X-Terrain, pairing rugged capability with a sporty aesthetic. This is perfect for those wanting a no-fuss all-rounder that can work and play in equal measure, without totally breaking the bank.
Isuzu Australia has been making continuous improvements to the D-Max over the years, driven mostly by customer and media feedback. It wants the D-Max to remain a strong contender in this tough and expanding segment. Let’s see how the X-Rider stacks up in the real world.
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: Specifications
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 140kW@3600rpm / 450Nm@1600-2600rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: Part-time RWD/4WD, diff lock
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.0, 255/65
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2000kg
Power-to-weight: 14.28:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.0L/100kmOur consumption: 8.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 76L/Diesel RON
Power efficiency: 17.5kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.97 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.45 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.44 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.83 seconds at 133.9km/h*
Decibel at idle: 48*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $59,500
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: How much does it cost?
Prices start from $59,500, which slots just above the base 4×4 LS-M (from $55,800), and below the slightly more refined and luxurious 4×4 LS-U (from $62,500). All prices exclude on-road costs.
It is a reasonable price by today’s standards, especially for an established player. Established models arguably offer better long-term reliability and real-world capability for traditional buyers, just like in any industry, but it doesn’t mean they are automatically superior in terms of technology, value, and powertrain performance and efficiency, in my opinion. Here, the X-Rider seems to strike an okay balance.
However, like most things these days, prices for the D-Max have gone up in just a few years. For example, a top-spec X-Terrain MY2021 retailed from $62,900 in 2020. Now the X-Terrain starts from $70,500.
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: Interior & packaging
Inside, the X-Rider maintains Isuzu’s pragmatic approach with a utilitarian design; vinyl floor and hardwearing upholstery. The cabin adopts a darker theme, with black headlining and trim throughout. The new 8.0-inch infotainment system takes centre stage, featuring wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C connectivity, digital radio, and intuitive physical controls for volume and tuning.
The touch-screen operating system is basic, with minimal flair in terms of graphics and colours. Some menus lead to nowhere and miss the flow that you get in some of the rival systems. But hey, this isn’t a top-spec model so you tend to forgive it somewhat.
While the interior lacks the plush finishes of the X-Terrain, its simplicity aligns with the X-Rider’s rugged appeal. The ergonomics remain solid, with supportive anti-vibration seats and a logical driving position, with rake and reach steering column adjustment. The instrument cluster incorporates a clear (albeit small for its class) 4.2-inch digital display with twin analogue dials beside it. No complicated stuff.
Practical touches, such as an inclinometer and off-road drive modes integrated into the infotainment system, add functional value. It misses out on dual-zone climate control but still comes with rear climate vents, a sunglasses holder, dual glove boxes, six-speaker audio, and a centre armrest in the back.
Passenger space remains on par with the segment standards, in the front and back. It’s not the biggest ute out there but it does offer commendable space and comfort for all. Bottle holders are included in all doors, with Isuzu’s famous shopping bag hook on the back of the passenger seat.
For the exterior, there’s a smattering of Basalt Black and Gloss Black trimmings, which seem to be the fashion these days. On the D-Max X-Rider these highlights seem to work well, giving it the impression it could be the expensive one, like with many rivals. There’s also a loopless soft tonneau and sports bar, and a set of black-painted 17-inch alloy wheels, wearing 255/65 highway terrain tyres.
No tub-liner in the back of this one, only a thick rubber mat for the bed floor. But it does feature a damped tailgate so it doesn’t slam down. And like the rest of the range, the X-Rider offers a full 3500kg towing capacity, 1045kg payload, and 6000kg gross combination mass. That latter figure means if you hitch up 3500kg, minus the 2055kg kerb weight, you’re left with 455kg of payload for passengers and gear.
This test vehicle also came with some genuine accessories, including the tow bar kit (from $1132.25), 12-pin plug ($393.25), electronic brake controller ($896.06), and thick rubber floor mats ($136.02).
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: Powertrain & handling
Isuzu’s reliable 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, developing 140kW and 450Nm, continues on. This proven powertrain, paired with a straight-forward Aisin six-speed automatic provides enough torque for everything this vehicle was designed to do; towing, off-road driving, and general street duties.
For a laugh, we thought we’d see what sort of performance it offers by stacking it up against one of the biggest players in this field; the unstoppable Toyota HiLux. Specifically, a virtual drag race with the new HiLux Rogue 48V mild-hybrid (see video below).
The main figures? 0-100km/h in 9.45 seconds, defeating the HiLux’s 10.23-second time. Across the quarter mile, 16.83 seconds at 133.9km/h, defeating the HiLux’s 17.25 seconds at 131km/h. What does drag racing mean in the world of workhorses?
Well, not a great deal. But, if overtaking is important to you, or tailgating, then performance is going to be somewhere in the priority list. And the D-Max is a comparatively quick rig.
Fuel economy is impressive for this class and for this engine capacity. An official rating of 8.0L/100km is respectable, but what’s achievable in the real world is even better. Expect around 8.3-8.6L/100km with totally normal driving. And that’s while the engine is still new and not nicely worn in. The combined emissions output of 207g/km is also excellent compared with others and for an engine that isn’t equipped with electrified, hybrid whatnot.
For the 2024 model Isuzu has made a few revisions to the ride and handling and applied some tweaks here and there. The X-Rider gets the standard-duty rear end from the updated LS-M dual-cab (crew-cab chassis retains heavy-duty for 2024). Isuzu says it applied the standard-duty setup following feedback from customers wanting more unladen comfort in the base model. Upper-spec variants like the LS-U and X-Terrain get standard-duty as well.
It is reasonably comfortable for a ute, as it doesn’t bounce and bob around at the back like some rivals. The D-Max remains as one of the better-handling packages as well, with nice turn-in and pleasant steering feedback. Visibility is good thanks to the high-riding seat position and big windows.
Also new for 2024 is Isuzu’s latest Rough Terrain Mode, standard on all 4×4 models. As featured on the MU-X, RTM is essentially an off-road traction control system that allows you to run in low-range (usually low-range automatically switches all ESC off). It works by applying brake pressure to individual wheels to limit wheelspin while forcing power to be directed to wheels with more grip.
Unique to the D-Max though (so far), the RTM system also works when the rear diff is locked. So then it becomes a traction control system for the front axle while the rear is locked. Very unique for this class and it seems to work well. Although, not as well a full locking front diff in my opinion (not many utes come with one).
A selectable dual-range 4WD system remains, with no on-road 4×4 mode unfortunately, like the Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger. The package offers 800mm of wading depth and 240mm of ground clearance. Both good figures for this segment.
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Darkened design theme: The X-Rider gets the fashionable blacked-out styling, including gloss-black accents and a sports bar, making it look like a more premium variant.
- Proven 3.0-litre 4JJ: The turbo-diesel engine offers strong towing torque and, as it turns out, one of the quickest 0-100km/h times in this class for a four-cylinder.
- New 8.0-inch touch-screen: The updated infotainment system now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Improved suspension for 2024: LS-M and X-Rider get the standard-duty setup for a more comfortable unladen ride. And it is reasonably comfortable compared with rivals.
- Workhorse at heart: Practical features like vinyl flooring and underbody protection, Rough Terrain Mode, make the X-Rider is great all-rounder for work and play.
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: Key considerations before you buy
- X-Rider not plush inside: It wasn’t meant to be but it might seem basic or even crude against some rivals. The materials prioritise durability over luxury.
- Price: D-Max retail prices have crept up in just 3-4 years. So now this lower-mid spec X-Rider is priced close to where the top-spec X-Terrain was in 2020.
- Touch-screen isn’t great: While it does feature physical volume knobs now, which is excellent, the menus and graphics fall behind most rivals.
2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The D-Max X-Rider delivers a solid mix of ruggedness, practicality, and sporty looks at a reachable price point. For those seeking an adventure-ready ute with no-nonsense capability, it’s hard to overlook.
