Will there be a 2023 D

The well-known pickup is much more than a work machine these days. It is a comfortable and convenient pickup that attracts not just farmers and small businesses, but also traditional SUV drivers, who like the practicality of a pickup. The current generation has been around since 2019 and normally, it would have years before it comes with bigger updates. However, the competition on the market is tougher than ever and that’s why many believe that the 2023 Isuzu D-Max could come with updates.

This update would probably be mostly about styling updates. The next year’s model could come with a couple of styling upgrades but we don’t believe it could come with bigger changes under the skin. The mechanical aspect of the vehicle should remain the same. Of course, certain novelties in standard and available features are always possible.

We expect to see the 2023 Isuzu D-Max on sale sometime in the second half of the year.

2023 Isuzu D-Max Design

As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Isuzu D-Max could come with some novelties. However, we are pretty sure that most of these novelties would come in order to attract a wider range of buyers, which probably aren’t traditional D-Max customers. Therefore, what comes to our minds are visual updates. We could see some things regarding front-end design, as well as things like new wheels and colors.

On the other hand, the overall layout is about to remain the same. The mechanical aspect won’t bring any changes, so you may count on the same pickup that offers a good balance between capability and comfort. Also, the next year’s model will continue in familiar configurations regarding cab style and bed size.

Interior

This has always been one of the top-selling points of the current generation. We have all used to see excellent working performance from the D-Max, but the new generation has also brought an attractive interior design, with the great build quality and fine materials, as well as a high level of comfort.

Of course, we also count on the same offer of cabin styles, which includes both double and single cab models. The double cab version is pretty spacious and accommodates five adults pretty easily. On the other hand, the single cab model comes with a pretty impressive cargo bed and overall level of utility.

What we like about this pickup is its car-like interior. Also, we like the fact that the pickup is loaded with tech and safety features. Furthermore, base models come with a 7-inch infotainment system, while higher trim levels come with a bigger 9-inch unit.

2023 Isuzu D-Max Engines

Depending on the market, this pickup comes with different engine options. There are two engines available in total, both diesel units. The smaller one is a well-familiar 1.9-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 150 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the bigger 3.0-liter turbo-four is good for 190 horsepower and a pretty impressive 450 Nm of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Both units come from Aisin and both work great.

What’s more important is that both engines provide excellent max towing and payload capacity. You may count on 3500kg of the max towing capacity and over 1000kg of the max payload capacity.

2023 Isuzu D-Max Release Date and Price

We expect that the 2023 Isuzu D-Max will hit the market sometime in the second half of the year. Of course, the price will largely depend on the market. Currently, the price for the Australian version starts at around 31.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux etc.

Australia's sixth-most popular new car is due for a mid-life update, with Isuzu adding three 1.9-litre D-Max grades from late 2022.

• 2023 Isuzu D-Max pricing and specifications
• New grille across all model grades
• 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine now available in Crew Cab variants
• Priced from $32,200 plus on-road costs

The 2023 Isuzu D-Max is set to undergo a number of equipment upgrades and minor cosmetic changes ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms from December.

Isuzu Ute Australia has announced the D-Max will receive a minor facelift, with the grille subtly changing compared to the fascia which debuted with the third-generation model in late-2020.

The new grille is finished in two-tone colours across the four main variants: black (SX), black and grey (LS-M), grey and chrome (LS-U), and dark grey (X-Terrain).

The LED fog lights fitted to Isuzu D-Max LS-M variants and above now have dark grey metallic trim, which is also applied to the LED tail-lights – replacing the outgoing chrome surrounds. 

Across all Isuzu D-Max variants, the ute’s blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert safety systems will be automatically disabled when a trailer is hitched using a genuine Isuzu trailer wiring harness.

Crew Cab D-Max grades have been equipped with an additional 2.1-amp USB port for second-row passengers.

The Isuzu D-Max LS-M is now fitted with new 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels – finished in light grey and wrapped in Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain tyres – and a tyre pressure monitoring system, while its interior gains new-look cloth upholstery.

Stepping up to the D-Max LS-U results in 18-inch machined alloy wheels – wrapped in Bridgestone Dueller tyres – plus heated door mirrors, with the LS-U+ benefitting from redesigned leather-accented seat upholstery. 

Isuzu’s flagship D-Max X-Terrain is fitted with a set of dark grey metallic 18-inch wheels, tying in to the ute’s dark grey side steps, mirrors, door and tailgate handles, roof rails and wheel arch flares.

Gas struts are now standard on the tailgate of all four Isuzu D-Max pick-up variants.

In addition to the cosmetic alterations and equipment upgrades, Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab grades will now be available with the smaller 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine – previously reserved for the entry-level 4x2 Single Cab Chassis variants.

The three 1.9-litre turbo-diesel equipped D-Max SX Crew Cabs are $2000 less than their respective 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powered equivalents, starting from $40,700 plus on-road costs for the SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x2 automatic.

Prices for the remaining 2023 Isuzu D-Max variants are unchanged from the pre-facelift 2022 models, with the ute starting from $32,200 plus on-road costs (SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 manual) and up to $67,500 (X-Terrain Crew Cab 4x4 automatic).

The 2023 Isuzu D-Max is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in December.

See below for a full list of pricing and features for the 2023 Isuzu D-Max range.

2023 Isuzu D-Max Australian pricing

4x2

• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 manual (1.9-litre) – $32,200
• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 auto (1.9-litre) – $34,200
• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 manual (3.0-litre) – $34,200
• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 auto (3.0-litre) – $36,200
• D-Max SX Space Cab Chassis 4x2 auto (3.0-litre) – $39,700
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x2 auto (1.9-litre) – $40,700 (new)
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x2 auto (3.0-litre) – $42,700
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4x2 auto (1.9-litre) – $42,200 (new)
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4x2 auto (3.0-litre) – now $44,200
• D-Max LS-U Crew Cab Ute 4x2 auto (3.0-litre) – $53,000

4x4

• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x4 manual (3.0-litre) – $42,200
• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $44,200
• D-Max SX Space Cab Chassis 4x4 manual (3.0-litre) – $45,700
• D-Max SX Space Cab Chassis 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $47,700
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 manual (3.0-litre) – $48,700
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $50,700
• D-Max LS-M Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $53,800
• D-Max LS-U Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $59,500
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4x4 auto (1.9-litre) – $50,200 (new)
• D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $52,200
• D-Max LS-M Crew Cab Ute 4x4 manual (3.0-litre) – $53,300
• D-Max LS-M Crew Cab Ute 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $55,300
• D-Max LS-U Space Cab Ute 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $58,000
• D-Max LS-U Crew Cab Ute 4x4 manual (3.0-litre) – $59,000
• D-Max LS-U Crew Cab Ute 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $61,000
• D-Max LS-U+ Crew Cab Ute 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $63,500
• D-Max X-Terrain Crew Cab 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $67,500

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.

Isuzu drive-away offers from December 2022

• D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 manual (1.9-litre) – $31,990 drive-away ($1000 less than RRP)
• D-Max X-Terrain Crew Cab 4x4 auto (3.0-litre) – $64,990 drive-away ($2510 less than RRP)

2023 Isuzu D-Max SX standard features:

• Two-tone black grille
• Second-row 2.1-amp USB port
• Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert automatically disabled while towing
• Tailgate assist (gas struts)
• 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio
• Four-speaker sound system
• Automatic halogen headlights with auto high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 17-inch steel wheels with 255/65 Dunlop AT25 tyres
• Rear diff lock (4x4 models only)
• Rear leaf springs (standard in Ute models, heavy-duty in Cab Chassis grades)
• Cloth upholstery
• Urethane steering wheel, shifter and handbrake
• Vinyl flooring
• Power windows and mirrors
• Manual air conditioning (with rear air vents in Crew Cab models)
• Matte grey front grille
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane-keep assist (auto models only)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane Support System deactivation switch
• Adaptive cruise control (automatic only)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention alert

2023 Isuzu D-Max LS-M adds (over SX):

• New cloth upholstery
• Dark grey metallic fog light trim
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Automatic bi-LED headlights with auto-levelling and auto high beam
• LED daytime-running lights and fog lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Six-speaker sound system
• 'High-grade' cloth upholstery
• Two additional cup holders
• Rear parking sensors (Ute body only)
• Body-coloured mirrors and handles

2023 Isuzu D-Max LS-U adds (over LS-M):

• Heated door mirrors
• 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Eight-speaker sound system (dual-cab only; six speakers in Space Cab)
• Dual-zone climate control
• 'Premium' leather steering wheel and shifter
• Keyless entry and start (with walk-away locking)
• 18-inch machined-face alloy wheels with 265/60 Bridgestone tyres
• Electric driver's seat lumbar support
• Chrome door handles, tailgate handle, handbrake button, mirrors and grille
• LED combination tail-lights
• Carpet flooring
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Top glove box
• Flat wiper blade design
• Under rail tub liner
• Tow bar receiver

2023 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ adds (over LS-U):

• Redesigned leather-accented interior trim
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar
• Heated door mirrors
• 'Smart wet' wiper blades
• Dual vanity mirror lights

2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain adds (over LS-U+):

• Gunmetal grey metallic front grille
• Front and rear underbody spoilers
• Sports bar
• X badging on tailgate and instrument cluster
• 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels
• Remote engine start
• Matte black roller tonneau cover
• Front parking sensors
• Red contrast stitching
• Blacked-out instrument cluster with X-Terrain badging
• Black finishes for steering wheel, air vents, centre console and doors
• Dark grey metallic finish for side steps, mirrors, handles, roof rails and wheel arch flares

2023 Isuzu D-Max paint finishes:

• Mineral White
• Basalt Black mica
• Mercury Silver metallic
• Volcanic Amber metallic (X-Terrain only)
• Neptune Blue mica (new)
• Moonstone White Pearl (new, LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain only)
• Magnetic Red mica (LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain only)
• Granite Grey metallic (new, X-Terrain only)

Note: All paints (except Mineral White) incur a $650 premium.

Jordan Mulach is Canberra/Ngunnawal born, currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal. Joining the Drive team in 2022, Jordan has previously worked for Auto Action, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Collective and TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor and Street Machine. Jordan is a self-described iRacing addict and can be found on weekends either behind the wheel of his Octavia RS or swearing at his ZH Fairlane.

Read more about Jordan Mulach