Isuzu D-Max 2012-2016 used ute review
The Isuzu D-Max is a durable ute with a truck-sourced engine that’s ideal for hard work.
The Isuzu D-Max is a durable ute with a truck-sourced engine that’s ideal for hard work. A firm ride and seats can reduce comfort.
The Isuzu D-Max is the truck brand's only light commercial. It was designed in conjunction with the Holden Colorado, and shares the basic body, interior and chassis. Engines and transmissions are Isuzu's own design, and are set up more for work use than the Holden's.
Inside and out
We like the chunky looks of the D-Max, particularly the chrome grille and wing mirrors that give it a premium appearance. Standard side steps are also a nice touch and make access easier for passengers. The rear features a chrome bumper step and an optional body-coloured hard lid which adds to the security of loads.
The interior feels solid and well built, although most of the plastic surfaces feel hard and a little cheap. A digital information screen providing fuel and trip details sits between the gauges. A touchscreen infotainment system in the centre console works reasonably well despite an odd, dated look to its graphics. Storage is very good with two glove boxes and a second lidded cubby hole above the stereo. We do like the door design which provides a large armrest for the front seat occupants.
Despite being well sculpted with good lateral support, the front seats are very firm and not all users will find them comfortable. The rear seat has a flat base and good width and three adults will fit. Legroom is good. However, a substantial B-pillar shortens the rear door and makes access tricky for taller passengers. The base of the seat can split and fold up for storing large items in the back of the cabin.
Need to carry a lot? The D-Max is rated to carry 924kg. The rear tray is 1.55m long by 1.53m wide, with just over 1.1m of space between the wheel arches. Our review vehicle features an optional tray liner, something we think every ute should have. Liners are available from around $500.
On the road
The biggest difference between the Holden Colorado and the D-Max lies under the bonnet. Isuzu digs into its truck background here for a larger 3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It produces less power, yet the way it delivers it is arguably better suited to heavy work. The engine produces 130kW and 380Nm. Transmission choices include the five-speed manual fitted to our review vehicle and a five-speed manual that can be shifted manually.
Performance from the engine is good and while it will get off the line reasonably quickly, it is best when cruising in a high gear at low revs. It will pull away from a relatively low speed with little need to change gear, while also staying relatively quiet.
The Isuzu's steering is responsive though offers little feel or feedback from the road. The firm suspension has positives and negatives - the ride is firm and plenty of grip is on offer, but passengers can feel a little jiggled around on bumpy roads. The brake pedal is also firm and very effective. Our rear-wheel drive model is not really an option off-road, although it will get up a gravel track with good traction, thanks to decent ground clearance.
It can be tricky to see both the end of the nose of the D-Max and the rear from the driver's seat. Large wing mirrors help, though we think a reversing camera and parking sensors would be handy on this model - particularly in the city. LS-T models have a camera as standard. You can buy one to fit yourself from $50 or have one installed professionally from $200.
Our Isuzu D-Max is up there with the best in the ute market for tow ability. All models from 2015 can pull trailers without brakes up to 750kg (a medium-size garden trailer) and 3,500kg braked (a large trailer boat). Two-wheel drive models before 2015 were limited to 2,500kg.
Safety
The safety rating of the D-Max depends on its age and body shape. Our 2016 LS double cab carries a full five-star ANCAP rating (2013 and onwards). Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, emergency brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and electronic stability control. Early double cabs and all single and space cab models lack curtain airbags and have a four-star ANCAP rating instead.
The back seat lacks ISOFIX child seat mounts, although it does have two tether mounts behind the seat. All three seatbelts are shoulder-type, which offer more protection than the lap-only versions. The centre belt can be retracted into the ceiling when not in use.
Reliability
The Isuzu D-Max is too new for the problems that have appeared to be considered common or serious. There are a few items that need to be monitored. The engine uses a timing chain which will not require regular replacement.
D-Max engines have had an issue with more diesel entering the sump than originally engineered. A higher oil level can cause the engine to “diesel” or run away, fuelled by its own lubricant. Some dip sticks were replaced by longer units to lower the level the engine is filled to and reduce the risk. Check the oil carefully and do not overfill the engine.
Most of these have been traced back to drivers leaving the transmission in too high a gear at too low a speed. That puts excessive torque through the transmission. When you are test driving, make sure the transmission shifts smoothly and carefully check vehicles you suspect have towed large boats and trailers. Clutches are also reported to have a slightly high failure rate.
In coastal areas keep an eye out for rust, particularly under the car on the chassis and around the roof and seams of the cab.
Cost of ownership
Isuzu recommends servicing the D-Max every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. The cost of services range between $180 and $750 depending on mileage.
RightCar estimates that each year, based on 14,000km travelled, you will spend $2,550 on fuel and Road User Charges. The 76-litre fuel tank will cost $110.20 to fill at $1.45 a litre and should take you 855km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the D-Max costs $183.31 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group for a diesel of this size.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a D-Max valued at $33,920 will cost $65.43* per month, just $1 less than the equivalent Holden Colorado.
Buyers' guide
The Isuzu D-Max is available on Trade Me from $26,500 through to $55,000 for near-new demonstrator vehicles. When you’re buying, double-check the price of used cars against the new model. Isuzu, like many ute brands, regularly offers low prices on new models, particularly to business customers. Used models often have the advantage of being fitted with costly extras.
Variants
- LX - Features steel wheels, leather steering wheel, CD player stereo with Bluetooth, cruise control, manual air-conditioning, vinyl floor, front, side and curtain airbags (double cab only), and electronic stability control.
- LS - Adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome wing mirrors, home grille, side-steps, projector headlamps, steering wheel audio controls and carpet floor. From 2015, the model gets climate control air-conditioning and touch-screen infotainment system with satellite navigation.
- LS-T - Adds leather interior, roof rails, reversing camera, climate control air-conditioning and touch-screen infotainment system with satellite navigation.
Timeline
- 2012 Released in New Zealand
- 2014 Given slight update and spec changes
- 2015 Further specification changes to the LS model
- 2017 Replaced by significantly updated model
Details
2016 Isuzu D-Max LS
$26,500 to $42,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged, 130kW/380Nm (claimed)
Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Five-star ANCAP
10,000km or 12 months
Full size wheel
8.3-litres per 100km (claimed)
5295mm
1860mm
1785mm
750kg (unbraked), 3500kg (braked)
12.6m
Diesel
This review covers the Isuzu D-Max for model years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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