A few thoughts on buying a new Isuzu, which I've done a few times. 1. Buy the base model, you're not missing out on anything crucial, plus they come with plastic bits you'll take off anyway, like side steps. Use the money you save on off-road mods, like a front auto-lokka. Also the larger diameter rims you get with higher models are worse for off roading. 2. Don't get the genuine accessories, over priced and not as good quality as after market. Especially the alloy bar - weak and expensive. 3. Don't get the isuzu tow bar. They sit too low and scrape easily when starting a steep climb. Buy Haymen Reese instead, they sit higher.
Cup holders here...and here....here...I've watched your reviews almost religiously leading into a purchase and I couldn't help but feel sympathy for how tired you must get of running through the interior! Love the way you cover these reviews though and always, just great info especially on the optionals.
Unpopular comment... Can't drivers adjust volume on the steering wheel these days? I understand a knob is nice to have, but it seriously isn't an issue that is worth pointing out imo...
@@JDMEVOVIGSR You have an evo! I'd take a knob over buttons any day. But buttons could be made more responsive/ergonomic... I don't know, maybe just put a knob there, lol. Some knobs are cheap feeling too though...
I haven't touched the volume control on the stereo since 2004, only ever use the steering wheel control. The only one to use the stereo control is the passenger
Generally you just use the volume buttons on the steering wheel I find. I have a volume knob in my vehicle and only use it to turn the audio on/off. Needs more colour in that infotainment screen - black and white just doesn’t cut it in 2021.
lovvvvvved all my way . read tones of info before we made the decision to purchase. Have not regretted We had so many issues with the previous car so it had to go. the Dmax and have not looked back . The only this is that the genuine parts are like Gold. will just have to wait till when we hit lotto.
No one pays RRP for a car... You need to get the on road figure and take at least 10% off that... That's closer to the figure. With a few awkward conversations 15% off the drive away price on a Dmax is about the right spot (of course, not the special prices they do on the XTerrain).
While driving on a busy, multi-lane & fast road and if a sudden rain/mist catches me then how can I pullover, put on accessory mode and then turn those drive assists off? Is that possible
There is upgrades for the whole range in 2022, including this model. As good as the review is, the upgrades sort of, well, make this review irrelevant in some ways. Can you update the review by including the new information on the Isuzu web site and the 2022 range please.
A Triton GLS is priced at $49,990 drive away, sure the Dmax has some extra tech and a bit of a bigger engine but that extra $10k you save would go a long way in aftermarket accessories.
@@anthonywhitney634 are they really $10k better than the engine in the MR Triton though? The MN Triton has its issues that’s no secret and Mitsubishi are still fixing those outside of warranty. But from all reports the 2.4L in the MR is reliable as the come and it’s paired to the exact same transmission as the DMax and it has an auxiliary transmission cooler.
@@anthonywhitney634 bullshit, have you actually compared the two in person? The Mitsubishi blows the Isuzu out of the water, and it is an older design.
@@rsoul7282 I've had two Dmax's, and all the Mitsi's I've come across have felt cheap and tinny. I asked my mechanic this exact question a half hour ago, he said Triton's are cheap and tinny.
Surprised you didn’t mention the 3 separate ways to adjust the dash lamination. And no mention of the issues with the safety features that malfunction while towing. When will a real expert do a real review?
I bought the 2021 LSU model to tow a van and to go off road, buttt! before I can do either I have to spend 5 mins turning off half the features on the ADAS system. What a pain in the arse. Not only that but every time you restart the car you have to do the same thing ..WTF. I am continually frustrated by the constant alarms and whistles and the pulling and tugging on the wheel, most of the alarms scare the sh*t out of me and make me think I’m going to crash. I think that Isuzu have lost the plot putting these sensitive radars and sensors all around a 4wd. The first thing I’ll ask Isuzu will be to disengage the system fo good.
Why was there even a honeymoon exactly? Lift the bonnet on one of these things, or park it next to it’s competition, they are built lightly, and crudely by today’s standards. Newish Ute clearly doesn’t mean best engineered or manufactured.
Why should the honeymoon be over? Have you seen the prices Ford has charged for top end variants these past few years. If you are looking at a new ute, especially a tradie as opposed to a pretty boy, your choice of brand is truly limited when you factor in quality of components (there goes Chinese utes. LDV and its dealer very recently got hammered in Queensland for a ute rusting from the inside out!); quality of after-sales customer relationship from manufacturer and dealers (there goes VW, Ford, JEEP, RAM, GM and Nissan); imminent cessation of platform and drive-train (there goes VW); financial strength of company or parent (there goes Ssangyong, GM and Ford). That leaves (in alphabetical order), Isuzu DMax, Mazda BT50 (Isuzu's sibling), Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota's Hilux.
No one cares what you don't like, especially those of us who drive where kangaroos, cattle, eagles, brolgas, pigs, etc jump in front of vehicles. When you drive 300ks or more to the local shop or medical clinic it's hard to drive slow enough to stop, so you drive as fast as road surface permits. And then you don't give a flying f*ck that some city numnut doesn't like bullbars.
So over 70k as tested plus ORC. And a key start (yeah I know...but it's what the market leaders offer). Mind you, come a long way in terms of comfort and features since my 2014 for under 40k. Interesting too that you mentioned ground clearance. Mine was less than my 4x2 triton
I live in the UK and I have a new DMax dl40 double cab 1.9 automatic and it's probably the worst vehicle I've ever driven, who ever signed off this engine and gearbox wants a damn good kick in the nuts, the gearbox has no idea which gear it needs at any time, put it in cruise control and it's up and down like a hores drawers, and the engine noise is so loud and rough it gives me a headache on longer journeys, please can I have my old 2015 Ford Ranger 2.2 automatic with 160k miles on the clock, beats the pants off this piece of crap.
Comment is irrelevant to Aussies. We get the 3.0l diesel. Maybe you should have test driven it first, then you would have known how noisy your engine is and moved on.
Also don't forget the automatic in the D-Max is made by Aisin which is owned by Toyota and is the same automatic transmission that's in the Triton/L200, Hilux, Prado and Fortuna etc.
Ive got a 1.9 manual.. engine is a lot quieter than a 4jj1, havnt driven any 4jj3 dmax's yet to compare the new engine.. also quieter than the old 2.5.. no comment about the auto though
@@sickbugz I drove a 4jj1 Dmax back in the day when I had a need for a ute, and thought the engine to be very noisy and actually unpleasant to my ears. Went the way of the 3.2 V6 petrol, much more civilised :)
There can not be a more honest review than this, at least that I have ever spotted. Covid tax is a reality for sometime to come.
A few thoughts on buying a new Isuzu, which I've done a few times.
1. Buy the base model, you're not missing out on anything crucial, plus they come with plastic bits you'll take off anyway, like side steps. Use the money you save on off-road mods, like a front auto-lokka. Also the larger diameter rims you get with higher models are worse for off roading.
2. Don't get the genuine accessories, over priced and not as good quality as after market. Especially the alloy bar - weak and expensive.
3. Don't get the isuzu tow bar. They sit too low and scrape easily when starting a steep climb. Buy Haymen Reese instead, they sit higher.
Cup holders here...and here....here...I've watched your reviews almost religiously leading into a purchase and I couldn't help but feel sympathy for how tired you must get of running through the interior! Love the way you cover these reviews though and always, just great info especially on the optionals.
Another great comprehensive review sam, love your work. One of the main reasons I watch drive videos
Thanks Jim!
Great review mate way better than another boring Aussie car reviewer well done
Great review of a great ute and a top reviewer. Liked and subscribed.
Unpopular comment... Can't drivers adjust volume on the steering wheel these days? I understand a knob is nice to have, but it seriously isn't an issue that is worth pointing out imo...
Can confirm that it is a pain in the ass. It is one of the design elements that no manufacturer should get wrong.
@@JDMEVOVIGSR You have an evo! I'd take a knob over buttons any day. But buttons could be made more responsive/ergonomic... I don't know, maybe just put a knob there, lol. Some knobs are cheap feeling too though...
I haven't touched the volume control on the stereo since 2004, only ever use the steering wheel control. The only one to use the stereo control is the passenger
Generally you just use the volume buttons on the steering wheel I find. I have a volume knob in my vehicle and only use it to turn the audio on/off.
Needs more colour in that infotainment screen - black and white just doesn’t cut it in 2021.
lovvvvvved all my way . read tones of info before we made the decision to purchase. Have not regretted We had so many issues with the previous car so it had to go. the Dmax and have not looked back . The only this is that the genuine parts are like Gold. will just have to wait till when we hit lotto.
No one pays RRP for a car... You need to get the on road figure and take at least 10% off that... That's closer to the figure. With a few awkward conversations 15% off the drive away price on a Dmax is about the right spot (of course, not the special prices they do on the XTerrain).
it is an absolute bloody rip off like all the other utes, beyond a joke
Y, in Thailand where this ute is made a top of the range model is about $40k.
AGREE. RIP OF PIECES OF GARBAGE
I have ordered my LS-U back in July, I expect it to arrive next year as a 2022 model. Plus i got a really good deal on it
At least you will get the model update
Same here... $68k build for under $60 plus the 22 model.
No one pays RRP. Unless it's not their money.
Yes well said, lots of options out there to chose from at full price of the DMax
While driving on a busy, multi-lane & fast road and if a sudden rain/mist catches me then how can I pullover, put on accessory mode and then turn those drive assists off? Is that possible
There is upgrades for the whole range in 2022, including this model. As good as the review is, the upgrades sort of, well, make this review irrelevant in some ways. Can you update the review by including the new information on the Isuzu web site and the 2022 range please.
Can someone tell this guy to actually look at the 2022 release of the dmax? The LSU now has remote start and push button start....
Need to compare this against the Navara stx and the warrior against the rugged x Hilux please.
7:41 12 pin plugs can accommodate 7 pin plugs, you don't need 2 different systems.
Good to know mate! Thanks
A Triton GLS is priced at $49,990 drive away, sure the Dmax has some extra tech and a bit of a bigger engine but that extra $10k you save would go a long way in aftermarket accessories.
That's true, but the Isuzu will last longer.
@@anthonywhitney634 are they really $10k better than the engine in the MR Triton though? The MN Triton has its issues that’s no secret and Mitsubishi are still fixing those outside of warranty. But from all reports the 2.4L in the MR is reliable as the come and it’s paired to the exact same transmission as the DMax and it has an auxiliary transmission cooler.
@@anthonywhitney634 bullshit, have you actually compared the two in person? The Mitsubishi blows the Isuzu out of the water, and it is an older design.
@@rsoul7282 I've had two Dmax's, and all the Mitsi's I've come across have felt cheap and tinny. I asked my mechanic this exact question a half hour ago, he said Triton's are cheap and tinny.
all th off road upgrades but no upgraded tyres.
Isuzu doesn't have off road tires in their accessories list
Lol Not really an excuse
Surprised you didn’t mention the 3 separate ways to adjust the dash lamination. And no mention of the issues with the safety features that malfunction while towing. When will a real expert do a real review?
Man wasn't you with Cars Guide?
CarAdvice, but we merged into the one website Drive.com.au same team as before :)
News for you pal - The chock milk carton dosnt fit - I was devistated haha...
Oh no! We might have to do a choc milk mega test! lol
I bought the 2021 LSU model to tow a van and to go off road, buttt! before I can do either I have to spend 5 mins turning off half the features on the ADAS system. What a pain in the arse. Not only that but every time you restart the car you have to do the same thing ..WTF.
I am continually frustrated by the constant alarms and whistles and the pulling and tugging on the wheel, most of the alarms scare the sh*t out of me and make me think I’m going to crash. I think that Isuzu have lost the plot putting these sensitive radars and sensors all around a 4wd.
The first thing I’ll ask Isuzu will be to disengage the system fo good.
Didn’t take it for a test drive before buying?
Why was there even a honeymoon exactly? Lift the bonnet on one of these things, or park it next to it’s competition, they are built lightly, and crudely by today’s standards. Newish Ute clearly doesn’t mean best engineered or manufactured.
Unbelievable, the Australian market getting screwed again on small pick ups. Watch Great Wall take over these smucks.
Same here in South Africa..
Guard!
Why should the honeymoon be over? Have you seen the prices Ford has charged for top end variants these past few years.
If you are looking at a new ute, especially a tradie as opposed to a pretty boy, your choice of brand is truly limited when you factor in quality of components (there goes Chinese utes. LDV and its dealer very recently got hammered in Queensland for a ute rusting from the inside out!); quality of after-sales customer relationship from manufacturer and dealers (there goes VW, Ford, JEEP, RAM, GM and Nissan); imminent cessation of platform and drive-train (there goes VW); financial strength of company or parent (there goes Ssangyong, GM and Ford). That leaves (in alphabetical order), Isuzu DMax, Mazda BT50 (Isuzu's sibling), Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota's Hilux.
i have never liked bullbars
No one cares what you don't like, especially those of us who drive where kangaroos, cattle, eagles, brolgas, pigs, etc jump in front of vehicles. When you drive 300ks or more to the local shop or medical clinic it's hard to drive slow enough to stop, so you drive as fast as road surface permits. And then you don't give a flying f*ck that some city numnut doesn't like bullbars.
@@einfelder8262 good on you
@@einfelder8262 I was going to start with “No one cares what you don’t like” but then I was simply going to add “eat a d#(5”
Dmax $75,500 in NZ, Toyota Hilux SR5 $61,500. What a joke .
So over 70k as tested plus ORC. And a key start (yeah I know...but it's what the market leaders offer). Mind you, come a long way in terms of comfort and features since my 2014 for under 40k. Interesting too that you mentioned ground clearance. Mine was less than my 4x2 triton
I live in the UK and I have a new DMax dl40 double cab 1.9 automatic and it's probably the worst vehicle I've ever driven, who ever signed off this engine and gearbox wants a damn good kick in the nuts, the gearbox has no idea which gear it needs at any time, put it in cruise control and it's up and down like a hores drawers, and the engine noise is so loud and rough it gives me a headache on longer journeys, please can I have my old 2015 Ford Ranger 2.2 automatic with 160k miles on the clock, beats the pants off this piece of crap.
Comment is irrelevant to Aussies. We get the 3.0l diesel. Maybe you should have test driven it first, then you would have known how noisy your engine is and moved on.
Also don't forget the automatic in the D-Max is made by Aisin which is owned by Toyota and is the same automatic transmission that's in the Triton/L200, Hilux, Prado and Fortuna etc.
Ive got a 1.9 manual.. engine is a lot quieter than a 4jj1, havnt driven any 4jj3 dmax's yet to compare the new engine.. also quieter than the old 2.5.. no comment about the auto though
@@sickbugz I drove a 4jj1 Dmax back in the day when I had a need for a ute, and thought the engine to be very noisy and actually unpleasant to my ears. Went the way of the 3.2 V6 petrol, much more civilised :)
Lol a 12 pin is a also a 7 pin. Rookie
Not worth the money.
nice ute but those ugly wheels !