Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 2021 Review Unveiled
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, the latest flagship variant of the popular dual-cab ute, has made a significant entry into the market with its impressive features and safety systems.
Safety Features Galore
The D-Max X-Terrain boasts an extensive suite of active safety features, placing it at the forefront of safety technology in its segment. This includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Detection, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tyre pressure and temperature display, Hill Descent Control (HDC), and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The active lane-keeping assist, which can feel firm but is helpful, and the detailed TPMS display, considered the best in its class, are particularly noteworthy [1].
Practicality and Comfort
The interior of the D-Max X-Terrain is equipped with a row of silver switches for the HVAC, a storage cubby atop the dash, and a large 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen. The cargo space measures 1570 x 1530 x 450mm with 1122mm between the wheel arches. However, the infotainment system, while straightforward to use, can be difficult to see in certain lights and re-connection sometimes takes a long time. The seats, while flat with a short base lacking thigh support, are comfortable for short journeys.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the D-Max X-Terrain houses a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm from 1600-2600rpm. Despite the standard highway-terrain tyres, which limit its off-road ability, the D-Max X-Terrain's braking performances are impressive on sealed surfaces. The fuel consumption is claimed to be 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle, with a test number hovering slightly above that at 8.3L/100km.
Design and Extras
The D-Max X-Terrain comes in eight colours, including Volcanic Amber metallic, and features visual differentiators such as charcoal highlights, roller tonneau, sports bar, underbody spoilers, auto-levelling LED headlights, and taillights. The double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar (front) and leaf springs (rear) suspension setup absorbs most bumps but has significant vertical movement over larger undulations at higher speeds.
Practical Considerations
The D-Max X-Terrain has only two cargo tie-down points instead of the four on lesser D-Maxes, and its Gross Combination Mass limits towing capacity to 2850kg rather than the 3500kg rated maximum. The electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering requires more twirling at parking pace but increases in heft at higher speeds to increase connection. The vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Mass of 3100kg, providing a 970kg payload.
Priced at $63,900 before on-road costs, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain offers a blend of safety, comfort, and performance that makes it an attractive option for those in the market for a reliable and feature-rich 4x4 ute.
[1] Source: CarAdvice, 2021. Link
[2] Source: Isuzu UTE Australia, 2021. Link
[3] Source: CarsGuide, 2021. Link
[4] Source: Motoring, 2021. Link
[5] Source: Drive, 2021. Link
The D-Max X-Terrain's advanced safety features don't only include industry-standard elements like AEB and Lane Departure Warning, but it also ventures into the realm of finance with a competitive price tag of $63,900 before on-road costs. Moreover, the D-Max X-Terrain is not just limited to the automotive industry, as it boasts impressive performance in the sports segment, showcasing a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that generates 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
