2022 Isuzu D-MAX range arriving early

Isuzu UTE Australia has released more details about the updated 2022 Isuzu D-MAX ute range, first examples of which have started arriving on Aussie soil, including an improved gross combination mass (GCM) for all 4x4 variants and updated cabin ergonomics.

Initial pricing and specifications details of the updated Isuzu D-MAX range were released back in September, when it was announced the line-up would gain an extra six variants for the new model year, two of which will be powered by a new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Back then, however, MY22 D-MAX vehicles weren’t scheduled to arrive until the first quarter of next year and while 1.9-litre variants still won’t be available until January 1, Isuzu now says 3.0-litre versions will be in local showrooms as of December 1.

“We are pleased to be able to offer our updated 2022 D-MAX range to our Australian customers earlier than initially forecasted,” said IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato.

“Fast-tracking its availability ensures we get the improved product and a wider variety of options into market sooner, which essentially helps to improve customer satisfaction – which has always been a priority to us.”

Dealers recently quoted six-month wait times for the top-spec X-Terrain, but IUA insists that stock of other MY22 variants is looking healthy and that wait times for specific variants have been reduced thanks to the fast-tracking.

Those not wanting to stomach a six-month wait on a new X-Terrain but still desiring upmarket luxuries like leather upholstery, powered seat adjustment, keyless entry and the like can now opt for the LS-U+ ($61,900 plus on-road costs), which bridges the considerable gap between the mid-range LS-U and the aforementioned D-MAX flagship.

In essence, the new LS-U+ is an MY22 D-MAX X-Terrain minus all of the pumped up and blacked-out exterior features as well as the sail-plane sports bar and locking roller cover.

The flagship’s red interior stitching has also been axed from the tier two variant, but heated seats, keyless entry and start, a leather-accented interior, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 18-inch alloy wheels, tub liner and towbar receiver have all been retained.

 “Designed with the feedback from Australian owners and the media in mind, we are proud to expand the D-MAX range to include the new LS-U+, which combines new-levels of comfort and convenience with the proven capability of the third-generation D-MAX in a clever package,” Sato said.

Unlike the X-Terrain, stock levels of the LS-U+ are looking healthy, with IUA confirming to carsales that around half of the initial stock destined for Australia next month has been spoken for.

All MY22 D-Max 4x4s feature an improved GCM of 6000kg (+50kg), meaning Australia’s third most popular ute can make better use of its 3500kg towing capacity.

Like its Mazda BT-50 twin under the skin, all D-MAX variants have been gifted a steering wheel-mounted shortcut button for the lane support system, which will save drivers having to delve into the vehicle settings menus and toggle the systems manually… while stationary.

These upgrades combined with the ones detailed earlier in the year have seen prices increase across the range by between $1000 and $2500 compared to the equivalent MY21 version.