Isuzu D-Max 4WD Ute towing review 2023

21/07/2023 admin Motoring Minute Episodes 0

Isuzu D-Max – I’ve mentioned on many occasions that the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine. But what makes it such a good Tow vehicle.

Its starts with the reliable and robust 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It provides some 140kW of power and a very useful 450Nm of torque.

That headline figure is less than some competitors, but it’s the delivery that makes it useful. Maximum torque comes on around 1600rpm and there is about 350Nm available from around 1200rpm. This is combined with a 6 Sp automatic transmission.

These two factors alone ensure that the D-Max is an ideal tow vehicle. It will in fact tow up to 3500kg and will do it with ease. The low torque delivery also ensures frugal economy when towing. I’ve towed car trailers and caravans with the D-Max and got around 9.0L/100K doing it. That’s stunning.

Other little features are that the Isuzu comes with the towing hardware fitted as standard. You just need to add whatever hitch you want. The clear reverse camera makes hooking up a trailer easy, and when a trailer is hitched it disables some safety features that may become intrusive such as Blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert which is a bonus.

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What is good?

4WD and towing ability
Ride and handling
Class leading safety features

What is not so good?

Not a fan of the roller top
Windscreen washers in wiper blades
Would love 150kW/500Nm

Some more Isuzu D-Max articles

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Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market and everyone is aiming upmarket.

Buyers could look at Ford Ranger Sport, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 Thunder. SsangYong Musso Ultimate, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

Final thoughts

I’ve said it many times. The D-Max is a robust, reliable and practical 4WD Ute.

The LS-U+ is perhaps the best value version. It has a few extra features for comfort without the bling of the X-Terrain. It would pay to check the drive away deals on the X-Terrain though

The D-Max will tow 3500kg with ease, go anywhere you will sensibly want to go off road and do it in comfort. All D-Max vehicles come with the tow assembly installed. All you have to do is add the hitch tongue you want.

This is a favourite Ute of mine.

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Isuzu D-Max 4WD Ute towing review 2023