But as is turns out, we have nothing to do like that this time, so we’ve been using  it as an urban daily driver.

The Isuzu D-Max  LS-U is the mid spec model. It has cloth seats, manual adjustments, but has an electronic lumbar adjustment for the driver.

The D-Max Ute comes with the full set of safety features. The annoying safety features can be easily turned off. This is by a button on the steering wheel. You can also select if you want the adaptive function activated for cruise control or not.

The central screen has reasonable clarity, but if for some reason the lights are on in daylight it becomes difficult to see.

This is especially obvious with the reversing camera. There is wireless smart phone connectivity, but sadly not wireless charging tray. There is room for it though

Driving the D-Max is easy with the 3.9 litre turbo diesel engine and six speed automatic transmission.

Its powerful enough and economical as well.

The tray back design is designed for heavy loads and without that it does bounce around a bit and it’s a bit noisy. It did make a particularly convenient picnic table though for some takeaway and champers at the beach at sunset one evening.

It does show though that even though it’s a work Ute you can easily live with it on a daily basis.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Isuzu D-Max LS-U  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX LS-U – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Dual Cab Chassis 4WD Ute appeared first on Motoring Minute.

There have been a few flash floods along the creek bed lately and the bank has washed away and taken the fence with it. Now fencing isn’t one of my favourite things to do. In fact, in my list of top 100 things I enjoy doing, fencing comes in around number 499.

However, it needed to be done.

The drive out was relaxed and comfortable. Even though the LS-U misses out on several of the comfort features like heated leather seats, the fabric seats thankfully have additional electronic lumbar support. They are also warm, which was a bonus as it was minus 2 in the early mornings.

The dual cab LS-U Dual Cab Trayback D-Max was right at home on the farm. Plenty of room inside, dual range 4WD system, powerful and robust engine, and a large tray for all the gear.

This trip showed exactly how versatile the D-Max LS-U Dual Cab Trayback is.

Isuzu D-Max LS-U tray back dual cab Ute is priced from around $59,500 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more Isuzu D-Max articles HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Isuzu D-MAX RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Final thoughts Isuzu D-Max LS-U Dual Cab Trayback

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

The LS-U Trayback Dual Cab 4WD Ute is perhaps the best mix between recreational and work Ute.

It’s comfortable and spacious inside, but has more than 1000kg payload.

Ideal for worksites and family holidays.

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.

Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine.

RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

In addition, Motoring Minute segments are also broadcast nationally as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Isuzu D-Max LS-U Dual Cab CC 2023 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Last week I had the D-Max LS-U Dual cab tray back Ute, this combines the benefits of a relatively large tray with the ability to carry a family as well as 4WD capability.

The advantage of the tray back style is that it still has a payload of some 1100 plus kilograms and a practical load area. The disadvantage of the dual cab style is that almost all that load is behind the rear axle.

I loaded yet more pavers, a full 900kg worth, onto the Ute to see how it would cope.

First up, the rear axle handled the weight with ease. There was a touch of rear dip but nothing spectacular. You could feel the weight when driving obviously.

Isuzu has a handy payload calculator on their website. Many people overload their car, van or Ute without realising it.

Secondly the 4-cylinder, 3.0L turbo diesel engine took it all in its stride. This Isuzu engine is one of the best on the market. Proven over many years in their Utes and small truck range. It is over engineered, robust, reliable, and economical.

Again the 6 speed sports automatic transmission is well matched to the engine and robust enough to handle the stresses.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more Isuzu D-Max articles HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE LS-U DUAL CAB RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Final thoughts Isuzu D-Max LS-U Dual Cab Trayback

The Isuzu D-Max LS-U is a robust, reliable and practical 4WD Ute.

The LS-U Trayback Dual Cab 4WD Ute is perhaps the best mix between recreational and work Ute.

It’s comfortable and spacious inside, but has more than 1000kg payload.

I laded the trayback up to full capacity and it handled it with ease.

Ideal for worksites and family holidays.

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.

Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

In addition, Motoring Minute segments are also broadcast nationally as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Isuzu D-Max LS-U Trayback long term test appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The LS-U+ comes with the robust and reliable 3.0L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine with 140kW of power and a well-used 450Nm of torque from as low as 1600rpm. There is some 350Nm available from as low as 1200rpm.

This is matched to the 6 Sp automatic transmission.

Off road credentials come from the 4WD Terrain command subsystem that allows switching between 2wd and 4wd at speed up to 100kmh. 800MM of wading depth and standard rear diff locks.

Little features like leather highlighted and heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and a full suite of safety features all make the D-Max appealing.

The tub comes lined with a heavy-duty plastic insert and a roll top cover. A clever and appreciated addition this year is the gas Tailgate assist for opening and closing. I have mixed feelings about the roll top cover. Its safe and convenient but does limit load capacity.

I put the D-Max to good use carting a few loads of mulch and garden sleepers for my yard.

Its an ideal all round vehicle.  Enough comfort and safety features to keep owners happy. Excellent towing and 4WD capability and frugal with fuel as well.

The Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ is priced from $63,500 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO ISUZU D-MAX LS-U+ RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More thoughts about the Isuzu D-Max LS-U+

• Its comfortable and practical
• You jump in it and drive and it feels like home
• Packed with safety features
• Lots of clever ideas like
  • bag hooks on the rear of the front seats
  • slide out cup holders on front dash
  • dash top storage bin
  • wireless Apple CarPlay
  • front seat heaters
  • Configurable MFD between dials on the drivers instruments
• Not a fan of the windscreen washers in the wiper arms
• Also not a fan of the roll top on the tub. Its takes up space and has to be opened fully to close it again. Not the best when its raining.
• Like a lot of tubs, reaching the front middle section is difficult, especially with the roll top.

Some more Isuzu D-Max articles

• Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2023 Review
• Isuzu D-Max and MU-X buyers update for 2023
• Isuzu 23MY D-MAX Upgrades
• 2023 Isuzu D-Max Ute gets some customer requested improvements
• Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ Crew Cab 4WD Ute 2022 Review
• 2021 Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2021 Review
• Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Crew Cab 2021 Review
• Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 2021 Radio Review
• 2020 Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2020 Review
• Isuzu D-MAX X-TERRAIN Radio Review
• Isuzu Ute all new D-MAX X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab

Also look at:

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.

Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ 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.

Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ is a favourite Ute of mine.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ 2023 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.