Isuzu has unveiled a facelifted version of its popular D-Max ute in Thailand revealing a host of changes which are largely expected to make their way to Australia in the near future.
Adorned with a more aggressive exterior design and updated interior with physical volume knobs, its marks the first time the D-Max has seen a significant visual update since it was launched locally in 2020.
The facelifted Isuzu D-Max has been unveiled in Thailand
Many of the changes are expected to carry across to Australia in 2024, where it will continue to do battle with the recently updated Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, along with the reigning sales champ in the form of the Toyota Hilux.
Isuzu D-Max facelift adds sharper look, redesigned headlights
The most immediate change seen on the facelifted D-Max is the new face which adopts a larger grille section, with the front bumper featuring a more pronounced and aerodynamic foglight housing and redesigned headlights.
Beefier wheel arches lead down the ute towards the redesigned tray, with a new pattern across the side rails. At the rear, updated LED tail lights now feature a three-part design instead of two.
A larger grille and redesigned headlight design feature on the facelifted D-Max
As expected, a batch of new wheel designs are also available, with 18-inch alloy wheels option found on the V-Cross (Thailand’s versions of the X-Terrain) finished in matte colouring.
It’s expected the facelifted Isuzu D-Max will continue to be available in a variety of single, space cab and dual-cab body styles, with the classic ute or cab chassis tray option.
Updated D-Max adds Wireless CarPlay
The inside of the D-Max is a similar story with the overal familiar cabin treated to a few choice upgrades to the interior design.
As before a 7.0- and 9.0-inch infotainment system is on offer, with the analogue guage cluster adopting a new design with a 7.0-inch digital screen (over the old 4.2-inch). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also now feature on the D-Max for the first time, in welcome news for cord-cutters.
Fancy a nice brown and black interior trim?
While the main screen remains, Isuzu has redesigned the shroud swapping out the bottom line of physical buttons for touch-sensitive targets flanked by a physical volume and tunning knob.
The top-spec updated D-Max also benefits from a new brown and black interior trim option, though the straight-black look is still available for Thailand buyers.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature on the 9.0-inch screen
Other changes include the adoption of USB C ports over the existing USB A and reversing AEB as part of its rear cross traffic alert system, with the latter speaking to the Isuzu’s strong popularity among family buyers.
Under the bonnet, the D-Max continues to be offered with either a 3.0L or 1.9L turbo-diesel four-cylinder. Neither engine produces more power after the latest facelift, still making 140kW/450Nm and 110kW/350Nm respectively.
The engines are primarily paired with a six-speed automatic transmission in the current model D-Max range but a manual is offered on some lower grades in the line up.
It’s unclear when the new D-Max will land locally
Isuzu Ute Australia: no word yet on D-Max facelift
Although many of the changes are expected to carry across to our market, a spokesperson from Isuzu Ute Australia emphasises to Chasing Cars that what we see here was for the Thailand market specifically.
“We are currently not in a position to comment on future model timing, specifications or pricing for Australia. As soon as we have confirmed information we will share this with the market,” they said.
Given that the current Isuzu D-Max shares a platform with the MU-X 4WD wagon, it’s likely Isuzu Ute Australia will roll out similar changes to its sibling at a later date.
Future model plans for the facelifted 2024 Isuzu D-Max are likely to follow in the coming months.
