2023 Isuzu D-Max (inc. 0-100 & autonomy test) on/off-road review: Is this enough to take on Ranger?

The facelifted 2023 Isuzu D-Max has finally been launched! Paul Maric gets behind the wheel of the 2023 Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ 4x4 to see if it's any good! Do you think Isuzu has done enough to update the D-max from its previous shape?
EVERY ute drag raced: • BIGGEST pickup drag ra...
EVERY ute dyno tested: • Top 12 pickups tested:...
EVERY ute tow tested: • Pickup towing test: To...
EVERY ute tested off-road: • Best pickup off-road: ...
Hardness tester, noise and lane keeping results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
More Isuzu content: www.carexpert.com.au/isuzu
More Isuzu D-Max content: www.carexpert.com.au/isuzu/d-max
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 0:45
Interior 5:08
Infotainment 6:28
Safety Tech 8:26
Practicality 9:22
On the road 12:58
0-100km/h 17:39
Driver aids 19:04
Off the road 21:42
Verdict 29:43
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#isuzu #dmax #review

[@dolguldur4706]

Love the honk test 😂 CarExpert made the best car review...very detail review...you guys deserve millions more subs..thank you

[@c.d.c9425]

Rather pathetic cheap horn for such an aggressive large vehicle though

[@givvia6782]

Might be in the minority here, I actually prefer analogue dials for the speedometer and tachometer binacle over the fancy digital cockpit.

[@imdyinginside1919]

Fact

[@craigphillips9810]

Can still see them in the sun too, not like digital.

[@mahuru3]

Ditto

[@reubs91]

I don’t think your the minority mate. People that use these cars want exactly that. Reviewers and people that use these occasionally are the loud minority that these manufacturers pander to.

[@planetarygodzilla]

You might not be the minority.

[@amirhossainzadeh3951]

Did he say ‘G’day I’m Tall’😂

[@seanlemar1268]

😂😂😂

[@stephenspier9590]

He did yes 😁

[@ubernoob103]

Surely he did.

[@derekstaceynelson4204]

PAUL......

[@charlessoko6387]

I think he did 🤣🤣🤣

[@VideoShowMeHow]

Great stuff, a few nice updates and great to see Isuzu listening to their customers with these refinements :) Really surprised with the lane keep result for your test unit, my 21 lane keep works really well?? Similar with the TC.. weird (even with all the mods I've done for it on my channel!!)

[@wax333]

after owning the 21 d max and the 21 bt50 with same engine also owning the 22 mux is the lane keep isnt the greatest. when you get near the lane it pulls you in and throws you back into the middle of the lane.

[@Candesce]

My experience with the lane keeping is pretty much the same as Paul's. On straight roads it's okay at best, on a turn it's hopeless.

[@emmett3067]

The question on everyones lips is - Can it tow a Jet Ski while cutting in-front of people while going straight from the "left turn only" lane?

[@derser541]

Yes, it's also suitable for overtaking at 110km/h in a residential 50 zone over double lines with your tradie tool trailer. The good size door pocket is great for storing a large hammer or other tools for easy reach in case any 87 year old ladies dare question your meth-fuelled driving behaviour when you inevitably get stuck at the next traffic light.

[@samuelebaid7094]

Hi Paul, long time fan here mate 👍 Just a suggestion to add into the review to get 3 people setting at the back to test comfort if back-seat is accommodating.. it's something CARWOW does and I think it's brilliant 👌 Also luggage fitting using litre size tagged bags to see how many bags you could fit at once in the boot! Keep up the good works 💪

[@sikgabs9133]

Best detailed reviews online, hands down! Keep it up 👌

[@dylanurquhart6879]

Amazing work on the news today!!!

[@sebtrident]

G’day Paul, I’m one of those people who aren’t a fan of digital speedos and tachometers I much prefer the old school analog gauges and buttons around the cabin!! Love the door sound on the D-Max sounds meaty but you can beat the sound of a Door Closing on a VE Commodore!! Thanks for adding the horn sound test!!

[@sirmuddamongol4837]

Love your content Paul, subbing!

[@tylerjones3875]

Great review Paul! I’m a 2021 XTerrain owner and love the car but absolutely hate the useless self steering feature. I’m glad your video demonstrates exactly what I’ve experienced. Always hugging the line and doesn’t know where it is half the time. Despite multiple complaints to my dealership and directly to IUA they’re not interested in fixing it and the offical response is “it’s working as intended”. Madness.

[@Roadrunnerz45]

look forward to that towing test, interesting

[@stevenalex7275]

Thx for the honk test.

[@gstar1309]

Another excellent review as always.. thanks Paul

[@rayg1232]

Paul I have a 22 xterrain and as you mention highway cruising it stays in the lane with no problem.

[@YoItsZed]

The dashboard gauges is much more aggressive lookin’ than the MUX’s hoping to have a fix on that for the new MUX and they gotta have the 360 degress camera.

[@ObertBumhira]

Love the dmax since 2019 my dad drives the new single cab and I love it it reliable comfortable and it can go anywhere can't wait for the peagout trendmark one based on the navara

[@andrewhoyek]

Looking forward to seeing you do the review on the new 2024 dmax

[@roocrew86]

Hi Paul I have a XT and agree with a lot of what you said. Computer system is junk. Regarding TC there's 2 "off" modes you only entered the first. You need to keep holding it for about 5s and a second light comes on. Not sure it would have helped but something to remember for all isuzu tc

[@YoItsZed]

The EFFORT and THOROUGH review of every video they put out is absolutely spiffing! If YT continued to made a KZbin Rewind, CarExpert is next to CarWow! Superb, Paul. Amazing! Keep up the good work.

[@petercaldwell8674]

If you want to see a brilliant car review channel check out throttle house, by far the best reviewers on KZbin and funny. Admittedly they don't have the important things car expert does like how soft something is or the extremely important speed in reverse, the quality of the videos throttle house does is also brilliant.👍

[@YoItsZed]

@@petercaldwell8674 Sorry, mate. I am not innit for the funny antics.

[@petercaldwell8674]

@@YoItsZed it isn't about funny antics they actually test drive the cars too their limits and do comparisons, if you aren't into antics surely you don't give a crap about speeds in reverse. I've suggested to Paul maybe doing things like braking/swerve tests instead would be far more interesting, you know the type of things that actually are important when driving.

[@YoItsZed]

@@petercaldwell8674 Brake tests and swerve tests subjective to the driver. These requires the discipline of the driver, if the driver is a scumbag who thinks “well, what if I try to make a sharp turn on 160 kph” on a damn pick-up truck, he’d be tumbling over and these brake tests depends on the cautiousness of the driver. Look, bruv. These reviews are meant for those consumers. A thorough detail of the exterior and interiors are what we, consumer, look for. In addition, the opinion of these car journalist. If I’d really want to TEST- SWERVING AND BRAKING. I’d go to my local dealership and have a test drive. These reviews on KZbin somewhat gives us the privilege of inspecting the car without the ability of being physically there. That’s why CarExpert’s reviews are spot-on for their thorough review. Bruv, I get that you like them throttle house but those are just bunch of dudes talking to one another. Might as well they do podcast. I ain’t into that, bruv. So do yourself a favor and don’t reply here because we ain’t going nowhere with this conversation, mate.

[@petercaldwell8674]

@@YoItsZed Zed a brake/swerve test is done by the same driver over the same course, it has nothing to do with other drivers it's a control test. If what you are saying is correct all safety tests are useless because different people are driving on different roads. An example was the test between the new Ranger and the Amarok, the Amarok is notorious for having shit braking along with sadly lacking other safety equipment. As far as I'm concerned the most important safety item on any car is its braking system, who gives a damn about whether it's a second quicker too the speed limit if has poor brakes and injures/kills people because it doesn't stop safely. I'm not sure how many accidents I've seen during acceleration but can't recall any from memory.

[@user-pd7sp3oc1v]

nicer outlook for 2023 model, hope malaysia will bring it soon.

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks Paul - any bling that reduces the look of a Hungarian gift shop works for me - I’ve commented previously on the odd placement of the Isuzu front badge and redundant horizontal chrome strips 🙃 (a simple black grill with centred badge would be perfect) but well done on the rear tailgate assistance because it looks like the car makers are leapfrogging each other on changes - I miss the wheel arch cladding on my old 1997 Subaru Forester because it really did provide excellent ‘brush’ protection - has Isuzu fixed the engine bay body cracking and tearing?

[@mikeh2125]

Does the tailgate now lock with the central locking too? Heard it was meant to be added

[@BoutiquePhotos2008]

Hi. Wanted to comment on the road test for the new d Max ute. Very disappointing about the traction control system. 😕 The MUX has what us called "Rough Terrrain Mode", which works on both 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel high & low. Does the Ute have these settings ? If so, was it used ? If both have this Mode and it was used, then I would seriously consider looking at another 4WD that displayed better off road abilities. 2) When Paul is assessing a vehicle that has no spare tyre it would very appropriate, in my opinion, that he at least mentions it. As this factor alone is very important for Australian Motorists who intend to travel a lot in the country, where as a 'puncture regards kit' would not at all be appropriate. Good show. Keep it up. Thank you. Hyrom Jones. 👌👍🙂

[@K_STVSN]

Being an ISUZU fan I was able to spot the differences straight away.

[@samuelmoraleslauway1577]

The new Isuzu 2024 , has now the rough terrain modo , and i imagine they improved the tracción control !

[@alberttresslevic914]

Good to see a new key design, maybe I'm an anomaly but with my 2022 I kept finding the car unlocked as the button is very sensitive and not recessed enough and would get knocked accidentally. I've resorted to wrapping the button in electrical tape as a temporary solution.

[@petrusduplooy8016]

Hi Paul, is that the number 60 or GO on the left side if your face? :)

[@reubs91]

Pro Tip; if you go off-road (the serious stuff) just go to low range or put the diff lock on and it will disengage traction control. Using traction control over low range or the diff lock when they are available is just a time waste.

[@tamarajones7231]

I was sitting here thinking "why is he using 2wd going through mud when low range/diff lock is available?!" Glad I am not alone thinking that!

[@richardalexander4155]

More to the point who starts their car from a standstill whilst in a rut in 2wd most cars would just spin. Traction control is not a subsitute for low range.

[@ahh1180]

Hi Paul, would you consider reviewing the Ssangyong Rexton?

[@arad907]

I prefer the prices stay more affordable rather than having unnecessary features. Our desire for more luxuries such as digital gauge cluster and 13inch infotainment is pushing the prices higher and higher constantly.

[@zmirc]

Agreed

[@DeathBySlushies]

Not like there isnt a base model available?

[@cbastien92]

The rims on those are beautiful 👌🏾 I personally prefer that those kind of vehicles come with the less screen possible as it ages very badly in regards to physical buttons

[@jayden4664]

Great car. Try towing offroad challenges too

[@witheredplants]

in the Philippines, we dont get the electronic rear diff-locker for the range topping model 🙁 or you choose the grade below with diff locker but not even a manual cruise control included 🥴

[@rubeusvombatus]

Something that has been bothering me a bit for a while is that in the close-up shots of these videos, the audio is often out of sync. I know that these close-ups probably don't even have their own sound but more often than not Paul is making the same kinda sounds that would fit the close-ups as they play but they're then out of sync. It's a nitpick and there might not even be a good way to avoid this but it still confuses me sometimes. I hope any of this made sense.

[@cmelft2463]

Drive a 2021, my lane assist holds pretty good when set to the "green wheel icon", but normal driving it always wants to pull me into the side of the lane. Also the smart cruise control always brakes too late and sometimes even alerts me to press the brakes as it has no idea what its doing - stock ute btw

[@ADHD55]

D max is provent to be reliable , ive seen one with over 500,000km on it, never dies

[@tersy9862]

Definitely want the fancy tech especially if you are paying for it. Fair enough if it's cheaper.

[@jorgealexiechumacerorosado4292]

Tremendo juguete!!! lastima que no llegue a Bolivia yo tengo una Isuzu KB20 74, que es increíble!!!!...

[@watashiwaejdesu2080]

Nice truck I love it

[@warcrabcyber9908]

The d-max is a reliable beast, but i prefer the Triton though.

[@vishnubeniwal8784]

I'm in india and i dont miss any of your uploads, thank you.

[@catamircea8885]

In the EU we only have the 1.9 l engine version and a big problem with the brake discs. They are deformed (especially the original ones) and cannot be changed under warranty. Do you have this problem? in 50,000 km it deforms twice.

[@zmirc]

I prefer more basic and reliable stuff, don't need 35 displays instead of the speedometer and such.

[@hedydd2]

Cheap and cheerful design and build to compete at the lower price points in the market. There is no doubt that Isuzu sell mainly on price in the UK at least. They only sell the 1.9 diesel here and it has had a very poor reliability record with great numbers having DPF blockage issues combined with rising oil levels due to fuel dilution. All allegedly.

[@Shimabuku]

Hello Paul. Can you make another test wherein I saw one of your vblog about the new Isuzu Dmax that you think is it has more torque than what Isuzu is saying. I'm interested to know if it's really 450nm or a little bit more. Thank you.

[@karmaprolice]

Go look at ultimate diesel tuning, they dyno test and tune all the modern dual cabs. Youll be able to see what the actual torque and power figures are.

[@markhansford5930]

As long as my car has AM / FM radio I'm happy

[@bradleyaustin2369]

As much as I love the DBanger, I am disappointed that you can't use the diff lock in 2wd. And the traction control is not very effective. Otherwise, it's a bloody good ute 🙂

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

Other than 4x4 requirements, it’s a good Ute 😂😂

[@mikim7852]

Which ute is the best for off road.

[@ahmedessamsowaid]

Try to download a video to test drive the 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain

[@imdyinginside1919]

I like and prefer analog button and dashboard combine with digital

[@wax333]

the 22 mux has off road traction modes dont know if they make any difference. and i agree with the gearbox slow to respond. climbing a decent hill with a caravan takes too long to change down a gear. by the time it does your out of the power band.

[@aviabengod3798]

High-tech additions have one issue maintenance, it's a van not a luxury SUV

[@abdulbarimaruhom805]

Mate, traction control systems on isuzu is perfectly good. What is not good is that they using highway terrain tires and not the all-terrain and that's what I have noticed. That bridgestone duelers that they are using are sucks. Not a good tire at all...

[@MrDrewmcfly]

I have the 2022 dmax and I got to say for being even the low spec model it should be standard to have wireless Android auto and all led lights. Get with the times izusu

[@jdmatefratus4030]

@CarExpertAus hey Paul I notice sometimes you have 2 watches in on why is that?

[@planetarygodzilla]

Below 9 liters / 100km is a pretty good deal for a ute, especially with a 3.0 liter engine.

[@andrewhoyek]

When will you review the new 2024 dmax xterrain ?

[@alengreen589]

Is it maybe possible that this 3 L Diesel engine is minimum 25 years old?

[@roarman75]

Thanks Paul. Always great content. To me it seems as if your test unit is faulty. Looks like ZERO traction control and lane keep assist. Perhaps a fuse has blown. w.r.t. your question on TECH. Cruise control, Camera's around the vehicle are very handy when moving into tight spaces and I like Carplay. Thats all i need.

[@thunderengines8786]

Isuzu should launch this gen in India too

[@cymans1164]

The dmax only need a remap and it will drive so differently because isuzu under tuned the dmax for reliability and Paul should try to review a tuned dmax

[@beograd07]

When you opened the glove box there is a small sign with english and Russian alphabet. Is that mean this Australian model is also the same model they are sending to Russian market?

[@rokana9641]

I'm a sucker for fancy tech in cars. 😅

[@gerardhogan3]

Good job Tall, however I actually like to hear my engine. I have the MUX and having to drive a fair range of vehicles it is definitely an advantage. I know many people say the Isuzu is noisy but I can tell a whole stack of stuff by listening to my engine particularly if there is an issue...which so far I haven't with my Isuzu

[@Portyhouse]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[@brendanbarnes3076]

I’m looking at getting a dmax in the not too distant future as my daily and after the test drive it is significantly quieter than my vf commodore that I drive on the weekend, especially because the commodore has a aftermarket exhaust

[@Portyhouse]

@@brendanbarnes3076 mate I love the way my MUX sounds, has some grunt to the engine. Just be mindful that if you’re towing big loads it can get noisy as you put the pressure on the engine and gearbox. Great cars!!

[@dolguldur4706]

Dmax in thailand,malaysia already receive wireless charging upgrade for 2023 year model...a bit shame you guys in aussie didnt get the same upgrade...

[@CliveRose26]

Honestly, if my cars head unit will display android auto which takes up the entire screen (not half and half like some do), I can control the volume on the steering wheel and I have knobs (not buttons) for the air conditioning, I’ll be a happy man

[@Kruse1]

Does it matter about the traction control off road, don't you just put it in 4L plus diff lock?

[@ifillam7511]

Still don't have 360 Camera?

[@AD28197]

Isuzu needs to improve their 4wd system of the D'max to be on par with Hilux and Triton.

[@dieselandgasolineengines9537]

Nice

[@chubsmash7602]

Also disappointed by the TCS, but still a Die Hard fan of Isuzu.

[@emjay758]

I think it's sorely biased to always sideline the Mitsubishi Triton when pointing out ute competitors for the mainstream makes and models. The Triton is 3rd best seller in the segment. Navara and D-Max are behind the Ranger, Hilux and Triton.

[@djjames6576]

I remember the Hilux SR5 test recently and you gave the impression nearly everything was rubbish. Seems the Dmax is largely much better.

[@davetrendell8841]

That would be because, like the vast majority of motoring journalists (if you can call them that) think that the sun shines out of Toyota’s arse!

[@reubs91]

That’s because everything is rubbish on the Toyota for the price they sell them for. It works, but it’s B grade rubbish.

[@sergioabdilla4577]

I like the redundancy of an anolog speedo if the digital display decides to fail or visa versa. Full digtal display like in a Ranger looks impressive but if it fails ... well time to get the phone out for gps speed.. A sports bar wouldnt have gone astray either. Good review Paul.

[@keamovdm6929]

Can you review the new AMG Gls please.

[@djr3386]

Do Suzuki Jimny 3 door or Mazda Miata Mx5 🙏

[@kaustubhs_]

Can you review the Mercedes Benz Glb 35?

[@alengreen589]

Isuzu knows exactly how to build great cars

[@grantwells6189]

What a joke

[@alengreen589]

@@grantwells6189 Why? they build cars since 1942, they have a lot of experience.

[@grantwells6189]

@@alengreen589 😂

[@alengreen589]

@@grantwells6189 are you saying that they haven´t learned much in 80 years? If yes, i agreed with you 😀

[@grantwells6189]

@@alengreen589 I’m saying that once again they are behind the competition. They have always been underpowered and couldn’t even keep up with the competition for years of not even have a rear diff lock. Now they have tried to give a little extra power to match the competition but the competition has also increased power and torque to leave them behind again.

[@ahmedessamsowaid]

I tried to imagine the 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-TERRAIN

[@AryanParwal512]

Can you review the Range Rover Velar?

[@JV1V]

Finally hidden the roll cover rail drainage tubes in the tray. Shame about the piano black interior trim to show all the scratches and look crap within a month or two. Still no wireless charging is annoying when the perfect space has been made available. Seat heating…really. Seat cooling pls 🙏🏽

[@ahmedessamsowaid]

I tried to imagine the 2023 Isuzu Dmax X-TERRAIN

[@wayneryan3523]

FFS…… get the top range model, NOBODY CARES FOR THE NEXT STEP DOWN.. grow some and tell them WHAT YOU WANT, your channel is super powerful!!! 👍🏻

[@eaugusto9504]

@8:20 yeah, I'd prefer the full high-tech infotainment setup. I have a 2022 bt-50, and while the infotainment isn't horrible. It is noticeable when I come from using a fast and updated PC and smartphone to then start using this slightly laggy infotainment. not a deal breaker but it should at least be updatable.

[@jugnubukhari5233]

❤️

[@tkaymdala]

At this point nothing is competing with the new ranger and Everest

[@martiensengelbrecht4090]

Please do the AT35

[@DMV1090]

Just wait until it develops a DPF problem like mine did after 45k. Isuzu Australia refused to repair under warranty.

[@ashcosmo3854]

It's because they knew you wouldn't contest it. You could have literally made them pay if you went to fair trading.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

cool ..we don't get Isuzu , Mazda , Mitsubishi and hi-lux in the U.S. , ranger but gas only

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In Europe, we don’t get the 3-litre engine. We only have the 1.9-litre diesel.

[@brycem0]

You can blame the E.U emissions law for that.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@brycem0 We get the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and VW Amarok with the more powerful engine, therefore I can’t imagine the EU emissions law is the reason why the 3-litre diesel is not available here.

[@perpelle]

If hilux can sell the 2.8 and ranger the "new" 3.0 in Europe I'm sure that Isuzu can sell their 3.0 as well.

[@Cous1nJack]

I think the 3l is available joe

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@Cous1nJack Not in Europe. We only get the 1.9.

[@jacks5034]

When is the all new Toyota Prado coming out

[@southeastmedia936]

Incandescent indicators on a $63,000 ute..... shouldn't be happening for a MY23 vehicle let alone one at that price. Come on Isuzu.

[@mauritsvw]

Isuzu designer: We need a bigger grill, what to do? Okay, just repeat the top part of the grille.

[@ahmedessamsowaid]

Download a video of the 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain

[@dolguldur4706]

Right now...isuzu dmax interior cabin is the best in terms of practicality and storage area...the wireless charging will be coming soon since the thailand,malaysian market already receive the wireless charging for the new 2023 model

[@user-pd7sp3oc1v]

but they only update for x terrain. premium spec yet.

[@dolguldur4706]

@@user-pd7sp3oc1v only x terrain match the price in international market..lower spec lack few upgrade because of lower price..aussie low spec still got touch screen because after convert currency,they pay more then what we used to pay here in SEA

[@ゴジラ]

Yes exactly. Thai & Malaysia market version got Diff lock (For all variant include S/cab) & wireless charging.

[@gonsungar9420]

It seem like the traction control on isuzu dmax favours on muddy terrain and to me its like isuzu is mimicking torsen LSD.

[@browney9062]

they cant even get the 2022 model out im still waiting for mine may latest lmao

[@Sabumnim666]

TCS system in Isuzu is just a dash light.

[@robertdewdew9630]

Big night on the turps?