Isuzu UTE Australia is to introduce significant updates to the 2023 model year D-MAX range with new features, new variants, and a refreshed exterior design and colour palette.

Three new variants – the SX Crew Cab Chassis 4×2, the SX Crew Cab Ute 4×2 auto, and the SX Crew Cab Ute 4×4 – will join the 23MY Isuzu D-MAX range, bringing the number of available variants to 27. All three will be availabel with Isuzu’s RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine remains available in all grades and styles.

Amongst the upgrades and updates, Isuzu says it has simplified the towing set-up process by automatically disabling Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness.

Exterior updates include a new two-tone grille design, rear LED combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic, and new wheel designs, ranging from 17-inch, six-spoke alloys to 18-inch machined alloys.

LS-U, LS-U+ and X-TERRAIN variants each feature a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

New Ute variants will feature Tailgate Assist – a gas-strut system that allows for one-hand operation of the tailgate.

New colours available include Neptune Blue Mica, Granite Grey metallic (available on the X-Terrain) and Moonstone White Pearl (available on LS-U, LS-U+ and X-Terrain).

On the inside, there’s an updated selection of seat upholstery trims – high-grade cloth on LS-M and LS-U, and leather-accented trim on the LS-U+ and X-Terrain, with the X-Terrain also getting red stitching. The SX Crew Cab Ute and Crew Cab Chassis both get an additional 2.1amp USB port in the second row, matching the range’s other grades.

Pricing for the 2023 D-Max family ranges from $32,300 ($31,990 special driveaway price) for the SX Single Cab Chassis 4×2 manual 1.9-litre turbo diesel, to $67,500 ($64,990 special driveaway price) for the flagship X-Terrain 4×4 3-litre turbo diesel.

Isuzu has also revealed it is updating its MU-X SUV range for the 2023 model year, including new features, finishes, and a ‘darker design aesthetic’.

Available in three grades – LS-M, LS-U, and LS-T – in either 4×2 or selectable 4×4, all 23MY Isuzu MU-X variants will be powered by Isuzu’s 3-litre turbo diesel generating 140kW/450Nm.

There are new grille designs available across the range, with the LS-M variant getting new six-spoke alloy wheels and all-terrain rubber, dark grey accents instead of chrome on the LED rear combination lights, and the simplified towing system that will automatically disable Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when the trailer it hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness plug (available across the range).

The LS-U gets a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), receives the darker Magnetite shade grille, fog light trim, sidesteps, roof rails and rear bumper. The LS-U (and LS-T) also gets a handsfree tailgate system.

The LS-T gets the same tweaks as the LS-U with the addition of Magnetite treatment across the lower front bumper and a new
set of 20-inch machined alloy wheels.

All MY23 MU-X variants will be available with a new Galaxy Blue Mica paint.

On sales from December, the MY23 MU-X models range in price (excluding on-roads) from $48,900 for the LS-M 4×2 model up to $67,400 ($65,990 Special driveaway price) for the LS-T 4×4.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2022) 

14 November 2022