D-Max LS-U+ Dual Cab Ute long distance touring

Isuzu D-MAX Ute is it any good

D-MAX LS-U+   – We have had a long term test D-MAX LS-U plus for a few weeks now and as part of that we tested its comfort as a long distance touring vehicle with a trip to Melbourne and back.

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Plus front qtr 2 Let me say that it was commendable.

 

As I have mentioned before the LS-U+ Ute has a number of added comfort features specifically aimed at everyday use.

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These include:

  • premium leather heated seats,
  • driver’s seat that has electronic adjustment along with extra lumbar support that my ageing back appreciates,
  • As I did a bit of night time driving the auto dimming rear view mirror proved valuable and added safety,
  • And for those frosty mornings the external heated mirrors were a bonus.

22MY Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS-U+ - Interior Dash 45.

Cruising along the highway between Sydney and Melbourne can be tiring so the cruise control was used extensively. I could choose to utilise the radar function or not at my discretion.

We all know that the D-Max is an excellent 4WD Ute, but its ride and responsiveness on the freeway over the 2000 odd kilometres made for relaxed cruising. The low torque delivery and six speed AT allowed us to hum along just under 2,000rpm which meant quiet and economical driving.

We averaged around 7.0L/100K on the highway.

Wireless Apple CarPlay also added to the extensive IDAS safety features of the D-Max.

Overall there wasn’t much difference between the D-Max or a SUV for the trip.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Isuzu-D-MAX-LSU-Plus-4WD-Crew-Cab-front-qtr-interior-dash-scaled

What is good?

What is not so good?

  • Class leading Safety
  • Improved centre screen resolution
  • 4WD and towing capability
  • Haphazard DTE readings
  • Walk away locking good and bad
  • Would love 150kW/500Nm

Isuzu-D-MAX-LSU-Plus-4WD-Crew-Cab-front-qtr-interior-features-scaled

Some Other D-MAX Articles

22MY Isuzu D-MAX 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX.

Model   

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U+ 4WD Dual Cab Ute

Model Price $61,900 MLP*
Engine 3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel
Drivetrain Terrain Command 4×4 Aisin 6 Sp AT
Power 140kW @ 3600rpm
Torque 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP (Tested Sept 2020)
CO2 Emissions 207 g/km Euro 5
Economy ADR/ Capacity 8.0L/100km / 8.7L/100K on test / 76L
0-100kmh/Top Speed N/A
Servicing 12 Mths / 15,000km $3,223 for 105,000km (7 years)
Warranty 6yr/ 150,000 km with 7 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Plus front

Overall Rating    

90/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing/4WD Capability 10 Towing 5/5 – 4WD 5/5
Technology / connectivity 9
Value for Money 9

*Towing and AWD Capability is compared to other similar vehicles in the same class.

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Plus profile

LS-U Dimensions

 
Overall Length 5270mm
Wheelbase 3125mm
Width / Height 1870mm / 1790mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth Up to 240 mm / 800mm
Approach / RO / Departure 30.5 / TBC / 19 degrees
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle 76 Litres / 12.5mts KTK
Kerb Weight /  GVM / GCM / Payload 2112kg / 3100kg / 6000kg / 988kg
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating 3500kg / 350kg

Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Plus front qtr

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  • 9.0/10
    Rating - 9.0/10
9.0/10

Summary

D-MAX LS-U+   – We have had a long term test D-MAX LS-U plus for a few weeks now and as part of that we tested its comfort as a long distance touring vehicle with a trip to Melbourne and back.

Overall there wasn’t much difference between the D-Max or a SUV for the trip.

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About Rob Fraser 2503 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.