Last week I drove the Isuzu D-Max SX high ride Single Cab Chassis Ute. That’s a mouthful. Isuzu D-Max makes an ideal work Ute and the SX is particularly good value for money. 
The standard alloy tray measures about 2.55m long, 1.8m wide and has a depth of 250mm. Payload is around 1400kg.
Now I gave the SX Isuzu a workout with about 1200 kg of pavers loaded on the back and drove from Sydney to Nelson Bay.
It carried the load with ease. With 1.9L the engine was willing and cruised comfortably along the freeway. However, it needed to be worked through the gears on hills. You couldn’t be lazy and let the torque carry you.
What is impressive is that this entry model still comes with a multitude of safety features, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Auto high beam headlights.
At the time of testing Isuzu has a driveaway special price on this Ute of $31,990 ad that’s stunning value.
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Rob Fraser
Optional extras:
Tow Bar Kit $1,132.25, 12-Pin Plug $393.25, Electronic Brake Controller $896.05, Economy Alloy Tray $0 (included in driveaway price), Rubber Mats $127.66 and has stamp duty for Accessories which comes to $127.66.
As Tested $34,670.88, as the vehicle has a driveaway special of $31,990.
TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX SX RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Some other Isuzu D-MAX SX Articles
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Single Cab Chassis 2WD High Ride Ute 2022 Review
- Isuzu D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 1.9L 2022 Model
- Isuzu D MAX SX 4WD Work Utes Review
- Isuzu updates the D-MAX range for 2022
- Isuzu D-Max Range 2022 upgrade with new models
- Isuzu D MAX SX 4WD Work Utes Review
- Isuzu D-Max Range 2022 upgrade with new models
- Isuzu D MAX SX 4WD Work Utes Review
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab 4X4 Cab Chassis Auto Radio Review
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab 4X4 Cab Chassis Auto Radio Review
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Space Cab 4X4 Cab Chassis Auto Radio Review
- Isuzu D Max SX 4X2 Space Cab High Ride Ute 2020 Review
- Isuzu D-MAX SX Space Cab 4X4 Cab Chassis Auto Review
- The All-New Isuzu D-Max: Commercial Utes for the Workers
- 2018 Isuzu D-Max SX 2WD Cab Chassis Ute Review
- Isuzu D-MAX SX 6 speed manual Cab Chassis Ute Radio Review
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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More thoughts about the Isuzu SX High Ride Cab Chassis
- Its relatively comfortable inside, even for someone my size
- But there isn’t much room to put anything, a problem with all single cab Utes
- Seats are actually comfortable, something not usually associated with entry level work Ute
- Being a high ride Ute means its easy to get into and out of.
- The central screen can wash out in direct sunlight, problematic at times.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay is a helpful addition. It can take a few moments to connect at times.
- The engine matches the transmission well.
- A six speed manual transmission allows you to extract the best from the engine. However you need to be running through the gears at times to do that
- Headlights are a little poor, especially the high beam.
- No fog lights
- Typically the distance to empty gauge on all Isuzu’s is inconsistent.
- Its packed with safety features, class leading for entry level work Utes I would imagine
- However the reverse camera doesn’t have guidelines and it takes a while to judge just where the back of the Ute tray is
- Huge payload and excellent sized tray.
- One feature that was appreciated is the filler for fuel allowed an easy flow of diesel. Too often trays are installed with an almost horizontal fuel filler and it continually clicks off when filling. Drives me nuts.
Also look at:
There are not many Single Cab Cassis work Utes on the market at the moment Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular. There are a few on the market but everyone is aiming upmarket. Even getting our hands on some to test is difficult.
Buyers could look at Mazda BT-50, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton.
Final thoughts
Single Cab Chassis Work Utes are becoming a rare breed, with the push towards the premium end of dual cab’s.
While I always prefer more power and torque, the 1.9L diesel performed more than adequately.
It was ideal for around town work and cruised easily on the freeway.
You cant beat the price though. Its awesome value for money.
Isuzu D-Max |
|
Model |
D-MAX SX High Rider |
| Model Price | $31,990 RDAP* |
| Engine | 1.9L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 6 Sp MT 2WD |
| Power | 110kW @ 3,600rpm |
| Torque | 350Nm @ 1800-2600rpm |
| Safety | Five-star ANCAP (tested Sept 2022) |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 207 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 7.1L/100km / 76L capacity |
| Economy on test | 8.0L/100k |
| Max Range (ADR) | 1169km / 960km on test |
| Servicing | 12Mth / 15,000km 7 Yrs. Capped Price |
| Warranty | 6yr/ 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assist | 7Yr. 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)
Overall Rating |
84/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 8 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 8 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Payload/Towing Capability* | 8 (5WD 4/5 Towing 3/5) |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
*Towing and Payload capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Dimensions |
Isuzu D-Max SX High Ride 4X2 |
| Overall Length | 5330mm |
| Wheelbase | 3125mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1790mm |
| Wheels | 17×7.0 Steel |
| Tyres | 255/65 R17 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 235mm |
| Wading Depth | 800mm |
| Approach | 29.6 degrees |
| Rampover | 23.9 degrees |
| Departure angle | 24.6 degrees |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.5m |
| Tray Length | 2555mm |
| Tub width arches | N/A |
| Tray width | 1777mm |
| Tray Depth | 250mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1595kg |
| Payload (kg) | 1405kg |
| GVM (kg) | 3000kg |
| GCM | 5300kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2800kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 280kg |
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