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The Isuzu D-MAX Blade: An Aussie Take

The Isuzu D-MAX has long been one of the best towing rigs around. Sure, big Yank trucks tow better, but for reliability, price, and size, the D-MAX has been a favourite. The downside? Stock tyres are rubbish, and ground clearance is lacking. Enter the D-MAX Blade, here to fix those problems without straying too far from its LS-U roots.

What’s the Same?

Under the bonnet, the same dependable 4JJ 3.0L turbo-diesel is punching out 140kW and 450Nm, paired with a six-speed Aisin auto. It’s a proven powerhouse, and it still does not need AdBlue, which is a win in anyone's book. The interior carries over from the LS-U, so you get comfy heated seats, electric driver adjustment, and Isuzu's upgraded infotainment system, now with an actual volume dial (finally!).

The essentials haven’t changed, but some surprises are worth a mention—both good and bad.

Factory Lift? Sort Of.

The Blade comes with a 29mm lift, technically handled by Walkinshaw Automotive Group. It keeps the same springs as the LS-U but gains height via updated coil perches up front and a block under the rear leaf springs. Walkinshaw engineers trialled dozens of shock absorber options, settling on bespoke twin-tube Munroe MTVs for a smooth ride without compromising capability.

Chunkier 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler RTs add another 7.5mm of lift. Combined with the suspension changes, it’s a solid boost for off-road adventurers.

Looks That Turn Heads

The Blade gets a striking facelift, with a bold grille, stripes, and a steel bash plate featuring a red finish and Isuzu branding. The bash plate isn’t just for show—it includes welded reinforcements for added impact resistance and supports 8,000kg-rated recovery points.

The new wheels are unique 17x8.5-inch alloys with a more aggressive offset, widening the track by 32mm. Fender flares complement the look, and the blacked-out badges and sports bar give it a rugged, no-nonsense vibe.

Better on the Road and Off It

The Blade is the best-handling D-MAX yet. Local suspension tuning, a revised alignment, and the wider track make it surprisingly enjoyable on twisty roads. No, it’s not a Raptor, but for a ute, it’s a big step up.

Off-road, the Blade shines too. Isuzu’s Rough Terrain Mode and a rear diff locker are already impressive, and the new tyres and lift take it to the next level. We tested it on loose soil in the Adelaide Hills and soft sand along SA’s south coast, where it breezed through challenges.

The Price of Progress

At $76,990 drive-away, the Blade is Isuzu’s priciest D-MAX yet—$9,000 more than the excellent X-Terrain. That price also puts it close to the Toyota HiLux Rogue, which adds features like an electric tonneau cover.

On the bright side, ownership costs are low. Servicing is capped at $449 annually for the first five years, with a 6-year/150,000km warranty and 7 years of roadside assist.

How Does It Compare?

It’s not a Ford Ranger Raptor competitor—that’s a whole different beast. Instead, the Blade stacks up against options like the HiLux Rogue, offering similar upgrades with its own rugged twist. Towing-wise, the D-MAX has always excelled, and the Blade should tow even better thanks to its wider track and refined handling.

Final Thoughts

The D-MAX Blade is Isuzu’s most stylish and capable ute yet, with refined handling and improved off-road chops. But the $9,000 premium over the X-Terrain is steep, especially with strong competition from Toyota.

That said, the Blade’s rock-solid powertrain, low running costs, and versatility make it a compelling choice for those who need a dependable tow rig that can handle some off-road action. If you value reliability with a bit of flair, the Blade might just be your new ute.

For a tow-test of the MY24 D-MAX, head to our sister site, Caravan World for a full write-up and video review https://meshfor.com/ecbhcx3x