The MY24 Isuzu D-MAX has been upgraded with some smart safety tech, a more refined interior while a more tradie and farmer-focussed model has us wondering if it's the one to have.
Headlining the MY24 D-MAX facelift is an updated stereo camera for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). These are the cameras tucked away in front of the rearview mirror.
The cameras now have a wider field of view (120 degrees up from 40 degrees) and a longer range view (150m up from 120m). Paired with an update to the software that now recognises brake lights on vehicles ahead, preemptively braking, it gives the MY24 D-MAX a smoother and safer adaptive cruise control.
So the tow?
We didn't get much of an opportunity to haul much with the MY24. It’s not uncommon for mass-media launches to be pushed towards driving that is more adventurous and less practical than we’d like. We got to sample all of the 4WD modes and attempt some deep water crossings (all good fun and never an issue for the D-MAX) but what we need to know is how it tows. Its the the same as the last one which is a good thing. It still pulls off of the line well, the torque is still there and the gearbox downshifts to offer some engine braking when it senses the need.
We hauled a new MY24 Jayco Adventurer (a van very familiar to me) and a Crusader. The Jayco weighed in at 2600kg and the Crusader 2800kg so both were right in the sweet spot for the 3500kg rated D-MAX (if you have not read John Hughes’ ute comparo where he highlights real;-wrld load capability, please do. It was in issue # and is online) and with both they behaved very well with one exception. The Curt-supplied brake controller in the D-MAX towing the Crusader was not very responsive to input nor did it feel like it was working proportionally to my braking input like the previously supplied REDARC Tow Pro of the last gen. If I were ordering a new D-MAX, I would ask my dealer to supply and fit the REDARC, it is still the best in class by a league.
