Isuzu Ute Range Explained: D-Max, MU-X Prices & Specs

If you've searched "isuzu ute" you're probably chasing one of two things: the D-Max ute itself, or a rundown of what Isuzu (via Isuzu Ute Australia, the IUA dealer network) actually sells here. Short version: Isuzu Ute Australia sells the D-Max ute, the MU-X seven-seat SUV built off the same platform, and then there's Isuzu Trucks selling the light-duty N-Series cab chassis. All of it runs on diesel, all of it is built for work first. Below I've laid out the real prices from our database, then compared the entry D-Max against the utes people actually cross-shop it with.

The Isuzu ute range at a glance

Here's what's on sale and what it costs. All prices are RRP (before on-road costs) unless noted.

• Isuzu D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 at $41,243 RRP. The base tradie tray-back. 3 seats, 120kW diesel, tows 3500kg, ANCAP 5, rear-wheel drive.
• Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab Ute 4x4 at $58,700 RRP. The dual-cab most family and worksite buyers want. 5 seats, 140kW, 3500kg tow, ANCAP 5, 4WD.
• Isuzu D-Max SX Crew Cab Chassis 4x4 at $59,783 RRP. Same thing but a chassis for fitting your own tray.
• Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4x2 at $43,900 RRP. Entry seven-seat SUV, 120kW, still tows 3500kg, ANCAP 5.
• Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4x4 at $57,900 RRP. The bigger 140kW 3.0L engine with proper four-wheel drive.

So the "Isuzu ute" is the D-Max, and if you need seven seats instead of a tray, the MU-X is the SUV version. Simple.

Isuzu D-Max vs the rivals

The D-Max sells on reliability and its unfussed diesel, not on power figures. At 120kW for the 4x2 base and 140kW for the 4x4 3.0L, it's not the strongest number on paper. Here's how the entry SX 4x4 Crew Cab at $58,700 stacks up against utes people put on the same shortlist:

• Toyota HiLux WorkMate 4x2 Single Cab from $33,990 RRP. Cheaper, more powerful on paper at 150kW, but it only tows 2900kg and it's a two-seat single cab. Different job.
• Ford Ranger XL 4x2 Double Cab at $43,530 RRP. 125kW, 3500kg tow, ANCAP 5. The Ranger is the segment benchmark for on-road manners but this XL 4x2 is rear-drive only.
• Mazda BT-50 XT SC 4x2 at $42,900 RRP. This is basically a D-Max under the skin, built on the same platform, 140kW, tows 3500kg. If you like the D-Max mechanicals but prefer Mazda's styling, that's your car.
• Kia Tasman S 4x4 at $42,990 RRP. Newer to the market, 154kW (strongest here), 3500kg tow, ANCAP 5, 4WD. Sharp value.
• GWM Cannon Ultra at $44,490 RRP. 135kW, 3500kg tow, 4WD, ANCAP 5, loaded with gear for the money.
• LDV T60 MAX Pro Auto at $36,990 RRP. Cheapest 4WD dual-cab here with 160kW and 3500kg tow. Big power, sharp price, but no ANCAP rating listed and the brand's resale is unproven next to Isuzu.
• Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x2 at $43,690 RRP. 150kW, 3500kg tow, ANCAP 5.

The honest read: on raw price and power the D-Max SX 4x4 loses to the Kia, GWM and LDV. What it's got is a long track record for engine reliability and a strong dealer/service network. That's the whole Isuzu pitch, and it's why fleets keep buying them.

The Isuzu N-Series trucks

If your search was actually about the bigger Isuzu trucks, that's the light-truck N-Series, which is a separate business to the utes. Entry point is the Isuzu NLR 45-150 Cab Chassis MT SWB at $52,900 RRP, a 110kW car-licence-friendly light truck that tows 4000kg. There's a longer wheelbase NLR 45-150 LWB at $55,900, and the wider NNR 45-150 MT SWB at $56,900. These are for delivery and trade fitouts, not a ute alternative, so don't confuse them.

How to choose

• Want a tradie work truck on a car licence? D-Max SX Single Cab Chassis 4x2 at $41,243, fit your own tray.
• Want the family dual-cab that does everything? D-Max SX Crew Cab 4x4 at $58,700.
• Need seven seats, not a tray? MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4x2 at $43,900 or the 3.0L 4x4 at $57,900.
• Chasing value over the badge? The Kia Tasman S 4x4 and GWM Cannon Ultra give you more power and gear for similar money. Test drive both against the D-Max before you sign.
• Need a proper light truck? Start at the NLR 45-150 SWB.

My advice: don't buy the Isuzu just because it's an Isuzu. Drive the Kia and the Ranger back to back. If they don't win you over, the D-Max reliability story is a very safe bet.