New-gen D-MAX takes on topselling Ranger.

THE NEXT-GENERATION D-MAX IS FINALLY HERE, BUT HOW DOES IT SHAPE UP TO AN ESTABLISHED BENCHMARK LIKE THE FORD RANGER? WE FIND OUT…

ISUZU Ute Australia calls its new-generation D-MAX a ‘third generation’ model, but that undersells its heritage. It may be the third generation Isuzu ute sold in Australia since the brand launched here in 2008, but it’s the latest in a long line of Isuzu utes that stretch back more like six generations and all the way to 1972. In Australia, the earlier Isuzu utes were sold for 40 years, mostly as the well-loved and well-regarded Holden Rodeo.

This new D-MAX is not just of vital importance to Isuzu here in Australia, but it will have a wider impact in the overall ute market. Mazda’s soon-to-arrive new BT-50 is effectively a new D-MAX also, just one with different body panels and interior fitout. It will end Mazda’s long product-sharing relationship with Ford in this market sector.

The new D-MAX, and its Mazda twin, will also be the first entirely new-generation utes from any major manufacturer to arrive in Australia for five years, and will get the jump on soon-to-arrive new-generation models from Ford and Volkswagen.

To see how the new D-MAX in the range-topping X-terrain spec measures up, we have pitted it against a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, one with the 2.0-litre fourcylinder bi-turbo diesel. We chose this powertrain over the Ranger’s older, more workmanlike 3.2-litre fivecylinder diesel for its superior refinement and economy. Being the newest powertrain across the popular ute segment it seemed a better benchmark for the heavily revised D-MAX powertrain.

The Ranger is also at the pointy end of the current ute market in terms of its on-road ride and handing, off-road prowess, and cabin comfort and space, so again a good benchmark.