We are driving the updated 2024 Isuzu D-Max dual-cab ute, with our family onboard and towing our camper trailer! Let's start by putting it through our full BabyDrive testing with child seats and Thule prams. Let's see how we get on.
BabyDrive Verdict
The Isuzu D-Max is a great five-seater dual-cab ute both on and offroad. I am driving the top-spec 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain model in this lovely and bright Sunstone Orange colourway. Isuzu has made a number of changes and improvements for the 2024 update, including subtle restyling inside and out.
The D-Max dual-cab is available in multiple variants: The base LS-U High Rider model starts at $54,500, up to the diesel 4X4 X-Terrain model tested here, which costs $70,500. These prices exclude stamp duty, rego, etc., which vary in each state and territory.
The 2024 Isuzu D-Max looks rugged and stylish on the outside, with all its black detailing. With the Thule Wing Bar Evo roof rack and the Force XT roof box fitted to our test ute, there is ample storage, and the Thule Overcast Awning installed means it is ready to pull up anywhere on family road trips and outings. Let's see how practical it is for families.
The styling inside the Isuzu D-Max is modern and clutter-free.
The back of the D-Max has good storage, and a refillable water bottle will fit in the rear doors.
The rear central seat back has a fold-down armrest with cup holders that will hold a reusable coffee cup or kid's drink cup.
There are map pockets on the back of both front seats that will hold and conceal an iPad and USB-C charging sockets in the back of the central console box.
There is also a bag hook on the back of the front passenger seat which is great for hanging a school bag!
In the front, the central console provides good storage with two cup holders and a small central console storage box.
In front of the gear lever is a phone tray and above it two USB-C sockets and a 12V. There is a USB in the rearview mirror for powering a dash cam too.
Up on top of the dash is a storage tray.
The D-Max has two practical-size glove boxes. The top one is good for a phone, and the lower one fits an iPad with the manual.
There is a cup holders at either end of the dashboard, these are lovely for easily accessing your cup of tea while driving along!
In the ceiling there is a lined glasses case and the front door bin storage is good, too.
Storage in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max's tray is practical for family use, especially those who want to carry their kids' bikes etc. When it's open, the tailgate is toddler head height on all utes so that is something you have to watch with your little ones around it. The good news is, Isuzu has added soft-open hinges to avoid it dropping suddenly down.
From empty, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max's tray holds 25 shopping bags, which is comparable to the Nissan Navara, which holds 24 and the Toyota Hilux, which holds 29 shopping bags. The handy roller shutter on this D-Max X-Terrain does take up a bit of space and we found our 95L camping fridge wouldn't fit under it so it wouldn't close. It is great for day-to-day use though.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat…
…will fit in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 19 shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with two sibling seats…
…will fit in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 19 shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat and bassinet beside it…
…will fit in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 14 shopping bags.
… with the back wheels on, it will fit in the tray of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max with 15 shopping bags (but you probably won't be able to close the roller shutter).
The Thule Spring, lightweight and one-handed folding stroller…
…fits in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 20 shopping bags.
The Isuzu D-Max tray can also accommodate two 90L, two 70L and two 40L Thule Chasm duffle bags.
You can put any size dog in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max.
If you need more space, then the Thule Force XT roof box will hold two 90L and two 40L Thule Chasm Duffel bags. We found this storage really useful when we went camping with our family. We put all our bedding in there and it kept it nice and dry, saving us from having to open up the camper trailer to load things into there once we'd filled the tray!
When it comes to installing child seats in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max…
…there are ISOFix points in both outer second-row seats. They are not within plastic guides, but they are clearly labelled and nice and easy to connect to.
Only the two outer rear seats have top tether anchorages and can have child seats installed. The top tether anchorages work differently than you may be used to in cars. There is a woven loop behind the outer headrests; you pass the top tether strap through that…
… and connect it to the metal anchorage behind the central headrest. The fabric loops are a bit too small for passing straps and adjusters through, which combined with the 90-degree angle this design forces the top tether straps into, make it difficult to get the right tension.
You can only install two child seats in the back of the Isuzu D-Max.
With a rear-facing infant capsule in the second row, we could fit a 180cm driver in front of it. Or, with a forward-facing child seat in the second row, we could fit a 186cm driver in front.
Rear passengers are kept comfortable in the Isuzu D-Max with rear air vents in the back of the central console box, you can keep rear passengers the right temperature while driving along.
There are four air vents across the front dash…
The controls for the climate are centrally located on the dash and are easy to use and adjust while driving.
The Isuzu D-Max's media system has been vastly updated, with a new 9″ screen in the top three specs. It is modern and easy to use. You can navigate around it using the icons at the bottom of the screen.
The D-Max now has wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can access your phone's navigation, messaging, music and podcast apps while driving.
The D-Max has an in-built Sat Nav.
You can easily adjust the sound, which is a great feature for families with noise-sensitive kids.
Within the media screen, you can customise the driver assist settings within the media system, too.
The tyre pressure monitoring system is easy to use on the screen and is very helpful when going off-road and letting your tyres down. There is also a clever system that uses the hazard lights and horn to let you know when you have pumped the tyres back up to the right pressure.
When you put it in reverse, the camera images are much better than the previous model and very helpful when hitching up on the tow ball.
The 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is a great dual-cab ute for driving with your family on board. It has an upgraded suspension and anti-vibration foam in the seats, which makes the ride more comfortable and reduces shuddering. Giving kids and adults a more comfortable ride.
The Thule Overcast Awning we had installed to this D-Max was great for pulling up along the beach for our picnic lunch and picnics when we're out at the park.
The 2024 Isuzu D-Max has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 86% for adult occupancy protection and 89% for child occupancy protection and has eight airbags, including curtain airbags for third-row passengers.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting (curtains) and a driver knee airbag are standard. A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard on all variants.
BabyDrive Indepth
BabyDrive Indepth - Storage
How big is the tray of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain?
Storage in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max's tray is practical for family use, especially those who want to carry their kids' bikes etc. When it's open, the tailgate is toddler head height on all utes so that is something you have to watch with your little ones around it. The good news is, Isuzu has added soft-open hinges to avoid it dropping suddenly down.
From empty, the 2024 Isuzu D-Max's tray holds 25 shopping bags, which is comparable to the Nissan Navara, which holds 24 and the Toyota Hilux, which holds 29 shopping bags. The handy roller shutter on this D-Max X-Terrain does take up a bit of space and we found our 95L camping fridge wouldn't fit under it so it wouldn't close. It is great for day-to-day use though.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat…
…will fit in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 19 shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with two sibling seats…
…will fit in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 19 shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat and bassinet beside it…
…will fit in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 14 shopping bags.
The boot space and its functionality are really important. I like to have a big boot space and little side wells or areas I can divide things into. So something I don’t want to move around while I’m driving such as the kids lunch bag or her wet swimming gear can be sectioned off in a little well where it’s not going to spill or get squashed by the rest of the things in the boot.
Hooks for securing shopping bags to are also favourites of mine, I like being able to secure the bag containing more fragile things like eggs so they don’t move around on the journey.
I measure the boot space in freezer shopping bags, prams and dogs. Not because I think all there is to a mum’s life is food shopping, prams and dogs. (Although it can feel like it sometimes!!) But because these are visually mesurable items we can all associate with. For me, the car company boot measurement of litres is not an amount I can easily visualise and 400L in one car may differ in usability to that in another due to the configuration or shape of the space.
… with the back wheels on, it will fit in the tray of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max with 15 shopping bags (but you probably won't be able to close the roller shutter).
The Thule Spring, lightweight and one-handed folding stroller…
…fits in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max with 20 shopping bags.
The Isuzu D-Max tray can also accommodate two 90L, two 70L and two 40L Thule Chasm duffle bags.
You can put any size dog in the tray of the Isuzu D-Max.
If you need more space, then the Thule Force XT roof box will hold two 90L and two 40L Thule Chasm Duffel bags. We found this storage really useful when we went camping with our family. We put all our bedding in there, and it kept it nice and dry!
How good is storage in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain?
In the front of the Isuzu D-Max, the central console provides good storage with two cup holders and a small central console storage box.
In front of the gear lever is a phone tray and above it two USB-C sockets and a 12V. There is a USB in the rearview mirror for powering a dash cam too.
Up on top of the dash is a storage tray with lid.
The D-Max has two practical-size glove boxes. The top one is good for a phone, and the lower one fits an iPad with the manual.
There is a cup holder at either end of the dashboard, these are lovely for easily accessing your cup of tea while driving along!
In the ceiling there is a lined glasses case…
… and the front door bins will hold a refillable water bottle and an iPad, too.
The back of the D-Max has good storage, and a refillable water bottle will fit in the rear doors.
The rear central seat back has a fold-down armrest with cup holders, which can hold a reusable coffee cup or kid's drink cup.
There are map pockets on the back of both front seats that will hold and conceal an iPad and USB-C charging sockets in the back of the central console box.
There is also a bag hook on the back of the front passenger seat, which is great for hanging a school bag!
BabyDrive Indepth - Noise
How noisy is the 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain? How good is the media system in the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain?
The Isuzu D-Max has an upgraded suspension and anti-vibration foam in the seats, so the ride is a lot quieter than previously, and there is less of the shuddery feeling you often associate with utes. There are few unnecessary beeps and whistles in the D-Max too.
The D-Max's media system has been greatly improved, with a new 9” screen in the top three models. The fonts and layout have been redesigned to make it easier to use.
The new digital reversing camera is clearer than previously and has wider vision. I found it really helpful when hitching up the camper trailer.
The media system in the D-Max now has wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for accessing your phone's navigation, listening and messaging apps.
You can easily access the tyre pressure and angles, etc, through the media screen for off-roading.
The climate controls are below the media screen and are easy to use while driving.
Becoming a parent I soon realised there are some noises and sounds I feel are unnecessary and I could happily live without if it meant my baby stayed asleep!!
That often the distraction of my screaming, distressed baby is more dangerous when driving than not having a lane departure warning for example.
If it is the lane departure warning beeping that creates distress with my baby then which is safest?
It’s where I think we need to be able to strike a balance and choose when we can mute the warnings or swap them to a vibration in the steering wheel or flashing light perhaps?
A lot of these noises come with the increase in technology and especially linked to safety features and alerts. For me these all have their place.
Another thing I have realised is I spend my time in a lot more places where small children roam, parks, beaches, play gyms, swimming lessons, daycare centre etc. I have become more aware that when I’m reversing or manouvering in the car parks I have to tripple check for small children running around behind me or being in my blind spot when reversing. For this I LOVE reversing cameras, I just don’t like their beeping sounds!!
I have become so much more aware of safety and potential accidents or hazards since having a child and so I love the peace of mind that I get from the cameras and sensors combined with my own vision from windows and mirrors as I don’t trust cameras alone.
The indicators in the Isuzu D-Max are not too loud, and you can lock the doors and windows separately using the buttons in the driver's door control panel.
BabyDrive Indepth - Car Seats
How many child seats fit in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain?
When it comes to installing child seats in the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain…
…there are ISOFix points in both outer second-row seats. They are not within plastic guides, but they are clearly labelled, nice, and easy to connect to.
Only the two outer rear seats have top tether anchorages and can have child seats installed. The top tether anchorages work differently than you may be used to in cars. There is a woven loop behind the outer headrests; you pass the top tether strap through that…
… and connect it to the metal anchorage behind the central headrest. The fabric loops are a bit too small for passing straps and adjusters through, which combined with the 90-degree angle this design forces the top tether straps into, make it difficult to get the right tension.
You can only install two child seats in the back of the Isuzu D-Max.
With a rear-facing infant capsule in the second row, we could fit a 180cm driver in front of it. Or, with a forward-facing child seat in the second row, we could fit a 186cm driver in front.
BabyDrive Indepth - Drive & Comfort
How comfortable is the 2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain? And How good is the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain to drive?
The front seats of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain are very comfortable and adjustable using controls on the side of the seat bases. They are divided by a slim central console, giving parents much-needed personal space. This is the top-spec X-Terrain model with anti-vibration foam in the seats, giving a more comfortable drive so you don't feel that shuddering through the seat that is typical of many utes.
For a mum travelling in the back with bub, the seats are very comfortable, too. I found I could sit between two child seats in the back if I moved the child seats out to the edge of the seat bases, but not if I was using the ISOFix.
The seats have perforated leather panels in the front-end back, which will trap kids' crumbs and spills.
For the first year of my first daughters life when we would go out as a family, if I wasn’t driving, I would travel in the back with her so it’s important to check the back seat comfort as you may be spending a lot of time in them! They were never something I gave any thought to before but I definitely notice a good or bad back seat now!
The steering wheel is fully adjustable in/out and up/down. The cruise controls are on the right set of controls on the steering wheel and are easy to use. I found the cruise control to be very accurate on motorways but it does get a little run away at lower speeds on undulating roads.
The gear lever is a traditional gear stick in the central console.
The Isuzu D-Max's rear passengers are kept comfortable with rear air vents in the back of the central console box, so you can keep rear passengers the right temperature while driving along.
There are four air vents across the front dash…
The climate controls are centrally located on the dash, below the media screen, and are easy to use and adjust while driving.
There are handles above both rear doors that are well-positioned to hang a toy for little rear-facing passengers.
As well as big grab handles to help passengers climb in and out of the D-Max. There is a light in the ceiling in the back of the D-Max.
I have found our kids do not like travelling in the dark in the car so if it gets dark whilst travelling then I reach back and turn the interior light on for them. So it’s really important for me that I can reach the rear ceiling light.
Also if I am traveling home and it is getting near to bed time and I DEFINITELY DON’T want her to fall asleep in the car as even a five-minute nap in the car means bed time is all over!!!! I lean back and pop the light on so it’s not dark and try to keep her awake!! Along with screaming/singing at the top of my voice!!!
It is also useful when there are lights situated above the doors where the handles are usually positioned. These are good for when putting baby into their child seats when visibility is poor, so you do not have to reach across them to a light situated in the ceiling centrally etc.
Visibility is pretty good in the 2024 Isuzu D-Max. The ride height gives you great visibility out, and because you can only install two child seats in the back, you can see clearly between them. The new rearview camera improves visibility even more.
One thing I have noticed since being a mum is I hate it when I reach a destination or get home from being out and my daughter has either done really well in the car or she is screaming her head off and I have done really well to keep it together for the entire journey (usually the latter!!) and it takes 10 minutes to park the car! It can be really stressful. Usually I dread parking new cars as they take longer in our tight apartment block carpark, but the Isuzu D-Max was simple to park as the visibility with the cameras is very good!
BabyDrive Indepth - Safety
How safe is the 2024 Isuzu D-Max All-Terrain?
The Isuzu D-Max has been given a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Models built from July 2022 onwards come with eight airbags as standard, including;
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting (curtains) and a driver knee airbag are standard. A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard on all variants.
In the ANCAP crash testing, the Isuzu D-Max scored 86% for adult occupancy protection and 89% for child occupancy protection.
Of the child occupancy testing, ANCAP said;
In both the frontal offset (MPDB) and side impact tests, protection was GOOD for all critical body areas for both the 6 year and 10 year child dummies.
The Isuzu D-MAX crew cab is fitted with lower ISOFix anchorages and top tether anchorages on the rear outboard seats. Installation of child restraints in the centre seat of the second row (crew cab variants) is not recommended as there is no top tether anchorage for this position.
Installation of typical child restraints available in Australia and New Zealand showed that all of the selected child restraints could be accommodated in each of the rear outboard seating positions in the crew cab and full points were scored for this assessment.
Installation of child restraints in the single and space cab variants is not recommended as there are no top tether anchorages.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is not available on the base variant but is a standard or an option on higher variants.
Some of these safety features are also features that drive me crazy as a mum! Like the lane departure and forward collision alert or the parking sensor beeping sound. I want all the safety technology AND to be able to mute the sound when my daughters are asleep!
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About Tace Clifford
Tace Clifford founded BabyDrive in 2017 after discovering a huge information gap in mainstream car reviews that left new parents and expanding families in the dark when it came to one of the biggest purchasing decisions of their lives.
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