2025 Isuzu D-MAX Blade: First Australian drive

Isuzu UTE Australia in collaboration with Walkinshaw Automotive have unleashed the D-MAX Blade, with the new flagship model expected to compete with the likes of Ford’s Wildtrak X and Toyota’s HiLux GR Sport – no, not the Ranger Raptor.

Developed locally by Walkinshaw, the Blade is exclusive to Australia, but Isuzu is keeping a close eye on the vehicle’s success here to see whether it’s viable for other global markets. Priced at $76,990 drive-away, the Blade is dearer than the HiLux GR Sport ($73,990) but essentially equal money with the Wildtrak X ($76,890).

Unlike those models, though, the Blade has the backing of Walkinshaw Automotive, a brand that is embedded within Australian car culture, harking back to the glory days of HSV and more recently the SportsCat 2, VW Amarok and Mitsubishi Xtreme.

For the Blade, the brain trusts of both Isuzu and Walkinshaw combined forces more than three years ago and the decision was made to base the new halo on the D-MAX LS-U+. Basing it on this premium mid-spec variant meant it would not only get the standard features of the LS-U but add the leather-accented upholstery with black stitching, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats found in the LS-U+.

JUMP AHEAD

• What do you get?
• Walkinshaw changes
• Exterior
• Interior
• On- and off-road performance
• Powertrain
• Safety
• Verdict
• Specs

What else do you get?

Developed in the depths of Walkinshaw’s Clayton facility, the Blade then underwent more than 100,000km of durability testing at Lang Lang, as well as a six-day 3300km test trip to the Flinders Ranges via Arkaroola and Camerons Corner – towing a Wayfarer, no less. The end result was, arguably, the best factory D-MAX in Australia.

Following extensive and arduous concepting, prototyping, testing and re-testing, the Walkinshaw team achieved a 29mm lift courtesy of a new suspension system and a larger wheel and tyre set-up. The vehicle now runs Monroe 35mm MTV twin-tube dampers, specifically tuned for local conditions and 16.6 per cent larger than the original 30mm components.

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The suspension is complemented by 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres mounted on satin black 17x8.5-inch flow-formed alloy wheels with a +17mm positive offset. In contrast, the LS-U+ comes with 265/60R18 tyres and a +33mm positive offset, resulting in a 32mm increase in track width for the Blade.

Walkinshaw also enhanced the D-MAX’s underbody protection by doubling the thickness of the steel bash plate from 1.5mm to 3.0mm. A team of engineers also created a new eight-tonne load-rated recovery point system, complete with an integrated cross member, effectively forming a single-piece unit. These mods have not affected the vehicle's towing and payload capacities, which remain at 3500kg and 896kg.

A full list of Walkinshaw changes

• 244mm ground clearance
• 29.2° approach angle
• 19.2° departure angle
• 25.2° breakover angle
• Blade-exclusive lifted suspension, finished in signature Isuzu red
• Blade-exclusive 3mm bash plate underbody protection, finished in signature Isuzu red
• Blade-exclusive 8-tonne load rated recovery points with cross-bracing, finished in signature Isuzu red
• Blade-exclusive satin black 17x8.5-inch +28 flow-formed alloy wheels
• 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres
• Satin black front grille with ISUZU lettering
• Satin black front bumper cladding
• Satin black fender flares with integrated air curtains
• Blade-exclusive widened mud flaps
• Satin black ‘BLADE’ lettering across tailgate
• Blade-exclusive satin black tailgate badging
• Blade-exclusive satin black decals on front bar, bonnet, doors and tailgate
• Blade-exclusive satin black tubular side steps
• Satin black one-piece extended sports bar with integrated stop lamp
• Tinted lens light bar integrated into the front grille
• Blade embroidered headrest
• Blade embroidered floor mats
• Blade embossed scuff plates
• Individually numbered Blade identification plaque on transmission selector surround
• Individually numbered Blade identification plaque in engine bay
• Basalt Black tailgate and door handles
• Basalt Black door mirrors
• Available in Moonstone White pearl, Basalt Black mica, Granite Grey mica or Sunstone Orange mica

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Exterior

“Visually, with the widened stance and increased ride height, the Blade makes an absolute statement.” Julian Quincey, Walkinshaw’s chief designer, said of the Blade’s design. “But equally, it looks a part of the Isuzu range.”

Wider and taller than the regular D-MAX, the Blade certainly has a strong on-road presence; enhanced of course by enlarged wheel-arch flares (23mm wider, each side), a revised satin black front grille that’s compatible with an OEM bulbar and runs an integrated 112w light bar, and no shortage of decals and geometric stripes.

Aesthetics are entirely subjective, but the geometric stripes on the bonnet are quite busy and somewhat overkill – perhaps the natural, aggressive curves of the vehicle’s shape could serve the same purpose. A one-piece sports bar is also standard, but we’d flick that to improve access to the tub.

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Interior

The Blade’s interior remains relatively unchanged compared to the LS-U+ it’s based on. This means it gets a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster; 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system; eight-speaker sound system; carpet flooring; leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector; and premium soft-touch materials throughout.

As a point of difference, the Blade gets a few unique decals including Blade lettering on the head rests, floor mats and scuff plates, as well as individually numbered Blade identification plaques located on the transmission selector surround.

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Just like the D-MAX LS-U+ it’s based on, the interior layout is logical and easy to use. All buttons are within easy reach, and toggling between 4x4 modes or selecting low range is as easy as changing radio stations. The 9.0-inch touchscreen mirrors this, being simple and intuitive in its operation.

The heated, leather-appointed front seats are supportive and comfortable for long stints behind the wheel – the driver’s pew even has power lumbar support – and there’s a generous 90mm of headroom for the driver. There’s ample room in the back seats for three abreast, albeit with less head room, but it’s still a very comfortable back seat by modern dual-cab standards.

Plenty of storage bins, pockets and drink holders in both rows means there’ll always be somewhere to stow loose items – and the double-decker glovebox is a clever addition. Plus, there’s no shortage of USB sockets, as well as 12v power in the front row.

On- and off-road performance

The net result of a slightly wider track (+32mm), 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres, and revised suspension consisting of specially tuned 35mm MTV twin-tube dampers, is a D-MAX that’s not only 29mm higher but better both on- and off-road.

With renewed ground clearance of 244mm, the rear diff lock engaged and the 4JJ1 purring, the D-MAX is a high-quality off-road workhorse straight from the factory that’ll overcome most off-road obstacles short of anything hardcore. Plus, the addition of Rough Terrain mode as part of the MY24 update essentially enables the Blade to waltz up and down most tracks.

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The D-MAX Blade is also pleasant on-road – something not said of the D-MAX a decade ago – thanks in part to its wider stance and decent rubber boots. On a flurry of sweeping turns en route from the Adelaide Hills to Goolwa Beach, the D-MAX Blade remained planted and surefooted, and the tamed driver-monitoring system stayed quiet for the duration.

Powertrain

The most contentious decision made by the coin-counters at both Isuzu and Walkinshaw is that the venerable 4JJ1 engine remains untouched.

While some may cry foul that power and torque remain at 140kW and 550Nm; the fact is, in the real world and for what this vehicle is designed to do, it doesn’t essentially need more grunt – though it would be nice. Walkinshaw says the decision to not focus on the powertrain was made based on cost, stringent regulations and, as a result, time.

The proven engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4x4 system that remains as per the regular D-MAX. As it’s based on the LS-U+ variant, a rear diff lock is standard. The 4JJ1 engine is paired nicely with the six-speed auto and never feels wanting on- or off-road, with the revised MY24 D-MAX benefitting from improved NVH.

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Safety

The current Isuzu D-MAX received a five-star ANCAP rating in 2022, where it scored 86 per cent for adult occupant protection and 89 per cent for child occupant protection.

The Blade is equipped with the full suite of safety kit that comes standard with the MY24 D-MAX. This includes Isuzu's Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) which features AEB with Turn Assist; Forward Collision Warning; Adaptive Cruise Control; Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control; Traffic Sign Recognition; Lane Departure Warning; Lane Departure Prevention; Lane Keeping Assist; Emergency Lane Keeping; Blind Spot Monitoring; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Rear Cross Traffic Brake; Welcome Headlight; Digital Reversing Camera; Trailer Sway Control; and eight airbags.

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The Blade also gets a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System as standard, which is an extremely useful tool when off-roading, and it proved its weight in gold when lowering and raising pressures at Goolwa Beach in SA. However, a few gremlins in the system caused pressure readings on the digital instrument cluster to randomly disappear and reappear throughout our day of testing.

Verdict

Despite the Walkinshaw treatment not resulting in any change to the engine, the D-MAX Blade is a highly competent off-roader. Plus, it’s compliant on winding bitumen and dirt tracks, thanks in part to its wider stance and excellent all-terrain tyres.

At $76,990 drive-away (remember, that’s an introductory offer and is subject to change), it’s only mildly more expensive than the former flagship D-MAX X-Terrain and well worth considering if you want a premium, halo ute without breaking the bank. Just like the regular D-MAX, Isuzu will offer a six-year/150,000km warranty, and up to seven years of roadside assistance for the Blade.

The Walkinshaw-fettled D-MAX Blade is a regular addition to the local line-up and is now in Isuzu dealerships across the country. Initially, limited stock of just 400 units will be available, but that will ramp up in the new year.

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Specs