2025 Isuzu D-MAX BLADE 4×4 Crew Cab Ute (launch drive)

As reported by Exhaust Notes Australia, Isuzu took the covers off its shiny new off-road centered D-MAX BLADE 4×4 Crew Cab Ute final week. We have been there to not solely watch that occur, however to take it for a spin throughout some difficult terrain in South Australia.

Developed in collaboration with Walkinshaw Automotive Group over the previous three years, its identify is impressed by the Katana, the sword of the Japanese samurai, which symbolises power, honour, and self-discipline.

The BLADE’s aggressive and chiselled exterior design actually reinforces this picture, wanting harking back to a troublesome, life-size Tonka truck. With a wider wheelbase, chunky Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT tyres and flared guards it has a meaner stance too.

However it’s if you step inside and hit the beginning button that the beefy D-MAX’s off-road pedigree turns into obvious, and never for its inside both, however reasonably what it’s really prefer to drive.

That includes Walkinshaw-tuned suspension, and with a $76,990 drive away price ticket, the BLADE was developed to ship each uncompromising off-road functionality and on a regular basis versatility. Our journey behind the wheel started on the Adelaide Hills 4WD park.

It’s right here that the BLADE’s driving dynamics took centre stage. Navigating steep inclines and declines, tight corners, and rocky outcrops, the Isuzu’s enhanced stability was instantly spectacular.

The bigger wheel and tyre bundle not solely boosts cornering functionality but in addition improves general dealing with on the park’s rugged, slim and uneven tracks, massive sharp boulders, deep ruts and water crossings.

The BLADE’s underbody safety was put to the take a look at on rocky sections of the path, with the three.0mm thick Walkinshaw Automotive bash plate providing further defence for the engine and different very important elements.

The restoration factors have been bolstered too, do you have to get into bother, with an 8.0-tonne load score. Cross-bracing improves chassis rigidity; essential for severe off-roaders who typically discover themselves in difficult conditions.

Isuzu’s suite of clever driver help methods, together with trailer sway management, blind spot monitoring, and tough terrain mode mixed to make hill climbs simpler to handle. The latter ensures most traction by distributing energy evenly throughout all 4 wheels.

The off highway driving element of the two-day launch occasion gave us the prospect to interact the latter, in addition to locking the centre diff, with alternatives to check each 4H and 4L modes throughout a variety of circumstances.

It’s truthful to say the greater than 100,000km of sturdiness testing (which included the Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola), performed in partnership with Walkinshaw Automotive on the Monroe 35mm MTV twin-tube dampers has paid dividends.

Even on corrugated tracks, the suspension carried out fantastically, absorbing impacts and sustaining automobile management with out bottoming out. After leaving the park, we hit the scenic roads of Adelaide for some extra testing.

Regardless of the BLADE’s rugged off highway functionality, the suspension felt clean and cozy in suburbia, delivering a experience extra harking back to a well-tuned SUV than a brawny 4×4 ute. Our subsequent vacation spot was the powdery sands of South Australia’s shoreline.

With the tyre pressures lowered to 21 PSI, we flicked the D-MAX into the right drive mode and hit the comfortable sand for a 14km run alongside Goolwa Seashore. Taking in quite a lot of surfaces, and a few steep sand dunes, the BLADE dealt with all the pieces we threw at it.

That included having to keep away from the incoming ocean and take a run up a dune, in what was an exciting expertise for this author. Seashore driving is a favorite pastime for a lot of, nevertheless it can be difficult. The D-MAX nevertheless was greater than as much as the duty.

With a 29mm carry and that suspension setup we talked about offering extra clearance and management, it glided effortlessly over the shifting sand. Its 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, producing 140kW of energy and 450Nm of torque, made gentle work of all of it too.

Paired with a six-speed computerized transmission and Isuzu’s 4×4 terrain command system, the BLADE permits drivers to simply change between 2H, 4H and 4L, guaranteeing optimum efficiency in any circumstances.

Its 800mm wading depth means shallow water crossings alongside the shoreline have been dealt with with out hesitation, additional proving its off highway versatility. The specifically developed tyres, with deep tread blocks and shoulder lugs, offered distinctive grip on any floor.

Their huge 275 65 R17 profile distributed the automobile’s weight successfully too, stopping the BLADE from sinking into the sand. Inside, the cabin is rugged but refined, making it a terrific possibility for weekend adventurers and households.

Leather-based accented seats, and a leather-based steering wheel and equipment selector add a contact of luxurious to the sensible and effectively organised cabin. Visibility is great, due to its elevated seating place, and the motive force’s seat gives 8-way electrical adjustment with lumbar.

Cupholders abound and there’s a singular cool field above the glovebox that matches a 2.0-litre milk container. You’ll additionally discover heated entrance seats and aspect mirrors, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Unique BLADE touches, like embroidered headrests, scuff plates, and ground mats, in addition to individually numbered plaques on the transmission selector and engine bay, give every instance a personalised really feel.

Security tech contains AEB, adaptive cruise management, site visitors signal recognition, lane hold help and rear cross site visitors alert. Greater than only a particular version, the 2025 Isuzu D-MAX BLADE is a formidable contender towards related beefed up rivals.

Accessible in Sunstone Orange Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Granite Gray Mica, and Moonstone White Pearl, the BLADE has a 3.5-tonne braked towing capability. According to the remainder of the D-MAX vary, it’s backed by the Isuzu Service Plus buyer care program.

This contains 5-years capped worth servicing, a 6-year or 150,000km guarantee, and as much as 7-years roadside help (circumstances apply). You’ll find out extra on the Isuzu Ute Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership.

Our take a look at autos have been offered as a part of the Australian media launch of the 2025 Isuzu D-MAX BLADE for impartial evaluation functions.