A brand new homegrown hero for the favored Isuzu D-Max ute vary has been unveiled, bringing a bunch of off-road extras developed by Australian engineering powerhouse, the Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
On sale from November 1, the 2025 Isuzu D-Max Blade might be Isuzu Ute Australia’s first direct rival for the Nissan Navara Professional-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rogue.
At $76,990 drive-away, it instructions a circa-$6000 value premium over the high-spec LS-U+ on which it’s primarily based, and a $9000 surcharge over the previous D-Max flagship, the X-Terrain.
The D-Max Blade is an Australian-born dual-cab 4×4 ute created only for this market, with no involvement from the model’s Japanese head workplace past its approval to develop, construct the promote the brand new mannequin.
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Just like the Navara Warrior, the intention with the Blade was to domestically produce a brand new variant of the D-Max (Australia’s third hottest ute final 12 months 12 months behind solely the HiLux and Ford Ranger) that was rather more succesful off-road, by way of a sequence of chassis and beauty upgrades – with out compromising on any of the dual-cab 4×4 ute’s core attributes and whereas sustaining its manufacturing facility guarantee.
As such, it continues to supply a 3.5-tonne towing capability and a Gross Car Mass (GVM) of 3100kg, and whereas payload will increase by 94kg to 896kg, wading depth stays 800mm.
Below the bonnet can be the identical 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as seen in most D-Max variants together with the LS-U+, that means the identical outputs of 140kW of energy and 450Nm of torque.
As an alternative, the modifications give attention to suspension and wheels/tyres, together with Walkinshaw-developed bespoke twin-tube dampers all spherical and new coil springs up entrance, meant to supply a journey peak raise whereas additionally enhancing the D-Max’s on-road dynamics.
Mixed with new 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres, which additionally enhance the ute’s monitor width, IUA says there’s a 22.5mm front-end raise and a 25mm rear-end raise, regardless of the obvious lack of any rear leaf spring modifications.
Nevertheless, whereas that’s about the identical peak enhance because the HiLux Rogue, it’s lower than the all-coil Warrior’s 40mm raise, and in response to IUA specs floor clearance is up by simply 4mm to 244mm.
Safety within the type of a crimson bash plate and black tubular facet steps has additionally been added, whereas a brand new one-piece black rear sports activities bar is fitted within the tray.
Walkinshaw has additionally made some beauty tweaks, specifically within the type of a extra aggressive new black-themed entrance bumper and grille, plus black Blade-specific decals, and huge Blade lettering on the tailgate. On the facet, black fender flares have been added and the wing mirrors and door handles have been blacked out too.
The off-road extras proceed with a light-weight bar built-in into the grille, whereas the Blade carries over commonplace LS-U+ options like Tough Terrain Mode and a locking rear differential.
Inside, the top restraints now characteristic embroidered Blade logos, which additionally seems on the ground mats and door scuff plates.
Blade autos are additionally fitted with plaques designating their particular construct quantity, positioned behind the gear shifter and within the engine bay.
Pricing
The Isuzu D-Max Blade arrives on the high of the not too long ago facelifted D-Max vary, positioned above the beforehand top-spec X-Terrain variant, however relies on the D-Max LS-U+, which sits one rung beneath the X-Terrain.
The LS-U+ is priced at $65,500 earlier than on-road prices, whereas the X-Terrain is priced at $70,500 plus on-road prices, or $67,990 drive-away nationally.
At $76,990 drive-way, the Blade is priced about $6000 larger than its LS-U+ donor ute (which prices $65,500 plus on-roads, or 70,990 drive-away in Sydney; there isn’t a nationwide drive-away pricing for the LS-U+), and $9000 greater than X-Terrain.
The Blade can be not less than $3500 pricier than the Premcar-developed Warrior, which opens at $68,765 plus on-roads for the guide (or $71,490 drive-away in Sydney), and prices $71,265 plus on-roads in computerized type ($73,490 drive-away in Sydney).
Nevertheless, the Blade’s circa-$77k drive-away value does make it about $500 cheaper than the equally auto-only Rogue ($71,530 plus on-roads; $77,499 drive-away in Sydney), and a complete lot extra reasonably priced than the next-level Ford Ranger Raptor ($90,440 plus on-roads).
Drivetrains and Effectivity
The 2025 Isuzu D-Max Blade is powered by the identical engine because the LS-U+, a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder unit matched as commonplace to a six-speed computerized transmission.
Drive is distributed to both the rear wheels solely or by means of a part-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed switch case. The latter provides switchable 2H, 4H and 4L choices, plus an ordinary locking rear differential.
As per the LS-U+, it additionally options Tough Terrain Mode, which may be operated in tandem with the rear diff lock.
Although there isn’t a official gasoline financial system determine for the Blade, different dual-cab 4×4 D-Max variants with the three.0-litre engine are claimed to make use of between 7.7 and eight.0L/100km.
Dimensions
The D-Max Blade is significantly bigger than the LS-U+, thanks partly to the broader monitor width and new fender flares, and in addition provides barely higher strategy, departure and rampover angles.
Servicing and Guarantee
The 2025 Isuzu D-Max Blade is roofed by IUA’s commonplace six-year, 150,000km guarantee. While you service on schedule at an Isuzu seller, as much as seven years of roadside help is included.
Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, other than a complimentary three-month service.
Isuzu D-Max service pricing:
Security
Whereas the Blade particularly has not been examined by ANCAP, the most recent Isuzu D-Max was examined when it was launched in 2020 and earned a most five-star ranking.
That ranking was primarily based on an grownup occupant safety rating of 86 per cent, a toddler occupant safety rating of 89 per cent, a weak street consumer safety rating of 69 per cent and a security help rating of 81 per cent.
The D-Max Blade comes commonplace with the next security options:
Eight airbagsAutonomous emergency brakingBlind-spot monitoringDriver consideration monitoringForward collision warningLane-departure warningLane-keep assistRear cross-traffic assistTurn assistAdaptive cruise management with cease and goTraffic signal recognitionDriver consideration assistReversing cameraRear parking sensorsTyre stress monitoringWrong-pedal acceleration warning
Customary Tools
The Isuzu D-Max Blade contains a vary of chassis and beauty tweaks over the LS-U+ on which it’s primarily based, however lacks some gear discovered within the beforehand range-topping X-Terrain.
Customary options on the D-Max Blade embody:
17-inch black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres29mm suspension raise with Walkinshaw-developed twin-tube dampers3mm thick crimson bash plate8-tonne load rated restoration factors with cross-bracingFender flares with built-in air curtainsBlack entrance grille with built-in tinted lens gentle barBlack entrance bumper claddingBlack tailgate badging, decals, and tubular sidestepsBlack one-piece prolonged sports activities bar with built-in brake lightBlack tailgate deal with, door handles, and facet mirrors‘Blade’ logos on headrests, flooring mats, and scuff platesIndividually numbered Blade identification plates
That’s on high of the usual gear supplied from the LS-U up, which is as follows:
D-Max LS-U options:
18-inch alloy wheelsBridgestone 684II HT tyresSilky Silver and Darkish Gray metallic grilleTow bar receiverTub liner (Ute fashions)Silver facet stepsChrome door handles, tailgate handleElectric folding and heated facet mirrorsLED rear mixture tail lights7.0-inch digital instrument cluster9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlay, Android AutoSix-speaker sound system (House Cab fashions)Satellite tv for pc navigationEight-speaker sound systemThree USB-C ports (Two in House Cab)Proximity entry and push-button startWalk-away door lockWelcome lightDual-zone local weather controlAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorLeather-trimmed steering wheelSatin chrome steering wheel spoke trimsLeather-trimmed gear selectorPiano black, silver and chrome inside trim accentsSoft-touch door trims and centre console armrestCarpet flooringDriver’s seat energy lumbar supportTyre stress monitoring
D-Max LS-U+ provides:
Heated entrance seatsLeather-accented upholsteryLeather-accented door trimsEight-way energy driver’s seatFour-way energy entrance passenger’s seat
In distinction to the Blade, the D-Max X-Terrain provides:
18-inch matte gray alloy wheelsDark Gray and Black Chrome grille‘X’ badging on tailgateMatte black curler tonneau coverDark gray metallic aero sports activities barDark gray metallic sidesteps, mirrors, door handles, tailgate deal with, roof rails, entrance and rear underbody spoilers and fender flaresMaterial black grille surroundLeather-accented upholstery with crimson stitchingRed stitching accentsRemote engine startFront parking sensors
Colors
The Isuzu D-Max Blade is on the market in 4 exterior paint colors at no additional price.
Customary colors embody:
Moonstone White PearlBasalt Black MicaGranite Gray MicaSunstone Orange Mica
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