Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD LS-E: The Farmer's Favourite Gets Serious Upgrades

Isuzu's D-Max has long been the choice of South African farmers and fleet operators who value durability above all else. The 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine has powered these bakkies through floods, across riverbeds and over mountain passes for years without complaint. For 2024, Isuzu has given the D-Max a thorough refresh that adds luxury and technology to that proven mechanical foundation. The headline change is the 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the old 6-speed unit. The new gearbox transforms the D-Max's character — it's smoother, more responsive and keeps the engine in its torque sweet spot at highway speeds, helping fuel consumption drop from 9.1L/100km to a claimed 8.5L/100km. We drove from Johannesburg to the Waterberg region of Limpopo — 300km of N1 highway followed by 200km of increasingly rough gravel roads as we ventured toward Marakele National Park. On the highway, the D-Max cruises effortlessly at 120km/h with the engine barely above 1,800rpm. Wind noise is acceptable but not class-leading. On gravel, the D-Max's solid rear axle proves its worth. Ground clearance of 230mm, approach angle of 31 degrees and departure angle of 26 degrees mean the LS-E tackles most gravel road situations without drama. The locking rear differential (standard on this model) provides additional security in slippery conditions. The interior is the biggest surprise — Isuzu has installed a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, a digital driver display and genuine leather seats with heating and cooling functions in the LS-E. It's a significant step up from the agricultural interior of previous generations. At R689,900, the D-Max 3.0 LS-E undercuts the equivalent Hilux and Ranger by a meaningful margin. If you need a reliable, capable workhorse with a surprisingly decent interior, the D-Max deserves serious consideration.