Isuzu D-Max 2021 launch review: How family friendly is it?

I LOVE driving a ute, especially with my family! So given the opportunity to quickly check out the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max just before it went on sale, I jumped at the chance and (with a little help) squeezed just ONE last review in before I gave birth!

Let's have a look at how the new D-Max LS-U dual-cab version stands up as a family ute and a BabyDrive...

Read the full review:
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/utilities/new-2021-isuzu-d-max-launch-review/

The interior has been overhauled enough to be unrecognisable, in a good way, and is nowhere near as basic as it used to be. Gone is the washing machine dial that controlled the aircon and hello neat dual climate controls that look similar to those in some luxury cars.

There are now rear air vents in the back of the central console box of all dual-cab D-Max models, which is excellent for keeping rear passengers cool. Even better, the system has a HEPA cabin filter that helps remove a lot of allergy-causing particles and very fine dust from the air.

The steering wheel is now adjustable in/out and up/down which is still quite rare in utes. Best of all, it made space for my pregnant belly behind the wheel!!!

The new 2021 Isuzu D-Max is also packed FULL of family-friendly safety features, the kind of long list you would expect to find in a family SUV, not a ute! I am glad to see it there and finally protecting all the passengers in these work vehicles that often double as family haulers.

BAD NEWS

The previous model D-Max used to take three child seats so well! So if you already own an Isuzu D-Max and use three child seats in the back and want to upgrade to the new one... You can't!

The top tether anchorages, unfortunately, have now been changed to the woven fabric loop method a bit like the Nissan Navara and Toyota HiLux. This is why you can now only install two child seats. There are lots of concerns around these woven loops in terms of safety, longevity and being able to safely and correctly install child seats.

I can not understand why Isuzu has moved to this car seat installation method, not least because it eliminates existing D-Max owners who need to carry more than two child seats. It's strange that they needed to use this method because the rear seatback still folds forward like the old one, which was good in terms of child seat installation that it didn't need changing!

Legroom is good in the back of the 2021 New Isuzu D-Max and with a rear-facing capsule installed we could fit a 184cm driver in front of it.

I got a quick half an hour drive in the new 2021 Isuzu D-Max LS-U and I was amazed how light the steering is. As well as now being fully adjustable, the steering wheel feels really nice in your hands.

It was pretty smooth for a ute over my local jiggly road and overall it was great to drive on first impressions with a much quieter and smoother engine as well. In fact, when idling, the new D-Max was actually quieter than the Kia Carnival I had at the same time, so good for not disturbing little passengers when they're asleep!

Read the full review:
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/utilities/new-2021-isuzu-d-max-launch-review/

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