2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider limited edition added despite 12-month wait times on other models

Isuzu D-Max dealers – and customers – have questioned the need to introduce more than 1000 examples of a new limited-edition model while they wait up to 12 months for utes ordered last year.

The 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is a limited edition model based on the basic Isuzu D-Max LS-M, which in standard guise has vinyl flooring, basic seat trim, and a smaller infotainment system compared to top-end models.

However, with a handful of options, the limited-edition costs almost as much as the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain which is listed at $64,990 drive-away.

While the 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider carries-over the vinyl flooring and basic seat fabrics from the Isuzu D-Max LS-M, it gains black alloy wheels, a black sports bar, black side steps, a back grille, a soft tonneau cover and X-Rider badging.

The engine and transmission are unchanged from the standard model: a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel (140kW/450Nm) paired to a six-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive.

Priced from $58,000 plus on-road costs, the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is $2700 dearer than the $55,300 Isuzu D-Max LS-M on which it is based.

The basic Isuzu D-Max LS-M without X-Rider options fitted is listed on the Isuzu website with the following drive-away prices: $59,600 (Queensland), $59,700 (NT) $59,800 (SA), $60,000 (NSW and Tasmania), $60,500 (Victoria), and $61,700 (WA). These prices (rounded) vary due to different stamp duty and registration fees in each state.

Adding the X-Rider's $2700 premium equates to approximately $62,300 to $64,400 drive-away.

This means the limited edition model costs almost as much as the top-of-the-range, leather-lined Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain listed at $64,990 drive-away – which has a waiting list of up to 12 months.

"Normally, car companies introduce limited-edition models towards the end of a product cycle to help boost sales," said one leading Isuzu Ute dealer speaking on condition of anonymity.

"But we have some customers waiting up to 12 months for a D-Max, I reckon (Isuzu) would have been better off putting those 1000 or so cars into existing orders. This is just going to make the queue longer not shorter."

A customer, who says he has been waiting six months for an Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and has been told he still has another six months or more to wait, told Drive: "You would think Isuzu would prioritise customers who are already in the queue. I've been waiting since last year for my car, as have a lot of customers. Why didn't they allocate these production slots to people who have been waiting the longest?"

For now, the final drive-away price of the 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is anyone's guess – and customers will be obliged to negotiate – because on-the-road pricing for the limited-edition model has to date not been listed on the company's website since the model went on sale at the start of January 2023.

The 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider is available in three colours: black, grey and white.

Vehicles are due in showrooms in the coming weeks.