Isuzu Australia’s Mark Harman stuck me in a back-to-back procession of D-Max diesel double cabs over the Christmas/New Year period, allowing a widescreen view of the product differences, and some hints of the target markets each derivation is aimed at.

Priced from $67,426 to $78,688 the spread of just over $11,000 allows several levels of cashed-up tradies to “go their own way” in Isuzu-speak.

However no matter which version you choose to admit into your lifestyle, the driveline is the same – a rock-solid 3.0-litre 140kW 450Nm turbo diesel four cylinder on loan from the market leading Isuzu light truck range, a 6-speed intuitive (according to Isuzu) auto transmission, and a rear axle and chassis that is well over-specced for whatever you want to throw at it.

It’s no wonder Isuzu Australia is a highly profitable operation. It’s one of the biggest selling ute ranges, but with far less variance in model options. That alone means more spare parts commonality (meaning less inventory cost) and the likelihood of efficiencies in after-sales service not available to more complex competitors.

It also allows the marketing to emphasise the robust dependability of the D-Max range. And there’s little doubt about that. Just ask the host of caravan and boat owners who hook-up to an Isuzu before taking off across Australia. As the owner of a 23′ Jayco that usually rolls along behind my Nissan Pathfinder, I can attest to the D-Max’s towing credentials.

On the road, each of the three Isuzus displayed a solidity that is at least as good as the best and better than most. So much so that without a load on board or something on the towball, the rear end is quite jumpy. Matched to a very firm front suspension, you wouldn’t want to do big distances on very bad roads on your own, with nothing in the tub. My wife and I do a rough section of outer metropolitan road quite regularly, and the D-Max made sure you knew it was designed by a truck company. Still, you won’t break it.

Off-road there is surprising amount of flexibility in the suspension, keeping each individual wheel in contact and generating traction in most off-road conditions. Only extremes in contours will leave a corner in the air, but the diff lock helps here, provided the driver is paying attention to the road and picking the best line.

The three variants I lived with for a few weeks blended into each other in terms of road feel, but it’s the equipment that marks the differences – and increases the price.

X-Rider was clearly aimed at delivering some popular extras to a pretty base-spec model. X-Terrain added a whole lot more features usually added on by customers at the point of sale, including 18″ alloys, aero sports bar, grey side, front and tailgate highlights, tower, heated door mirrors and a matt-black roller tonneau cover.

Other features include front and rear parking sensors, bigger entertainment and climate control packages and leather inserts across the interior trims.

The Blade meanwhile takes most of that and then gets the Walkinshaw treatment under the skin. 17-inch alloy wheels get 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain tyres, with puncture resistant triple sidewall tyres. There are 35mm MTV twin-tube dampers, a reinforced single-piece recovery point frame with a load rating of 8-tonnes plus a 3mm-thick steel bash plate.

Robust and unbreakable is what I call it.

Driving each of the Isuzus was almost identical – including some quirks on the infotainment screen that annoy first timers but fade into acceptance as the kms roll by. Clearly the formula of mild performance – compared to its competition – teamed to a truck-like feel works well in the market, as the range continues to sell well in every state. The key specs of the driveline carry over into the more passenger oriented MU-X , delivering a loyal crowd of owners that also like to “go their own way.”

Perhaps in the future we can look to some variations on the theme, but don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, an investment in one of the D-Max variants is sure to reward with comfort, absolute reliability and rock-solid strength.

Additionally, a strong resale value makes a powerful case for the Isuzu over some of its competitors.