Australian buyers are picking up what Isuzu is putting down when it comes to the MU-X.
The body-on-frame seven-seat large SUV has racked up 11,535 sales this year to the end of July, positioning the MU-X just behind the Ford Everest in the sales battle.
It’s a significant improvement over where Isuzu sat at this point last year, and the surge coincides with the launch of a second powertrain in Australia.
It was previously only sold with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, but you can now get Isuzu’s family SUV with a smaller 1.9-litre engine, which has brought down the cost of entry and ownership.
The MU-X now starts at $47,400 before on-road costs for the 1.9L 4×2 LS-M, but that’s strictly a family school bus.
WATCH: Paul’s video review
Adventurers wanting to take the (dirt) road less travelled will be looking at something like this: the 1.9L 4×4 LS-U.
At a touch under $60,000 plus on-roads, the car on test here is no Everest-lite. Rather, it directly competes with the base Everest Ambiente, as well as specced up versions of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and SsangYong Rexton.
It’s down on grunt and towing capacity compared to both the 3.0-litre and its rivals, so is the smaller powertrain a good fit for the MU-X in LS-U trim?
How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost?
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4×2 | $47,400 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4×2 | $49,400 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4×4 | $53,400 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4×4 | $55,400 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4×2 | $55,900 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4×4 | $59,900 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4×4 | $61,900 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0L 4×2 | $63,400 |
| 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0L 4×4 | $69,400 |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What is the Isuzu MU-X like on the inside?
Before you can experience the interior ambience of a large 4×4 SUV, you have to successfully clamber up into it. That’s not an arduous task with the MU-X, which offers side steps and chunky grab handles to aid ingress.
Once on board, interiors across the MU-X range are workmanlike for the most part, but this mid-spec LS-U adds a few mod-cons and luxuries to the mix.
There’s still plenty of crossover with the base LS-M, though. Identically shaped black fabric-trimmed seats feature here, complete with the same wavy, white-lined pattern.
It’s a strange design choice, and not one I’m a huge fan of. From a comfort perspective, the seats lack some bolstering to hold you in place during off-road escapades, but have more than enough cushioning to make them comfortable for long highway runs.
The LS-U gains driver’s seat power lumbar adjustment.
You sit up nice and high, which is a selling point for many SUV buyers who want a commanding view of the road and the accompanying sense of security it provides.
All the important controls are well within reach, too. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features tactile buttons for the cruise control system, audio output, Bluetooth phone connection, and instrument display modes.
The functions are neatly separated, so you never have to take your eyes off the road to make the correct selection.
Climate controls are housed below the infotainment screen and operated via a set of toggles. Again, the layout is straightforward and physical switches provide instant feedback. The LS-U brings dual-zone climate control, so you’ll never fight over cabin temperature with your companion riding shotgun.
While I can’t question the usability of the interior features in the MU-X, the tech comes with its share of downsides.
The LS-U boasts an upsized 9.0-inch infotainment system with native satellite navigation, DAB+ radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
It’s a simple unit that doesn’t offer more than the essential features, and it was unclear what some of the icons were for.
Further, the graphics are grainy by modern standards and processing power seems to be lacking. The system was often slow to connect to my iPhone, unresponsive to touch inputs, and smartphone audio would sometimes cut in and out.
Some of those complaints can be remedied with a wired phone connection, but even that requires some forethought as the MU-X is only fitted with USB-A outlets, not the USB-C points that many modern phones hook up to.
The instrument display is also a little underwhelming. Flanked by flashy silver gauges that hark back to Mercedes-Benz AMG models of previous decades, the screen is very small with grainy graphics.
If you’re after cutting-edge interior tech, this probably isn’t the car for you.
Cabin materials are on par with rivals in the segment. Cloth covers both the seats and the padded door trims, and the centre armrest is cushioned for elbow comfort.
There’s plenty of hard plastic on the doors and dash, which isn’t glamorous but wears well, suiting a car in this vein.
Unfortunately, some of the plastics are the glossy black variety, renowned for being prone to scratching and smudging.
For a car of this size, owners aren’t spoilt for storage up front. The door bins are long but narrow, while the glovebox and centre console are equally underwhelming.
Having said that, you get a handy cubby situated above the glovebox – a staple of tradie-friendly utes and SUVs. As are cupholders incorporated into the dash. Sunglasses can be tucked away in an overheard compartment.
Front row storage space may disappoint, but second row passengers are unlikely to complain about a lack of room.
Legroom is plentiful, and even long-legged adults can comfortably rest their knees against the soft seat backs. Limited headroom is more likely to pose an issue, but even then adults under six-five needn’t worry.
Storage space is also in strong supply. Both outboard passengers are afforded access to map pockets, large door bins, and centre cupholders. Dual USB-A outlets are available for the kids to keep their devices charged.
The third row is similarly roomy, which came as a surprise since the rear seats can feel like an afterthought in some seven-seat SUVs.
I’m six-one and not what many would call flexible, but I was easily able to both climb into the back and get comfortable. My knees pressed lightly into the seat back, and headroom is unchanged from the second row.
Amenities include cupholders and two small storage trays.
With all three rows in use, the MU-X offers 311L of boot space – enough for a couple of overnight bags, or a grocery run.
Drop the 60/40-split seat backs and cargo room expands to 1119L, which is plenty for just about any occasion.
If you run a Christmas tree operation or need supplies for a weekend of home improvement, a huge 2158L of capacity can be accessed by ditching the second row, which folds completely flat.
The boot lid is power-operated, opening and closing with an accompanying beep to prevent any accidents.
| Dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4X4 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4850mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1825mm |
| Wheelbase | 2855mm |
| Cargo capacity | 311 litres (7-seat) 1119 litres (5-seat) 2138 litres (2-seat) |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
| Specifications | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4X4 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.9L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Power | 110kW (3600rpm) |
| Torque | 350Nm (1800-2600rpm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Drive type | Part-time four-wheel drive (2H, 4H, 4L) |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.4L/100km (combined) |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 9.0L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 196g/km (combined) |
| Fuel tank | 80L |
| Weight | 2140kg (kerb) |
| Payload | 735kg |
| Braked towing capacity | 3000kg |
| Gross vehicle mass (GVM) | 2800kg |
| Gross combination mass (GCM) | 5500kg |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?
The 1.9-litre engine was introduced to the MU-X line-up this year, and doesn’t seem to suit the adventurous, heavy-lifting ethos of the model.
LS-M shown
Around town the four-cylinder works just fine. It’s efficient, consuming a claimed 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle, which is a key selling point over both the 3.0L MU-X and thirstier rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner and SsangYong Rexton.
We saw 9.0L/100km over the course of our test, and have previously achieved 8.2L/100km.
With 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque available, the MU-X feels a bity lazy under acceleration, but that’s rarely an issue when travelling at city speeds.
While it’s a little more sluggish than the 3.0-litre engine off the line, the engine pairs well with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts through the gears very smoothly. Revs and the unwanted noise they create are kept to a minimum as a result.
Auto-hold is also on hand to take pressure off your right foot when sitting at traffic lights.
The steering wheel is light to turn and the MU-X feels soft and floaty over bumps in the road, both positive elements of the driving experience.
Tight spaces can be challenging to navigate, however. The MU-X is a big wagon, and as a result it can be a squeeze driving it down narrow suburban streets. That doesn’t sit well with the forward collision warning system, which is far too eager to set off blaring alarms in the cabin.
Busy carparks can also be daunting. At 4.85m long, it’s a big vehicle that feels like an even bigger one, so parking is often difficult in tight spaces, despite the inclusion of front and rear parking sensors, as well as a reversing camera.
Shortcomings relating to the downsized 1.9-litre engine are also evident on the highway.
This MU-X is underpowered for its size, and it struggles to both accelerate to 100km/h in a timely manner and then maintain that speed, especially uphill.
Adaptive cruise control comes standard, but there’s not enough grunt for the system to work effectively. During ascents the speedometer can drop as much as 10-15km/h below the set speed, and I opted to override cruise on those occasions.
The engine also makes a lot of noise in such situations, however, highway terrain tyres keep road noise down.
It’s telling the 1.9-litre had to work so hard throughout our test, considering my weight as a single occupant pales into insignificance compared to the family-hauling and trailer-towing that buyers will demand from their MU-X.
Isuzu quotes a braked towing capacity of 3000kg, which is just down on its rivals.
So it might take you a little longer to reach the wilderness, but once you leave the blacktop the MU-X starts to make a lot more sense.
Four-wheel drive variants are equipped with a part-time four-wheel drive system that’s switchable between 2H, 4H and 4L on unsealed surfaces.
Located next to the 4WD mode selector is the button for ‘Rough Terrain Mode’, which uses ABS to redirect torque from airborne or spinning wheels to those that are firmly grounded.
Hill descent control and a lockable rear differential rounds out the suite of off-road features. The former limits the MU-X to a slow and steady pace on sharp declines, while the latter sends equal power to both rear wheels regardless despite varying states of traction.
While we didn’t take the car off-road this time around, I can vouch for its terrain-tackling capability after participating in the Isuzu I-Venture program earlier this year.
| Off-road dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4X4 |
|---|---|
| Track front and rear | 1570mm |
| Ground clearance | 235mm |
| Approach angle | 24 degrees |
| Departure angle | 26.9 degrees |
| Ramp breakover angle | 19.6 degrees |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What do you get?
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is available in three different trim levels, though the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine option can only be had in the entry-level LS-M and mid-spec LS-U variants.
Isuzu MU-X LS-M highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- All-terrain tyres
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- LED daytime running lights
- LED combination tail lights
- Dark grey metallic tail light accents
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Black and gunmetal grey grille
- Colour-coded front bumper
- Black aluminium side steps
- Black side mirrors
- Under-front steel skid plate
- Steel plate guards (4×4 only)
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- 4.2-inch digital multi-function display
- Manual air-conditioning
- Second and third row air vents
- Polyurethane steering wheel
- Polyurethane gear selector
- Electric park brake
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- 4×4 select dial (4×4 only)
- Rear differential lock button (4×4 only)
- Carpet flooring
- 7 seats
- Cloth upholstery
- 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
LS-U adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Highway-terrain tyres
- Tungsten silver and chrome grille
- Heated, body-coloured mirrors with built-in indicators
- Magnetite aluminium side steps
- Magnetite fog light surrounds
- Magnetite bumper trim
- Magnetite roof rails
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Privacy glass
- Front parking sensors
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- 8-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone climate control
- Walk-away door locking
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Leather steering wheel
- Leather gear selector
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Sun visor vanity mirrors
- Driver’s seat power lumbar support
Is the Isuzu MU-X safe?
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, issued in July 2022 after a redesign to the driver’s knee airbag and instrument panel.
| Category | Isuzu MU-X |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 33 out of 38 (86 per cent) |
| Child occupant protection | 41.99 out of 49 (85 per cent) |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 37.63 out of 54 (69 per cent) |
| Safety assist | 13.49 out of 16 (84 per cent) |
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X range comes standard with the following safety features:
- 8 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Turn assist
- Forward collision warning
- Post-collision braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic auto switch off (NEW)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Emergency lane-keeping
- Land Support System switch
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Trailer sway control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Wrong pedal braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
Isuzu MU-X LS-U variants and above also receive front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.
How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost to run?
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is covered by a six-year, 150,000km warranty. When you service on schedule at an Isuzu dealer, up to seven years of roadside assistance is offered.
Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, apart from a complimentary three-month service.
| Running costs | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4×4 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 6 years, 150,000km |
| Roadside assistance | 7 years (conditional) |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 15,000km |
| Capped price servicing | $449 per service for 5 years |
| Total capped price service cost | $2245 |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Isuzu MU-X
The Isuzu MU-X ticks a lot of boxes as a do-everything, go-anywhere family SUV – it’s safe, comfortable, practical, and efficient in 1.9-litre specification.
Upgrading from the base model to the LS-U brings classy exterior touches, plenty of interior niceties, and highway tyres, gearing it towards road use.
The smaller powertrain also fits the job description for a seven-seat family runaround. However, that goes against the DNA of the MU-X as no-nonsense, talent-laden off-roader.
The 1.9L four-wheel drive LS-U occupies a weird middle ground, and it suffers for that.
Priced at over $60,000 drive-away, the MU-X competes with seven-seat unibody SUVs that are far more refined on the road and easier to live with everyday.
On the other side of the coin, the 1.9L Isuzu lacks the grunt and towing capacity to match other dedicated four-wheel drives such as the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
The LS-U also loses some of the value appeal that base variants boast – you could buy a SsangYong Rexton or LDV D90 and pocket thousands of dollars instead.
That said, the sweet spots in the MU-X range are hard to look past. The LS-M 3.0L 4×4 makes for a great weekend warrior, and it’s just a $2000 step up from the variant tested here to its more capable 3.0L counterpart.
Click the images for the gallery
MORE: Buy a Isuzu MU-X
MORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X
