Australian patrons are selecting up what Isuzu is placing down relating to the MU-X.
The body-on-frame seven-seat massive SUV has racked up 11,535 gross sales this yr to the top of July, positioning the MU-X simply behind the Ford Everest within the gross sales battle.
It’s a big enchancment over the place Isuzu sat at this level final yr, and the surge coincides with the launch of a second powertrain in Australia.
It was beforehand solely offered with the three.0-litre turbo-diesel, however now you can get Isuzu’s household SUV with a smaller 1.9-litre engine, which has introduced down the price of entry and possession.
The MU-X now begins at $47,400 earlier than on-road prices for the 1.9L 4×2 LS-M, however that’s strictly a household faculty bus.
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Adventurers eager to take the (filth) highway much less travelled might be one thing like this: the 1.9L 4×4 LS-U.
At a contact underneath $60,000 plus on-roads, the automotive on check right here is not any Everest-lite. Somewhat, it instantly competes with the bottom Everest Ambiente, in addition to specced up variations of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and SsangYong Rexton.
It’s down on grunt and towing capability in comparison with each the three.0-litre and its rivals, so is the smaller powertrain match for the MU-X in LS-U trim?
How does the Isuzu MU-X examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Isuzu MU-X in opposition to equally sized autos.
Isuzu
MU-X
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X value?
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 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 comparability instrument.
What’s the Isuzu MU-X like on the within?
Earlier than you possibly can expertise the inside atmosphere of a big 4×4 SUV, you must efficiently clamber up into it. That’s not an arduous process with the MU-X, which presents aspect steps and chunky seize handles to assist ingress.
As soon as on board, interiors throughout the MU-X vary are workmanlike for essentially the most half, however this mid-spec LS-U provides just a few mod-cons and luxuries to the combo.
There’s nonetheless loads of crossover with the bottom LS-M, although. Identically formed black fabric-trimmed seats characteristic right here, full with the identical wavy, white-lined sample.
It’s an odd design selection, and never one I’m an enormous fan of. From a consolation perspective, the seats lack some bolstering to carry you in place throughout off-road escapades, however have greater than sufficient cushioning to make them comfy for lengthy freeway runs.
The LS-U beneficial properties driver’s seat energy lumbar adjustment.
You sit up good and excessive, which is a promoting level for a lot of SUV patrons who desire a commanding view of the highway and the accompanying sense of safety it gives.
All of the essential controls are properly inside attain, too. The leather-wrapped steering wheel options tactile buttons for the cruise management system, audio output, Bluetooth telephone connection, and instrument show modes.
The features are neatly separated, so that you by no means need to take your eyes off the highway to make the right choice.
Local weather controls are housed beneath the infotainment display screen and operated by way of a set of toggles. Once more, the format is simple and bodily switches present immediate suggestions. The LS-U brings dual-zone local weather management, so that you’ll by no means battle over cabin temperature together with your companion using shotgun.
Whereas I can’t query the usability of the inside options within 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 tv for pc navigation, DAB+ radio, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay.
It’s a easy unit that doesn’t provide greater than the important options, and it was unclear what among the icons had been for.
Additional, the graphics are grainy by fashionable requirements and processing energy appears to be missing. The system was typically sluggish to connect with my iPhone, unresponsive to the touch inputs, and smartphone audio would generally lower out and in.
A few of these complaints may be remedied with a wired telephone connection, however even that requires some forethought because the MU-X is just fitted with USB-A shops, not the USB-C factors that many fashionable telephones hook as much as.
The instrument show can be just a little underwhelming. Flanked by flashy silver gauges that hark again to Mercedes-Benz AMG fashions of earlier many years, the display screen could be very small with grainy graphics.
Should you’re after cutting-edge inside tech, this most likely isn’t the automotive for you.
Cabin supplies are on par with rivals within the section. Material covers each the seats and the padded door trims, and the centre armrest is cushioned for elbow consolation.
There’s loads of onerous plastic on the doorways and sprint, which isn’t glamorous however wears properly, suiting a automotive on this vein.
Sadly, among the plastics are the shiny black selection, famend for being susceptible to scratching and smudging.
For a automotive of this dimension, house owners aren’t spoilt for storage up entrance. The door bins are lengthy however slender, whereas the glovebox and centre console are equally underwhelming.
Having stated that, you get a helpful cubby located above the glovebox – a staple of tradie-friendly utes and SUVs. As are cupholders integrated into the sprint. Sun shades may be tucked away in an overheard compartment.
Entrance row space for storing could disappoint, however second row passengers are unlikely to complain a few lack of room.
Legroom is plentiful, and even long-legged adults can comfortably relaxation their knees in opposition to the gentle seat backs. Restricted headroom is extra prone to pose a difficulty, however even then adults underneath six-five needn’t fear.
Cupboard space can be in sturdy provide. Each outboard passengers are afforded entry to map pockets, massive door bins, and centre cupholders. Twin USB-A shops can be found for the youngsters to maintain their units charged.
The third row is equally roomy, which got here as a shock for the reason that rear seats can really feel like an afterthought in some seven-seat SUVs.
I’m six-one and never what many would name versatile, however I used to be simply capable of each climb into the again and get comfy. My knees pressed calmly into the seat again, and headroom is unchanged from the second row.
Facilities embody cupholders and two small storage trays.
With all three rows in use, the MU-X presents 311L of boot area – sufficient for a few in a single day baggage, or a grocery run.
Drop the 60/40-split seat backs and cargo room expands to 1119L, which is lots for almost any event.
Should you run a Christmas tree operation or want provides for a weekend of house enchancment, an enormous 2158L of capability may be accessed by ditching the second row, which folds utterly flat.
The boot lid is power-operated, opening and shutting with an accompanying beep to forestall any accidents.
| Dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4X4 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4850mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Top | 1825mm |
| Wheelbase | 2855mm |
| Cargo capability | 311 litres (7-seat) 1119 litres (5-seat) 2138 litres (2-seat) |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
| Specs | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4X4 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.9L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 110kW (3600rpm) |
| Torque | 350Nm (1800-2600rpm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Drive kind | Half-time four-wheel drive (2H, 4H, 4L) |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 7.4L/100km (mixed) |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 9.0L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 196g/km (mixed) |
| Gasoline tank | 80L |
| Weight | 2140kg (kerb) |
| Payload | 735kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3000kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 2800kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 5500kg |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?
The 1.9-litre engine was launched to the MU-X line-up this yr, and doesn’t appear to go well with the adventurous, heavy-lifting ethos of the mannequin.
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LS-M proven
Round city the four-cylinder works simply tremendous. It’s environment friendly, consuming a claimed 7.4L/100km on the mixed cycle, which is a key promoting level over each the three.0L MU-X and thirstier rivals such because the Toyota Fortuner and SsangYong Rexton.
We noticed 9.0L/100km over the course of our check, and have beforehand achieved 8.2L/100km.
With 110kW of energy and 350Nm of torque obtainable, the MU-X feels a bity lazy underneath acceleration, however that’s hardly ever a difficulty when travelling at metropolis speeds.
Whereas it’s just a little extra sluggish than the three.0-litre engine off the road, the engine pairs properly with a six-speed computerized transmission that shifts by way of the gears very easily. Revs and the undesirable noise they create are saved to a minimal consequently.
Auto-hold can be available to take stress off your proper foot when sitting at visitors lights.
The steering wheel is mild to show and the MU-X feels gentle and floaty over bumps within the highway, each optimistic components of the driving expertise.
Tight areas may be difficult to navigate, nevertheless. The MU-X is an enormous wagon, and consequently it may be a squeeze driving it down slender suburban streets. That doesn’t sit properly with the ahead collision warning system, which is way too desirous to set off blaring alarms within the cabin.
Busy carparks will also be daunting. At 4.85m lengthy, it’s an enormous automobile that seems like an excellent larger one, so parking is commonly troublesome in tight areas, regardless of the inclusion of entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a reversing digital camera.
Shortcomings referring to the downsized 1.9-litre engine are additionally evident on the freeway.
This MU-X is underpowered for its dimension, and it struggles to each speed up to 100km/h in a well timed method after which preserve that pace, particularly uphill.
Adaptive cruise management comes normal, however there’s not sufficient grunt for the system to work successfully. Throughout ascents the speedometer can drop as a lot as 10-15km/h beneath the set pace, and I opted to override cruise on these events.
The engine additionally makes numerous noise in such conditions, nevertheless, freeway terrain tyres preserve highway noise down.
It’s telling the 1.9-litre needed to work so onerous all through our check, contemplating my weight as a single occupant pales into insignificance in comparison with the family-hauling and trailer-towing that patrons will demand from their MU-X.
Isuzu quotes a braked towing capability of 3000kg, which is simply down on its rivals.
So it would take you just a little longer to achieve the wilderness, however as soon as you permit the blacktop the MU-X begins to make much more sense.
4-wheel drive variants are outfitted with a part-time four-wheel drive system that’s switchable between 2H, 4H and 4L on unsealed surfaces.
Positioned subsequent to the 4WD mode selector is the button for ‘Tough Terrain Mode’, which makes use of ABS to redirect torque from airborne or spinning wheels to people who are firmly grounded.
Hill descent management and a lockable rear differential rounds out the suite of off-road options. The previous limits the MU-X to a sluggish and regular tempo on sharp declines, whereas the latter sends equal energy to each rear wheels regardless regardless of various states of traction.
Whereas we didn’t take the automotive off-road this time round, I can vouch for its terrain-tackling functionality after taking part within the Isuzu I-Enterprise program earlier this yr.
| Off-road dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4X4 |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1570mm |
| Floor clearance | 235mm |
| Strategy angle | 24 levels |
| Departure angle | 26.9 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 19.6 levels |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
What do you get?
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is offered in three completely different trim ranges, although the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine choice can solely be had within the entry-level LS-M and mid-spec LS-U variants.
Isuzu MU-X LS-M highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- All-terrain tyres
- Computerized LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- LED daytime working lights
- LED mixture tail lights
- Darkish gray metallic tail mild accents
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Black and gunmetal gray grille
- Color-coded entrance bumper
- Black aluminium aspect steps
- Black aspect mirrors
- Underneath-front metal skid plate
- Metal plate guards (4×4 solely)
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- 4.2-inch digital multi-function show
- Guide air-conditioning
- Second and third row air vents
- Polyurethane steering wheel
- Polyurethane gear selector
- Electrical park brake
- Keyless entry
- Push-button begin
- 4×4 choose dial (4×4 solely)
- Rear differential lock button (4×4 solely)
- Carpet flooring
- 7 seats
- Material upholstery
- 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
LS-U provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Freeway-terrain tyres
- Tungsten silver and chrome grille
- Heated, body-coloured mirrors with built-in indicators
- Magnetite aluminium aspect steps
- Magnetite fog mild surrounds
- Magnetite bumper trim
- Magnetite roof rails
- Arms-free energy tailgate
- Privateness glass
- Entrance parking sensors
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 8-speaker sound system
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Stroll-away door locking
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Leather-based steering wheel
- Leather-based gear selector
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Solar visor self-importance mirrors
- Driver’s seat energy lumbar assist
Is the Isuzu MU-X secure?
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP, issued in July 2022 after a redesign to the driving force’s knee airbag and instrument panel.
| Class | Isuzu MU-X |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 33 out of 38 (86 per cent) |
| Baby occupant safety | 41.99 out of 49 (85 per cent) |
| Weak highway consumer safety | 37.63 out of 54 (69 per cent) |
| Security help | 13.49 out of 16 (84 per cent) |
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X vary comes normal with the next security options:
- 8 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Ahead collision warning
- Publish-collision braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic auto swap off (NEW)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Emergency lane-keeping
- Land Assist System swap
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Trailer sway management
- Visitors signal recognition
- Improper pedal braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
Isuzu MU-X LS-U variants and above additionally obtain entrance parking sensors and tyre stress monitoring.
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X value to run?
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is roofed by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee. Whenever you service on schedule at an Isuzu seller, as much as seven years of roadside help is obtainable.
Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, aside from a complimentary three-month service.
| Working prices | Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4×4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km |
| Roadside help | 7 years (conditional) |
| Service intervals | 12 months, 15,000km |
| Capped value servicing | $449 per service for five years |
| Whole capped value service value | $2245 |
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Isuzu MU-X
The Isuzu MU-X ticks numerous bins as a do-everything, go-anywhere household SUV – it’s secure, comfy, sensible, and environment friendly in 1.9-litre specification.
Upgrading from the bottom mannequin to the LS-U brings elegant exterior touches, loads of inside niceties, and freeway tyres, gearing it in the direction of highway use.
The smaller powertrain additionally suits the job description for a seven-seat household runaround. Nevertheless, that goes in opposition to the DNA of the MU-X as no-nonsense, talent-laden off-roader.
The 1.9L four-wheel drive LS-U occupies a bizarre center floor, and it suffers for that.
Priced at over $60,000 drive-away, the MU-X competes with seven-seat unibody SUVs which can be much more refined on the highway and simpler to stay with on a regular basis.
On the opposite aspect of the coin, the 1.9L Isuzu lacks the grunt and towing capability to match different devoted four-wheel drives such because the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
The LS-U additionally loses among the worth enchantment that base variants boast – you would purchase a SsangYong Rexton or LDV D90 and pocket 1000’s of {dollars} as a substitute.
That stated, the candy spots within the MU-X vary are onerous to look previous. The LS-M 3.0L 4×4 makes for an awesome weekend warrior, and it’s only a $2000 step up from the variant examined right here to its extra succesful 3.0L counterpart.
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