Australian patrons are selecting up what Isuzu is placing down in terms of the MU-X.
The body-on-frame seven-seat giant SUV has racked up 11,535 gross sales this yr to the tip 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 college bus.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation
Adventurers eager to take the (grime) highway much less travelled can 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. Relatively, 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 towards equally sized autos.
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MU-X
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X value?
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
What’s the Isuzu MU-X like on the within?
Earlier than you may expertise the inside atmosphere of a giant 4×4 SUV, you must efficiently clamber up into it. That’s not an arduous job with the MU-X, which affords aspect steps and chunky seize handles to assist ingress.
As soon as on board, interiors throughout the MU-X vary are workmanlike for probably the most half, however this mid-spec LS-U provides just a few mod-cons and luxuries to the combination.
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 a wierd 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 snug for lengthy freeway runs.
The LS-U good points driver’s seat energy lumbar adjustment.
You sit up good and excessive, which is a promoting level for a lot of SUV patrons who need a commanding view of the highway and the accompanying sense of safety it offers.
All of the essential controls are nicely inside attain, too. The leather-wrapped steering wheel options tactile buttons for the cruise management system, audio output, Bluetooth cellphone 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 proper choice.
Local weather controls are housed under the infotainment display and operated through a set of toggles. Once more, the format is easy and bodily switches present instantaneous suggestions. The LS-U brings dual-zone local weather management, so that you’ll by no means struggle over cabin temperature along with your companion driving 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 a few of the icons had been for.
Additional, the graphics are grainy by fashionable requirements and processing energy appears to be missing. The system was usually gradual to hook up with my iPhone, unresponsive to the touch inputs, and smartphone audio would typically minimize out and in.
A few of these complaints may be remedied with a wired cellphone connection, however even that requires some forethought because the MU-X is simply fitted with USB-A retailers, not the USB-C factors that many fashionable telephones hook as much as.
The instrument show can also be a little bit underwhelming. Flanked by flashy silver gauges that hark again to Mercedes-Benz AMG fashions of earlier many years, the display may be very small with grainy graphics.
In case 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. Fabric 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 nicely, suiting a automotive on this vein.
Sadly, a few of the plastics are the shiny black selection, famend for being vulnerable to scratching and smudging.
For a automotive of this measurement, homeowners aren’t spoilt for storage up entrance. The door bins are lengthy however slim, whereas the glovebox and centre console are equally underwhelming.
Having stated that, you get a useful cubby located above the glovebox – a staple of tradie-friendly utes and SUVs. As are cupholders included 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 couple of lack of room.
Legroom is plentiful, and even long-legged adults can comfortably relaxation their knees towards the tender seat backs. Restricted headroom is extra prone to pose a difficulty, however even then adults underneath six-five needn’t fear.
Space for storing can also be in robust provide. Each outboard passengers are afforded entry to map pockets, giant door bins, and centre cupholders. Twin USB-A retailers 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 in a position to each climb into the again and get snug. My knees pressed calmly into the seat again, and headroom is unchanged from the second row.
Facilities embrace cupholders and two small storage trays.
With all three rows in use, the MU-X affords 311L of boot area – sufficient for a few in a single day luggage, or a grocery run.
Drop the 60/40-split seat backs and cargo room expands to 1119L, which is lots for almost any event.
In case you run a Christmas tree operation or want provides for a weekend of residence enchancment, an enormous 2158L of capability may be accessed by ditching the second row, which folds fully flat.
The boot lid is power-operated, opening and shutting with an accompanying beep to stop any accidents.
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
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 swimsuit the adventurous, heavy-lifting ethos of the mannequin.
Round city the four-cylinder works simply advantageous. 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 not often a difficulty when travelling at metropolis speeds.
Whereas it’s a little bit extra sluggish than the three.0-litre engine off the road, the engine pairs nicely with a six-speed computerized transmission that shifts by the gears very easily. Revs and the undesirable noise they create are saved to a minimal consequently.
Auto-hold can also be available to take stress off your proper foot when sitting at visitors lights.
The steering wheel is gentle to show and the MU-X feels tender 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 slim suburban streets. That doesn’t sit nicely with the ahead collision warning system, which is much too desirous to set off blaring alarms within the cabin.
Busy carparks may also be daunting. At 4.85m lengthy, it’s an enormous automobile that appears like a fair larger one, so parking is commonly tough in tight areas, regardless of the inclusion of entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a reversing digicam.
Shortcomings regarding the downsized 1.9-litre engine are additionally evident on the freeway.
This MU-X is underpowered for its measurement, and it struggles to each speed up to 100km/h in a well timed method after which keep that velocity, particularly uphill.
Adaptive cruise management comes commonplace, 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 under the set velocity, and I opted to override cruise on these events.
The engine additionally makes a whole lot of 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 a little bit longer to succeed in 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.
Situated 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 gradual 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 collaborating within the Isuzu I-Enterprise program earlier this yr.
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
What do you get?
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is on the market in three totally 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 wheelsAll-terrain tyresAutomatic LED headlightsAutomatic high-beamLED daytime working lightsLED mixture tail lightsDark gray metallic tail gentle accentsRain-sensing wipersBlack and gunmetal gray grilleColour-coded entrance bumperBlack aluminium aspect stepsBlack aspect mirrorsUnder-front metal skid plateSteel plate guards (4×4 solely)7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlayWired Android AutoDAB+ digital radio4-speaker sound system4.2-inch digital multi-function displayManual air-conditioningSecond and third row air ventsPolyurethane steering wheelPolyurethane gear selectorElectric park brakeKeyless entryPush-button start4×4 choose dial (4×4 solely)Rear differential lock button (4×4 solely)Carpet flooring7 seatsCloth upholstery6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
LS-U provides:
18-inch alloy wheelsHighway-terrain tyresTungsten silver and chrome grilleHeated, body-coloured mirrors with built-in indicatorsMagnetite aluminium aspect stepsMagnetite fog gentle surroundsMagnetite bumper trimMagnetite roof railsHands-free energy tailgatePrivacy glassFront parking sensors9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemSatellite navigation8-speaker sound systemDual-zone local weather controlWalk-away door lockingTyre-pressure monitoringLeather steering wheelLeather gear selectorAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorSun visor self-importance mirrorsDriver’s seat energy lumbar assist
Is the Isuzu MU-X secure?
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star security score from ANCAP, issued in July 2022 after a redesign to the motive force’s knee airbag and instrument panel.
The 2024 Isuzu MU-X vary comes commonplace with the next security options:
8 airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Ahead collision warningPost-collision brakingBlind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertBlind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic auto swap off (NEW)Lane departure warningLane preserve assistEmergency lane-keepingLand Help System switchAdaptive cruise management with cease/goTrailer sway controlTraffic signal recognitionWrong pedal brakingRear parking sensorsReversing digicam
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. While 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, other than a complimentary three-month service.
To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Isuzu MU-X
The Isuzu MU-X ticks a whole lot of containers as a do-everything, go-anywhere household SUV – it’s secure, snug, 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 towards 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 are much more refined on the highway and simpler to reside 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 a few of the worth attraction that base variants boast – you would purchase a SsangYong Rexton or LDV D90 and pocket 1000’s of {dollars} as an alternative.
That stated, the candy spots within the MU-X vary are onerous to look previous. The LS-M 3.0L 4×4 makes for a fantastic 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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