The Toyota LandCruiser Prado is comfortably ensconced as Australia’s favorite giant, body-on-frame SUV, however there’s a number of jockeying for the quantity two spot.
Final 12 months, the Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest had been neck-and-neck in gross sales. The MU-X entered its second technology in Australia in 2021, however a brand new technology of Everest adopted in 2022 which means the Isuzu is now not the latest child on the block.
The one lately redesigned MU-X, which was such an enormous leap in expertise over its predecessor, now finds itself with an much more fashionable rival. One can’t overlook the Prado, both, which received a shot within the arm with a extra highly effective turbo-diesel engine in 2020 – hundreds of Australians annually drive off with one, regardless of its superior age.
For 2023, Isuzu has given the MU-X some working adjustments. There’s nothing particularly noteworthy right here; aside from a brand new hands-free energy tailgate on the LS-U and LS-T, in addition to an auto-off operate for the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert techniques when a trailer is hitched up and detected through the real trailer plug accent.
In any other case it’s the standard fare: new wheel designs, a brand new paint color, and a few trim adjustments so minor you’d be hard-pressed to note them.
They don’t do a lot to enhance the MU-X’s reasonably awkward seems to be. Whereas the outdated MU-X was clearly ute-based, it was neat and inoffensive in look. This time round, Isuzu’s designers tried to provide the MU-X a seemingly extra crossover-inspired physique design.
Alas, its entrance and rear monitor look too slender, giving the looks of the physique spilling over the perimeters. Its styling is puffy, prefer it’s having an allergic response, and the entrance has a definite overbite to it. Isuzu is fortunate there aren’t many magnificence queens on this phase – want we remind you of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner? – however the chunky, purposeful Everest is vastly extra aesthetically pleasing.
Whereas the adjustments for 2023 are refined, what hasn’t modified is noteworthy. Pricing is similar because it was in 2022, shocking given the ever-present worth will increase we’ve seen throughout the business of late.
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X LS-T value?
Isuzu presents a reasonably big selection of MU-X variants, with our tester sitting on the very high.
There’s one engine, one transmission, and three trim ranges (LS-M, LS-U and LS-T), every with a alternative of rear- or four-wheel drive.
The vary opens at $48,900 earlier than on-road prices and tops out with our LS-T 4×4 tester at $67,400 earlier than on-roads, although Isuzu is at present providing it at $65,990 drive-away. The 4×2 model is $61,400 earlier than on-road prices however has no nationwide drive-away deal.
Premium paint, together with our tester’s Magnetic Pink Mica, is an additional $650. Our tester additionally had $591.58 roof cross-bars fitted.
The highest-spec MU-X goes for mid-range Everest cash, with the closest variant from the Blue Oval being the four-cylinder Development at $65,590 earlier than on-road prices. The turbo-diesel V6-powered Sport is a tantalising $4000 extra, nonetheless…
The LandCruiser Prado might be had in GXL guise for $67,530 earlier than on-road prices, whereas extra inexpensive rivals embrace:
What’s the Isuzu MU-X LS-T like on the within?
One have a look at the MU-X’s inside and its kinship to the D-Max ute is all too clear. Look just a little nearer, nonetheless, and you may see the pleasing touches Isuzu has made to differentiate its SUV.
You continue to get the neat touches that make the D-Max inside interesting, together with twin glove compartments and pop-out cupholders on both facet of the dashboard.
There’s a padded sprint high with stitching parts, giving the looks of leather-based wrapping; this characteristic may also be discovered on the highest-spec D-Max fashions.
The perimeters of the centre console are completed in leatherette, giving your knees a delicate place towards which to relaxation. And whereas the headliner isn’t the thick, woven, it’s not the mouse-fur garbage you’ll discover in some ute-based SUVs.
The LS-T has some ambient lighting within the doorways, which is straightforward however provides some class to the cabin. LED map lights would have been a pleasant, complementary inclusion however sadly they’re not current, with the yellowish dome gentle clashing aesthetically.
One other downmarket contact are the a number of button blanks flanking the gear shifter. Contemplating the LS-T is the range-topping MU-X, that is disappointing.
The fundamental design of the inside seems to be pretty fashionable, although, and every little thing feels sturdily assembled, with no creaks or ill-fitting trim. The doorways really feel fairly gentle and require a agency pull to shut shut, although this may not fall within the con column for you.
When it comes to materials high quality and tactility, the MU-X outshines the Everest and is someplace within the ballpark of the Prado.
Nonetheless, its inside doesn’t really feel dramatically newer and brisker than the classic Prado, and it’s down within the tech stakes towards the Everest.
The 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn’t too laggy, and it does boast wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, plus laborious shortcut buttons beneath. However the interface (together with the navigation) already seems to be dated and the house display buttons are fiddly.
Forward of the driving force, analogue devices flank a 4.2-inch info display. But it surely’s a bit too small and cluttered in look, and when you can customise what seems on the display to a point, the space to empty disappears as quickly because the gasoline gentle comes on – arguably proper if you want it essentially the most.
When it comes to storage, there’s an enough centre console bin plus the aforementioned helpful second glove compartment. The bottle holders may also comfortably match 1L bottles.
The sound system is so-so however the air-conditioning is top-notch, blasting ice chilly air.
The MU-X beeps if you stroll away from it, signifying the car is locking – this is smart. However why should it beep if you merely shut the driving force’s door?
The spacious second-row has two USB-A retailers and a small however open storage cavity on the base of the centre console, plus map pockets on the seatbacks and air vents within the roof. Entry to the third row is simple: merely pull a lever, and the second-row seat tumbles ahead.
The second row doesn’t slide, so there’s no approach occupants in stated row can liberate extra room for these within the far again. However, happily, there’s an honest quantity of room again right here.
I’m 180cm tall and I had an honest quantity of each knee room and toe room. With the backrest in all however essentially the most upright place, I additionally had a passable quantity of headroom.
Somebody taller than me would possibly wrestle again right here, notably because the roof drops down in these far reaches of the cabin, however most adults might be snug again right here on all however lengthy highway journeys.
There are air vents and cupholders again right here, albeit no USB retailers.
Open the tailgate – now with a hands-free characteristic for 2023 – and also you’ll discover 311L of baggage area with all three rows upright. Drop the third row and this expands to 1119L, and will increase additional to 2138L with the second row folded as nicely.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The MU-X is powered by the identical 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine because the associated D-Max and Mazda BT-50 utes, making 140kW of energy and 450Nm of torque.
It’s mated with a six-speed automated transmission and four-wheel drive, with selectable high- and low-range plus a locking rear differential.
Strategy, departure and ramp-over angles are 29.2, 26.4 and 23.1 levels, respectively, whereas wading depth is 800mm.
The MU-X additionally boasts unbraked towing capability of 750kg and braked towing capability of 3500kg, lineball with the Everest and higher than the 3000kg braked determine of the Prado.
Over a loop comprising a mixture of inner-city, suburban and freeway driving, we averaged 9.9L/100km. Over the course of per week the MU-X hovered round 11L in predominantly city driving, however with some extra freeway mileage in it will definitely got here all the way down to 9.4L/100km.
The official mixed cycle declare is 8.3L/100km, with an city declare of 10.3L/100km.
How does the Isuzu MU-X LS-T drive?
Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel punches above its weight within the D-Max, feeling gutsier than its outputs would counsel. It meets its match within the MU-X, although.
Efficiency within the MU-X is enough, and that’s with out a full complement of passengers on board. We wouldn’t name the MU-X sluggish, however a four-cylinder Everest has extra oomph, not to mention the V6.
That further weight over the D-Max, coupled with multi-link coil rear suspension as a substitute of leafs, pays dividends in journey consolation although.
The MU-X furnishes a snug journey over most surfaces. Bumps are absorbed rapidly and adeptly, and don’t radiate all through the car, and it’s solely if you drive over a collection of ruts and imperfections in fast succession the place you’ll actually really feel any impacts – and even then, it’s nearly by no means sufficient to actually upset the MU-X.
Body shake is nearly nonexistent.
Shifts from the six-speed automated are usually easy and unobtrusive, although there aren’t any selectable drive modes.
The MU-X’s steering isn’t fairly as fluid as an Everest’s, but it surely’s not as baulky as a Pajero Sport and feels just a little extra direct than a Prado’s. It has a snug weighting, being neither heavy nor overly gentle.
Not like lots of its rivals, the four-wheel drive system lacks a full-time mode designed for driving on pavement. There are 4H and 4L modes, however these are meant for off-road use solely.
Which means if you need the safety of four-wheel drive traction on, for instance, a wet day within the suburbs, you’re out of luck.
The turbo-diesel engine produces the standard clatter you’d count on, plus the occasional uncouth sound harking back to a heavy truck. Thankfully, noise ranges general are fairly low and there’s no unseemly vibration.
Even at freeway speeds, and regardless of the presence of roof racks on our tester, wind noise is saved at bay. That’s lucky, because the sound system is common at finest.
The lane-keep help system is kind of assertive, although its centring operate wants some finessing.
The adaptive cruise management is well-calibrated and might convey the car rapidly all the way down to the set pace even on steeper descents, if typically with a little bit of noise. General, the MU-X is a snug freeway cruiser.
The visitors signal recognition system additionally works fairly nicely, whereas the forward-collision warning sees a row of crimson lights flash on the base of the windscreen along with the usual instrument cluster message.
Whereas the MU-X LS-T comes with entrance and rear parking sensors and a reversing digicam, we’d prefer to see the choice of a surround-view digicam.
What do you get?
MU-X LS-M highlights:
17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)All-terrain tyresAutomatic LED headlightsAutomatic high-beamLED daytime working lightsLED mixture tail lightsDark gray metallic tail gentle accents (NEW)Rain-sensing wipersBlack and gunmetal gray grille (NEW)Color-coded entrance bumperBlack aluminium facet stepsBlack facet 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 wheel and shifterElectric park brakeKeyless entry and startCarpet flooringSeven seatsCloth upholstery6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
MU-X LS-U provides:
18-inch alloy wheelsHighway terrain tyresHeated, body-coloured mirrors with built-in indicatorsMagnetite aluminium facet steps, fog gentle surrounds, bumper trim and roof rails (NEW)Tungsten silver and chrome grille (NEW)Arms-free energy tailgate (NEW)Privateness glassFront parking sensors9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemSatellite navigation8-speaker sound systemDual-zone local weather controlWalk-away door lockingTyre-pressure monitoringLeather-wrapped steering wheelLeather gear selectorAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorSun visor vainness mirrorsDriver’s seat energy lumbar help
MU-X LS-T (as examined) provides:
20-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels (NEW)Distant engine startAmbient inside lightingCentre console overhead information lightStitched leatherette door trims and centre consoleLeather-accented upholsteryHeated entrance seats8-way electrical driver’s seat adjustment with energy lumbar support4-way electrical entrance passenger’s seat adjustment
Is the Isuzu MU-X LS-T secure?
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star security score from ANCAP, based mostly on testing performed in 2020 of the associated D-Max.
It acquired a design change to the driving force’s knee airbag and instrument panel in July 2022 and was re-tested, sustaining its five-star security score.
That score was based mostly on an grownup occupant safety rating of 86 per cent, baby occupant safety rating of 85 per cent, susceptible highway consumer safety rating of 69 per cent, and security help rating of 84 per cent.
Commonplace security options embrace:
8 airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Ahead collision warningPost-collision brakingBlind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertLane departure warningLane-keep assistEmergency lane-keepingLane Help System switchAdaptive cruise management with cease/goTrailer sway controlTraffic signal recognitionWrong-pedal brakingRear parking sensorsReversing digicam
LS-U variants and above additionally obtain entrance parking sensors and tyre stress monitoring.
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X LS-T value to run?
The MU-X is roofed by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee. There’s additionally as much as seven years of roadside help if you service at an Isuzu Ute supplier.
Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, aside from a complimentary three-month service.
The primary eight providers are capped on the following costs:
The Everest solely has 4 years of capped-price servicing, although they’re cheaper at $329 per go to. The Prado has extra inexpensive providers, too, however frustratingly brief six-month/10,000km intervals.
The Pajero Sport has all of them beat with 10 years of capped-price servicing, and a 10-year, 200,000km guarantee in the event you service throughout the Mitsubishi supplier community.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Isuzu MU-X LS-T
There’s no getting round it: the brand new Ford Everest is extra highly effective, has higher infotainment, a extra refined four-wheel drive system, and is arguably each extra satisfying to drive and higher wanting.
Don’t suppose the Isuzu MU-X has been relegated to also-ran standing, nonetheless. That’s removed from the case, and its lower cost, longer guarantee and extra beneficiant capped-price servicing scheme makes it a compelling various to the newer Everest and the stalwart Prado.
It might not be as punchy as these two, however its journey consolation is aggressive and it doesn’t really feel too truck-like to drive. It additionally has a spacious and sensible cabin, together with a 3rd row that may match some adults, and a degree of match and end that’s superior to the Everest if maybe not on the similar degree because the Prado.
Throw in a Prado-beating and Everest-matching 3500kg braked towing capability and five-star ANCAP score and the MU-X nonetheless stacks up as a worthy giant SUV providing.
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MORE: The whole lot Isuzu MU-X
