2025 Isuzu MU-X Review

The MU-X has become one of Australia's favourite seven-seat SUVs with a rugged, body-on-frame construction that gives it some confidence off-road and excellent towing abilities.

For 2025, the MU-X range boasts a new, sharper styling package, upgraded infotainment and safety equipment lists and a revised suspension package set to make it even more versatile on a mix of Aussie roads.

With no shortage of rivals in the large, adventurous SUV segment, however, how does the latest Isuzu MU-X hold up? Let's take a closer look to find out.

Isuzu MU-X Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the MY25 Isuzu MU-X range kick off from $48,400 for the entry-level LS-M 1.9 4x2 and stretch out to $74,400 for the all new, range-topping MU-X X-Terrain 3.0 4x4.

• MU-X LS-M 1.9 4x2 - $48,400

• MU-X LS-M 3.0 4x2 - $50,400

• MU-X LS-M 1.9 4x4 - $54,400

• MU-X LS-M 3.0 4x4 - $56,400

• MU-X LS-U 1.9 4x2 - $57,400

• MU-X LS-U 1.9 4x4 - $61,400

• MU-X LS-U 3.0 4x4 - $63,400

• MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x2 - $65,400

• MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 - $69,400

• MU-X X-Terrain 3.0 4x4 - $74,400

These prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Isuzu MU-X LS-M 1.9 4x2 Specifications

What Features Does the Isuzu MU-X Have?

Isuzu's entry-level MU-X LS-M range comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys wrapped in Dunlop AT25 all-terrain tyres and receives Bi-LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery with a polyurethane steering wheel, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, push-button start, carpeted flooring, an electronic parking brake, automatic wipers and headlights as well as black side steps, black mirrors and window surrounds.

LS-M 4x4 variants pick up a 4WD system with a low-range transfer case and a locking rear differential.

Stepping up to the LS-U range adds 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone highway-terrain tyres, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, LED fog lights, keyless entry & start, a powered boot lift, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, tyre pressure monitoring, front-mounted parking sensors, and body-coloured door mirrors and door handles.

The MU-X LS-T range picks up 20-inch alloys, a surround-view monitor, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a leatherette finish for the centre console and door surrounds, eight-way power adjustment for the driver, four-way passenger seat adjustment, a black headliner, rear privacy glass, remote engine start and a black finish for the door handles, side steps, roof rails and front fenders.

Isuzu's range-topping MU-X X-Terrain comes riding on bespoke 20-inch alloys and receives upgraded LED fog lights with black surrounds, side skirts and an underbody spoiler, gloss black fenders, red contrast stitching with red LED ambient lighting and a mix of piano black and siler metallic cabin highlights.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Isuzu's latest MU-X range picks up a larger 8.0-inch infotainment system in base form, replacing the previous 7.0-inch display that was showing some signs of its age.

The MU-X LS-M’s 8.0-inch infotainment system isn't a segment leader, though the added screen real estate is a welcome addition sure to be well-received by buyers opting for the base model.

Buyers stepping up to the LS-U or above pick up a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which makes a far better first impression.

The larger display also receives DAB+ digital radio and a satellite navigation upgrade.

The base 8.0-inch unit is paired with a pretty basic four-speaker sound system, while the LS-U and above pick up a more powerful eight-speaker sound system.

Does the Isuzu MU-X Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

One key addition to the MY25 MU-X range has been the addition of wireless Android Auto connectivity.

It's a significant revision for those with an Android smartphone, with the previous offering of only wireless Apple CarPlay making way for a more egalitarian approach to phone mirroring.

That means that all versions of the MU-X range from 2025 onward allow you to climb into the cabin with your phone in your pocket and access both Apple CarPlay & Android Auto wirelessly, or via one of the USB-C ports in the front of the cabin.

What Engine Powers the Isuzu MU-X?

Isuzu offers the MU-X with a choice of two engines, offering a more accessible base model and flagship power across three variants.

The most affordable versions of the MU-X come powered by a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, throwing power to the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

For those looking for more towing power, the MU-X's 3.0-litre turbo-diesel unit offers more power and a significant torque premium, with outputs standing at 140kW and 450Nm, respectively.

Is the Isuzu MU-X Comfortable to Drive?

While previous versions of the MU-X were very approachable, the latest version improves upon the recipe with some new hardware aimed at smoothing out the edges on the road.

Isuzu took the time to test the latest MU-X range on Aussie roads to help refine the suspension hardware and make it a bit more accommodating, particularly on rougher roads.

With the help of a new set of dampers, the MU-X feels more refined while tackling a rough stretch of country road and while it remains firm overall, especially on 20-inch alloys, there's no denying its confident, sure-footed nature on challenging stretches of tarmac.

Around the urban jungle, the MU-X remains user-friendly for such a large, tough platform.

The steering wheel is easy to throw around while offering some feedback as you pick up the pace, making it reasonably simple to navigate your way through tight confines or while parking.

You’ll certainly need to keep an eye out on its proportions, as the MU-X casts a pretty long and wide shadow, though it doesn’t feel like a hardcore, off-road focused package when you're on a daily drive through town.

Overall, the MU-X is nice and approachable for a wide range of drivers while the revised suspension definitely makes a notable difference on rougher stretches of road, making it even more versatile for Aussie buyers.

Is it a Good Off-Roader?

It sure is.

The MU-X offers a wide range of off-road abilities that make it a seriously versatile family mover with a very adventurous spirit.

With excellent ground clearance, tonnes of suspension travel, a rear diff lock and a tough platform shared with the D-Max, the MU-X is a great off-roader that welcomes a challenge.

For 2025, the MU-X 4x4 range picks up a revised Rough Terrain Mode that works alongside the locking rear differential for improved traction on loose terrain and steep inclines.

• Ground Clearance: 230 - 235mm (LS-M vs rest of range)

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 28.6 - 29.2 (LS-M vs rest of range)

• Departure Angle: 27.6 - 26.9 - 26.4 (LS-M vs LS-U vs LS-T)

• Breakover Angle: 22.6 - 23.1 degrees (LS-M vs rest of range)

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel economy figures sit at a pretty healthy place in the MU-X range.

The smaller engine consumes a claimed 7.4L per 100km on a combined cycle, which increases to 7.8L per 100km in the case of 3.0-litre variants with a 4x2 system.

Flagship 3.0-litre power and a 4x4 system brings fuel economy figures up to 8.3L per 100km.

• MU-X 1.9-litre 4x2 Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km

• MU-X 3.0-litre 4x2 Fuel Economy: 7.8L100km

• MU-X 3.0-litre 4x4 Fuel Economy: 8.3L/100km

How Much Can the Isuzu MU-X Carry and Tow?

With two different engines on offer, the MU-X’s towing abilities depend if you're opting for the smaller, more affordable 1.9-litre engine or the flagship 3.0-litre unit.

Variants powered by the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel unit have braked towing capacity figures of 3,000kg, which increases to 3,500kg in the case of the 3.0-litre powerhouse.

There's also an added 100kg worth of gross vehicle mass (GVM) and an added 400kg worth of gross combination mass (GCM) for versions powered by the 3.0-litre unit.

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000 - 3,500kg (1.9 vs 3.0-litre)

• Gross Vehicle Mass: 2,700 - 2,800kg (1.9 vs 3.0-litre)

• Gross Combination Mass: 5,500 - 5,900kg (1.9 vs 3.0-litre)

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The MU-X is a beast when it comes to providing space for families of seven.

It’s a conventional layout that isn't quite as modern or eye-catching as something like the Everest, though it confidently ticks all the boxes when it comes to outright space and accommodation for large families.

Climb aboard and you're treated to tonnes of headroom and a nicely adjustable driving position, with some soft-touch finishes for your elbows and knees.

Storage options up front are also solid, with a large centre console tray sitting behind the gear lever, a pair of cupholders and a large bin underneath the centre armrest.

You also pick up two gloveboxes in front of the passenger's seat and large door bins that round out a healthy list of storage options.

While things are pretty basic in the entry-level version, Isuzu throws in some more premium touches in higher-ranking members of the range.

Move to the second row of the cabin and the MU-X proves itself a very capable family mover.

With excellent leg and headroom for adults, kids won't have any issues in the second row of the cabin, with a pair of USB charging ports, roof-mounted air vents and door bins rounding out the amenities.

The MU-X's second row is also able to recline back and forth for extra comfort on a long road trip and features a neat fold and flip mechanism for easy access into the third row.

Things are tight on the head and legroom front for any adults planning on escaping to the third row, but it's a great place for kids, made better with dedicated air vents, storage nooks and cupholders.

For the parents out there, the MU-X comes fitted with two separate ISOFIX anchors in the second row as well as three top tether mounts hiding on the seatbacks.

How Big is the Isuzu MU-X's Boot?

The Isuzu MU-X rounds out its incredibly strong family-friendly proposition with a healthy amount of boot space.

With all three rows standing in a seven-seat layout, you'll still be able to squeeze a mighty impressive 311L worth of cargo in the boot.

Fold down the third-row seats and you'll unlock a massive 1,119L worth of space, increasing to a maximum of 2,138L with the 60:40 split second-row seats folded.

The MU-X's boot has a relatively flat load floor which makes it easy to lift and slide heavy cargo into the boot, while a number of tie-down hooks are standing by to keep valuables and bulky items from sliding around.

Better still, there's a full-sized spare tyre hiding beneath the boot floor, making the MU-X one of the most practical members of the 4x4 SUV segment.

• Seven Seat Boot Space: 311L

• Five Seat Boot Space: 1,119L

• Maximum Boot Space: 2,138L

Is it Safe?

Isuzu has thrown even more safety equipment into the MU-X range, as well as refining some of its existing ADAS tech and bundling in a new 'Gen4' camera for more accurate detection of hazards and road users.

As standard, every member of the MU-X range picks up AEB with turn assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, mis-acceleration detection, traffic jam assist, trailer sway control, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to the LS-U adds a set of front-mounted parking sensors while the LS-T and X-Terrain pick up a surround-view monitor.

Does the Isuzu MU-X Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

ANCAP gave the MU-X its five-star safety tick after Isuzu's family wagon scored the following marks in 2022 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 86%

• Child Occupant Protection: 85%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 69%

• Safety Assist: 84%

What Warranty does the Isuzu MU-X Come With?

Isuzu offers the MU-X range with a six-year/150,000 kilometre warranty.

Keep it serviced within the dealer network and you'll also receive roadside assistance stretching out to seven years.

Isuzu offers a complimentary three-month service and inspection from the date of purchase and a capped-price servicing package that spans out five years.

Servicing costs for the MU-X range over the course of five years total a very reasonable $2,345.

Service intervals stand at 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Isuzu MU-X Worth it?

The Isuzu MU-X is one of the best seven-seat 4x4 packages on the market, confidently taking the fight to the best in the segment when it comes to versatility and practicality.

More specifically, Isuzu's midlife update for the MY25 MU-X range has proved quite comprehensive and addresses some key areas that needed attention.

The inherent ride stiffness from the tough, body-on-frame construction has been smoothed out with a local-tuned suspension package, while the addition of more safety and entertainment tech never goes astray in the modern landscape.

With a wide range of variants and even the choice of a smaller, more affordable engine and option of a 4x2 system if you’re sticking to city streets more often, there's a lot to like about the sheer value and variety on offer in the MU-X for a wide range of buyers and their needs.

As a result, we highly recommend you add the MU-X to your shortlist and, on that note, don’t forget that if you're looking for the best price on your next car purchase, our team of car-buying experts is waiting to streamline the process for you.

Five Isuzu MU-X Specs You Need to Know

1. Six-year/150,000 kilometre warranty

2. Two engines available: 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel

3. 3,000 - 3,500kg braked towing capacity (1.9 vs 3.0-litre)

4. Seven-seat layout with 311 - 2,138L boot

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2022)