Review - 2023 Isuzu MU-X

That’s because underneath the SUV styling, the MU-X takes its platform and important hardware from the work- and adventure-ready D-Max ute, which puts it in good stead for buyers looking for a comfortable SUV package with an adventurous nature.

Just how well does the MU-X perform, then, and how does it stack up against its key rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Starting Price: $47,900

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Isuzu MU-X - LS-M (4x4) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Isuzu MU-X car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Isuzu MU-X range kicks off from $47,900 for the entry-level LS-M 4x4, with prices rising to $54,900 for the LS-U 4x4.

From here, the range moves to the MU-X LS-U 4x2 which is priced at $55,400, while the LS-U 4x4 is priced at $51,400.

Isuzu’s range-topping MU-X LS-T 4x2 is priced at $61,400, while the flagship LS-T 4x4 is priced at $67,400.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

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What Features Does the Isuzu MU-X Have?

Isuzu’s entry-level MU-X LS-M comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tyres, and receives automatic LED head and tail lights, as well as LED daytime running lamps.

The LS-M also receives a front steel skid plate, black aluminium side steps, colour-matching front bumper, keyless entry, a rear locking differential (for 4x4 variants), carpet flooring with cloth upholstery, keyless entry & start, and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with DAB+, wireless Apple CarPlay & wired Android Auto.

Stepping up to the LS-U adds a set of 18-inch alloys, an upgraded silver and chrome grille, magnetite side steps, fog light surrounds, roof rails and bumpers, a hands-free boot lift, front parking sensors, leather steering wheel and gear lever, dual-zone climate control and an upgraded 9.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav and an eight-speaker sound system.

Isuzu’s flagship LS-T gains a set of 20-inch alloys, leather upholstery with heated, power-adjustable front seats, ambient interior lighting, remote engine start and leatherette upholstery for the centre console and door surrounds.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres

• Automatic LED head & tail lights, LED fog lights & daytime running lamps

• Steel skid plate, aluminium side steps

• Rear locking differential

• Cloth upholstery

• 7.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & wired Android Auto

• 18-inch alloys (LS-U)

• Upgraded silver and chrome front grille (LS-U)

• Hands-free boot lift (LS-U)

• Leather steering wheel & gear lever (LS-U)

• 9.0-inch infotainment system with sat-nav (LS-U)

• 20-inch alloys (LS-T)

• Leather upholstery with heated front seats (LS-T)

• Ambient interior lighting (LS-T)

Isuzu MU-X Colours

The Isuzu MU-X range is available in a choice of eight colours, including Obisian Grey, Mineral White, Mercury Silver, Moonstone White, Basalt Black, Magnetic Red, Cobalt Blue and Galaxy Blue.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

While the MU-X might share the majority of its body-on-frame underpinnings with the D-Max ute, this hardware has actually created a sturdy passenger SUV with a healthy amount of off-road versaility up its sleeve.

The MU-X range comes powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, which is up 10kW/20Nm from the previous MU-X thanks to some engine tweaks.

These revisions have reduced the amount of turbo lag on offer from the engine, and while the power and torque increases are small, the overall responsiveness of the MU-X’s engine has increased significantly.

On the road, the MU-X doesn’t break a sweat as it picks up speed thanks to the generous amount of torque on offer, while the six-speed automatic takes care of the shifts in a smooth and responsive manner, with the engine preferring to shift through the gears rather than rev out.

Around town, the suspension is firmer than you might expect thanks to the long-travel suspension hardware, but it is more than acceptable thanks to the MU-X picking up a rear-link rear coil spring setup over the D-Max’s leaf springs.

This makes the ride quality more refined than its ute sibling, while the steering rack is slightly lighter than the D-Max, which makes it more approachable and user-friendly for drivers new to the world of large seven-seat SUVs.

Up front, Isuzu’s double wishbone setup and an upgraded anti-roll bar mean the MU-X is now far more stable as you pick up speed, and has gained a more dynamic nature that, combined with the optional 4x4 system, gives it a planted and confidence-inspiring nature.

The driving experience of Isuzu’s 4x2 variants is much the same, although they don’t offer the same four-paw stability once you pick up the pace.

Is the Isuzu MU-X Capable Off-Road and While Towing?

The MU-X has one trick up its sleeves that very few seven-seat SUVs can match: its 4x4 variants can conquer some seriously tough off-road conditions without breaking a sweat.

This is because the MU-X comes boasting an updated set of off-road driving modes, a hill descent control system, low-range transfer case, an updated rear differential lock and upgraded underbody protection to keep everything safe when pushing off-road.

Ample torque from the turbo-diesel unit provides a healthy push up steep inclines, with the MU-X’s approach and departure angles rated at 29.2 and 27 degrees respectively, while the long-travel suspension helps to navigate tough surroundings with confidence, with a wading depth rated up to 800mm.

In terms of towing, the MU-X range offers braked towing capacities of 3500kg which puts most of its seven-seat SUV rivals to shame, with payload figures ranging between 615kg and 665kg, depending on the variant.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Inside, the MU-X’s interior has been sharpened up over previous generations, though it remains one of the more utilitarian cabins in the segment.

Having said that, though, the amount of space inside the cabin and the number of practical touches make it one of the most family-friendly cabins on offer in the segment, and make a huge difference when you’re squeezing seven people into the cabin.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are positioned high up off the road with a great view out of the windscreen, even with the high-rising infotainment system that dominates the dashboard layout.

Practical elements in the front of the cabin include a storage tray with USB chargers, large door bins either side of the cabin, two gloveboxes in front of the passenger’s seat, a huge amount of storage inside the folding arm rest and no less than 12 cupholders throughout the cabin.

Isuzu has changed the layout slightly to give the second row even more space, with the redesigned cabin offering a generous amount of both leg and headroom that is perfectly fine for even tall adults.

Those seated in the second row of the cabin gain a set of air vents, USB ports, a folding arm rest with cup holders and door bins, with the rear seats also featuring two ISOFIX anchors in the outer seats, and three top tether mounts on the back of the second row.

Move to the third row of the cabin and the MU-X offers an impressive amount of space for its rearmost occupants, meaning it’s a true seven-seat SUV rather than a part-time package and won’t have you feeling guilty about those seated in the third row.

Finally, the MU-X platform offers a generous 311L of boot space with all three rows of seats standing, which expands to 1119L with the third row folded, and a massive 2138L with both rows folded to help accommodate large, bulky cargo and sports equipment without a problem.

Is it Safe?

The Isuzu MU-X range has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 86% for adult protection, 85% for child protection, 69% for vulnerable road user protection and 84% for safety assist.

As standard, the entry-level MU-X comes packaged with autonomous emergency braking with turn assist and forward collision warnings, post-collision braking, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alerts with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, trailer sway control, wrong-pedal braking and a rear-view camera with parking sensors.

While higher-spec variants pick up tyre pressure monitoring and a set of front-mounted parking sensors, it’s admirable that Isuzu packages the entry-level MU-X with a full suite of safety equipment.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel efficiency scores aren’t the strongest selling point of the Isuzu MU-X range, with the 4x2 members of the family returning the most efficient results of 7.8L per 100km on a combined cycle.

The 4x4 MU-X range, however, drinks a more substantial 8.3L per 100km on a combined cycle, though these figures are effectively on par for the course compared to its main rivals.

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

There’s a very small list of SUV packages on the Australian market that confidently tick as many boxes as the latest-generation Isuzu MU-X.

The platform is both impressively tough yet more refined on a daily drive, while the acres of interior space and practical touches make it one of the best options for a large family looking to head outdoors, or those in need of a long-distance towing companion.

As a result, we can’t help but recommend you put the MU-X atop your shortlist of seven-seat, off-road-ready SUVs. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 130kW of power and 450Nm of torque

2. 4x2 and 4x4 variants available

3. Seven-seat layout as standard

4. 7.8 - 8.3L per 100km combined cycle fuel economy

5. 3500kg braked towing capacity

Pros

• Impressive on and off-road behaviour

• Strong towing figures for the seven-set SUV segment

• Oustanding interior space and practicality for seven

• Generous safety equipment suite

Cons

• Unintuitive infotainment system

• Power increases paired with increased fuel consumption

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Isuzu MU-X Competition