Isuzu Ute MU-X is a seven-seat family SUV from a Japanese company that has a long
history of producing hard working vehicles. Indeed, Isuzu has a history dating back for
over 100 years in light commercial vehicles including a couple of decades when they
sold here rebadged as Holdens.
The MU-X is one of only two vehicles offered by the Isuzu Ute brand alongside the D-
Max utility with which it shares the same chassis and numerous other components.
MU-X has been a major success in Australia. Sitting on the same platform as the
brand’s D-MAX utility it , currently sitting in second place behind Ford Everest and well
ahead of other ute-based rivals such as Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.
Originally powered exclusively by a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-diesel
engine a 2024 upgrade to both MU-X and D-Max added the option of a 1.9-litre, turbo-
diesel unit.
The smaller engine proved to be short-lived and it was replaced in mid-2025 by a new
2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that provided greater power and torque outputs, lower
emissions and greater towing capacity.
At the same time the chassis and suspension were upgraded along with technical and
safety improvements.
A new flagship MU-X model called X-Terrain was added with the MY2025 update,
joining the existing three variants: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T. The entry level LS-M is
available with either two- or four-wheel drive. All others are 4×4 only.
Our test vehicle here was the X-Terrain. We’ll get into one of the 2.2-litre models early
next year.
STYLING
MU-X is a good-looking vehicle that’s aimed at those looking for an attractive vehicle
that’s going to appeal to family buyers looking for something that’s more than an
upmarket station wagon.
The bonnet is tall and slopes down at the outer edges. The windscreen has a practical,
relatively upright slope in that it doesn’t reach too far back and therefore keeps the sun
off the driver and front passenger.
The roof stretches back so that it provides a tall load area, again adding to the practical
nature of this vehicle.
Two new exterior colours have been added to the MY2025 MU-X with Neptune Blue
and Slate Grey joining the previous six. Our test X-Terrain came with the exclusive
Slate Grey.
X-Terrain adds XT badging, black radiator grille, fender flares and 20-inch gloss black
alloy wheels, lower body side skirts and highway-terrain tyres.
INTERIOR
Inside, MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family
vehicle not simply an off-road machine.
There’s excellent interior space for all occupants in each dimension with tumbling
second-row seats making passenger access to the third-row reasonably easy.
X-Terrain gets leather accented seats with red stitching, red ambient interior lighting
and a 360-degree surround view monitor.
There are cup holders in all three rows, 12 in total as well as 18 storage options.
Boot space with the third-row seats folded is 1119 litres, dropping down to a
reasonable 311 litres with all seven seats in place.
All models come with full size spare wheels, all bolted beneath the rear of the vehicle.
Steel in the LS-M and LS-U, alloy in the LS-T and X-Terrain.
INFOTAINMENT
The LS-M variant comes with a seven-inch colour touchscreen and four-speaker audio.
Ohers get a nine-inch screen and eight JVC Kenwood speakers.
Likewise, LS-M comes with a smaller (4.2-inch) driver’s instrument display compared
with the 7.0-inch screen in LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain. In bright sunshine we struggled
to read the screen with light bouncing of it.
Fortunately, there are two physical controls for the audio and some toggles below the
screen to adjust the air con settings.
Embedded satellite navigation is only included above the LS-M
Connectivity is by way of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine has maximum power of 140
kW and peak torque of 450 Nm from 1600 rpm. Transmission is through a six-speed
Aisin automatic.
The new 2.2-litre drops to 120kW and 400Nm but gets an Aisin eight-speed auto
transmission.
SAFETY
The Isuzu Ute MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in September 2022. The
subsequent upgrades in the past two years have add numerous extra features as
required by ANCAP to maintain the maximum score.
Standard safety features across the MU-X range start with eight airbags including front
centre and driver’s knee protection together with the mandatory stability and traction
control and autonomous emergency braking.
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assist adds forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control
with engine stop/start, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keeping
assist, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and
braking and trailer sway control.
There’s also hill start assist and descent control, roll-over mitigation, post-collision
braking, forward collision warning, mis-acceleration mitigation, intelligent speed limiter,
driver inattention assist, rear cross traffic alert and ISOFIX child seat anchors in the
outer centre-row seats.
Rear parking sensors are standard in all variants but only the LS-U and above get front
sensors. LS-T and X-Terrain also come with a 360-degree surround view camera.
DRIVING
With its 235mm ground clearance, getting into and out of the MU-X X-Terrain can be
challenging especially for occupants at opposite ends of the age range. Black sidesteps
and grab handles at all doors do help.
As is the norm nowadays there are numerous safety settings that are accessed through
the touchscreen. They are nowhere near as intrusive as many other, mainly Chinese
vehicles, and can be turned off reasonably easily.
As is often the way with turbo-diesels MU-X it’s a bit sluggish off the mark but once it
gains momentum it responds quickly. There’s strong mid-range torque delivering a
plenty of pulling power.
Steering is on the light side, making low-speed manoeuvrers easier and providing good
feedback.
The vehicle turns in nicely and holds the path chosen by the driver without the need for
small changes to keep it on the chosen path.
Keep in mind that you’re driving a 4WD not a passenger car but it is excellent in the
way that it responds to road conditions.
The MU-X range is covered by Isuzu’s unusual six-year/150,000km warranty – most of
its rivals have five years and unlimited distance. It does have capped price servicing
and up to seven years roadside assistance.
Fuel consumption with the X-Terrain as listed at 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres. We didn’t
spend much time off-road and averaged just under 9.0 L/100 km. Pretty good for such
a large and relatively vehicle.
SUMMING UP
Isuzu’s stock-in-trade diesel power and genuine off-road ability have drawn consistently
high sales numbers to the MU-X throughout the six years that it has been on the
Australian market.
It’s well-priced, powerful and versatile, combining large and comfortable family
transport with genuine off-road capability.
We have one in our family that spends most of its time either transporting children
around or using its 3500 kg towing capacity to comfortably pull a double horse float.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
MU-X LS-M 2.2-litre 4×2 diesel: $49,900
MU-X LS-M 2.2-litre 4×4 diesel: $55,900
MU-X LS-M 3.0-litre diesel 4×4: $57,900
MU-X LS-U 2.2-litre diesel 4×4: $62,900
MU-X LS-U 3.0-litre diesel 4×4: $64,900
MU-X LS-T 2.2-litre diesel 4×4: $71,400
MU-X LS-T 3.0-litre diesel 4×4: $73,400
MU-X X-Terrain 3.0-litre diesel 4×4: $77,100
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Isuzu Ute dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Isuzu Ute MU-X X-Terrain 3.0-litre diesel 4×4 five-door SUV)
ENGINE:
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1800-2600 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.8 L/100km
CO2 emissions: 220g / km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4860 mm
Wheelbase: 2855 mm
Width: 1870 mm
Height: 1825 mm
Turning Circle: 11.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 2195 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Six years / 150,000 kilometres
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