Isuzu Ute MU-X is a large 4WD 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.
MU-X has been a major success in Australia, currently sitting in second place behind Ford Everest and almost double the sales of other ute-based rivals such as Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.
The major change that came with the MY2024 upgrade that arrived earlier this year was the option of a smaller engine. The 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine joins the long-established 3.0-litre turbo-diesel unit.
Both engines are available with the three MU-X variants: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T, as is the choice of two- or four-wheel drive.
STYLING
Although 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 LS-M has a black and gunmetal grey grille, LS-U and LS-T gets a Magnetite and black chrome grille. Both have a large ‘Isuzu’ badge in the top centre.
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.
Each grade rolls on different wheel sizes, 17-inch with the LS-M, 18-inch on the LS-U and 20-inch on the LS-T.
INTERIOR
Inside, MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family vehicle not simply a semi off-road machine.
With a dozen cup holders and 18 storage options, the MU-X’s cabin offers practical and comfortable surroundings with excellent leg, head and shoulder room for all occupants.
Tumbling second-row seats make passenger access to the third-row seating routinely reasonably easy.
Seats are cloth in the LS-M and LS-U and has quilted leather-accented with white stitching in the LS-T.
The LS-T has heated front seats, with improved eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side with under-thigh adjustment, power adjustable lumbar support and four-way power adjustment for the passenger.
The instrument cluster has analogue dials for tacho and speedo, with a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display in between them. This includes a digital speedometer, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, drive modes, fuel usage and vehicle range information.
There’s no wireless smartphone charging in any model.
INFOTAINMENT
The LS-M variant comes with a seven-inch colour touchscreen and four-speaker audio, the LS-U and LS-T get a nine-inch screen and eight JVC Kenwood speakers.
Connectivity is by way of 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.
The new 1.9 four has outputs of 110 kW and 350 Nm from 1800 revs.
Both engines are linked to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive.
SAFETY
The Isuzu Ute MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in September 2022.
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System combines active and passive safety with driver assistance technology.
It has eight airbags which includes a front centre airbag between the driver and the front passenger.
Other safety features across the range include Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Roll-Over Mitigation, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Post-Collision Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Misacceleration Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go Functionality, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Inattention Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The top-spec LS-T gets front and rear parking sensors, the other only have rear sensors.
The outer centre-row seats come with ISO FIX compatible anchor points.
DRIVING
Engine response off the line is pretty good, thought as is often the way in turbo-diesels it’s a bit slow to respond off the mark. Once it’s up and running it does what you ask of it promptly and is enjoyable to sit behind.
It’s not quite car like in the way it drives, but the Isuzu MU-X is pleasant to drive in the way that it provides good feel from the steering wheel as what vehicle is doing.
It 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 and it’s excellent in the way that it responds to road conditions.
Towing capacity with the 3.0-litre MU-X is 3500 kg, dropping down to 3000 kg from the 1.9-litre.
Fuel consumption from the 1.9-litre engine is listed at 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged 8.1 L/100 km during our test.
The MU-X comes with an odd six-year / 150,000 km warranty – most of its rivals have five years and unlimited distance.
Ther’s also seven years of roadside assistance and seven years capped-price servicing available.
SUMMING UP
Dealing, these days, mainly with SUVs that would run a mile rather than tackle tough terrain, it was good to get behind the wheel of a genuine off-road wagon in the shape of
the Isuzu MU-X.
We have a 3.0-litre model in our family that shares its time between transporting our grandchildren around or using its 3500 kg towing capacity to effortlessly pull a horse float.
The new 1.9-litre engine cuts $2000 from the price of the 3.0-litre but towing capacity is reduced from 3500 to $3000 kg.
Otherwise, specifications within each variant are the same.
There is another MU-X upgrade on the way and it’s likely to pick up a number of improvements that have been added to the latest D-MAX.
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 1.9-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×2: $47,400
MU-X LS-M 3.0-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×2: $49,400
MU-X LS-U 3.0-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×2: $55,900
MU-X LS-T 3.0-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×2: $63,400
MU-X LS-M 1.9-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×4: $53,400
MU-X LS-U 1.9-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×4: $59,900
MU-X LS-M 3.0-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×4: $55,400
MU-X LS-U 3.0-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×4: $61,900
MU-X LS-T 3.0-litre turbo-diesel auto 4×4: $69,400
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Isuzu Ute dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door SUV)
ENGINE:
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 1110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 350 Nm @ 1800-2600 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.4 L/100km
CO2 emissions 196 g / km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4850 mm
Wheelbase: 2855 mm
Width: 1870 mm
Height: 1825 mm
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 2155 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Six years / 150,000 kilometres
