Isuzu MU-X LS-T 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.
With research showing 50 per cent of Aussie owners tow something behind their Isuzu
MU-X this latest model has a stronger body-on-frame chassis and re-engineered coil-
sprung five-link independent rear suspension has delivered what the company says is
best-in-class braked towing capacity of 3500 kg.
MU-X comes with three equipment levels: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T, each with the choice
of two- or four-wheel drive. All are powered by Isuzu’s new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine,
putting out 140 kW and 450 Nm, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The MU-X has a six-year / 150,000 km warranty (some rivals have unlimited kays) with
up to seven years roadside assistance and seven years capped-price
servicing available.
STYLING
This 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 front grille is large and stretches all the way to the headlights, indeed it slightly
overlaps the headlights. There’s a huge “Isuzu” badge in the top centre of the grille.
The headlights have an interesting look in that they are in two sections, making them
styling feature not merely a way of letting the driver see better in the dark.
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.
INTERIOR
Again, the MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family
vehicle not simply an off-road machine.
It has quilted leather-accented seven-seat upholstery with white stitching and quilted
leatherette across interior door trims and centre console.
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.
This model has dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, which covers all three-rows.
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.
INFOTAINMENT
A new nine-inch centrally mounted screen displays high-definition infotainment with
crisp images. Connectivity is by way of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Eight JVC
Kenwood speakers give the occupants excellent quality sound.
23MY ISUZU MU-X LS-T Interior.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Power comes from a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-diesel engine. It drives
all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. High- and low-ranges give
it good traction on-road or off-.
SAFETY
The Isuzu MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in August 2021.
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 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.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to drive the MU-X in off-road conditions,
but we are confident the it will handle them well. Perhaps in the future we will find time
to borrow one for a further week and be able to spend time in the tough stuff.
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged 9.3 L/100 km
during our test.
SUMMING UP
Isuzu MU-X LS-T is a well-built Japanese vehicle that looks good, handle well for its
type and is offered in a number of variants. Would I buy one if this is the type of vehicle
I’m shopping around for? Certainly, as it’s one that would sit very high on the list of
vehicles I would shop around for.
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
Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0 turbo-diesel auto 4×2 $48,900
Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0 turbo-diesel auto 4×2 $55,400
Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 turbo-diesel auto 4×2 $61,400
Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0 turbo-diesel auto 4×4 $54,900
Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0 turbo-diesel auto 4×4 $61,400
Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 turbo-diesel auto 4×4 $65,990
Note: The price of the LS-T 4×4 is driveaway. All other prices do not include
government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Isuzu Ute dealer for drive-
away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon SUV)
ENGINE:
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1600-2600 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.3 L/100km
CO2 emissions 206 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
