2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Review

This is where the MU-X steps into the fight, with its rugged D-MAX-based platform promising a best-of-both-worlds approach for 4x4 buyers, underpinned by the company’s long-standing value proposition. 

Isuzu has split the MU-X range into three different trim levels, each available with two engines and both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains for a variety of buyers. 

This LS-T variant sits at the very top of the range, representing the most luxurious member of the MU-X range you can get thanks to a largely interior, creature-comfort-focused equipment list. 

Combined with the flagship 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and 4x4 system, the LS-T 3.0 4x4 is the pinnacle of the MU-X range - but is it worth it? 

To find out, we got behind the wheel of the flagship MU-X to find out how it stacks up as a comfortable, capable, practical and well-equipped member of the family 4x4 wagon segment. 

Isuzu MU-X LS-T Competition

How Much Does the Isuzu MU-X LS-T Cost?

The range-topping MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 you’re looking at is priced at $69,400 before on-road costs, though is available for certain buyers from $67,990 drive-away. 

For reference, the most affordable member of the MU-X 3.0 4x4 range, the LS-M is priced at $55,400, while the cheapest LS-T trim level with a 4x2 system is priced at $63,400. 

Prices for the entire MY24 Isuzu MU-X range can be found below. 

• LS-M 1.9L 4x2 - $47,400

• LS-M 3.9L 4x2 - $49,400

• LS-M 1.9L 4x4 - $53,400

• LS-M 3.0L 4x4 - $55,400

• LS-U 3.0 4x2 - $55,900

• LS-U 1.9 4x4 - $59,900

• LS-U 3.0L 4x4 - $61,900

• LS-T 3.0L 4x2 - $63,400

• LS-T 3.0 4x4 - $69,400 (tested) 

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Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Have?

Sitting at the top of the range, the MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 comes with a lengthy equipment list filled with every creature comfort Isuzu has up its sleeve. 

Features specific to the LS-T trim level include a set of 20-inch, two-tone alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with four-way power adjustment for the passenger seat, remote engine start, ambient interior lighting and a leatherette centre console and door sills. 

The MU-X LS-T also picks up features you’ll find in lesser variants like adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, aluminium side steps, a hands-free boot lift, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever and a rear-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors. 

There’s also a hefty list of off-road-focused features for the LS-T that we’ll cover later in this review.

Isuzu MU-X LS-T Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The range-topping MU-X LS-T comes packaged with Isuzu’s 9.0-inch infotainment system sitting atop the dashboard. 

It’s a sizable display that gives the cabin a fairly high-tech vibe and serves as a significant upgrade over the 7.0-inch display fitted to the entry-level MU-X LS-M range. 

Isuzu’s 9.0-inch unit receives satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity and is paired with an eight-speaker sound system that provides far more power than the base sound system. 

Compared with its direct rivals, Isuzu’s 9.0-inch display isn’t the most high-definition or intuitive unit on the market, in fact, at first glance it looks like a bit of an aftermarket option with a fairly uninspiring menu layout. 

That said, it offers far more real estate than the base display and is relatively easy to use, though we’d like to see the D-Max’s revised version make its way to MU-X range, which features rotary controls for the volume rather than buttons below the display. 

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

Most of the gripes of Isuzu’s stock menu layout are quelled when you connect your smartphone and use the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functions. 

Thankfully, Isuzu’s updated infotainment tech does indeed offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for both ecosystems, which is a welcome addition for those looking for a brighter, more intuitive infotainment suite. 

The process of connecting our iOS device to the MU-X was quick and simple, with no noticeable dropouts or bugs over a week. 

Keep in mind that the MU-X does not offer a wireless charging pad as standard - it’s reserved as an optional extra priced at $470. To keep your devices charged up, you’ll need to pull out a USB-A charging cable. 

Is the Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Comfortable to Drive?

There’s no beating around the bush on this one - the MU-X is fabulous on a wide range of Aussie roads. 

Throw it at anything from a school run to a choppy country road and a long-distance haul up the highway and the MU-X is a confident partner in crime that feels planted, comfortable and at ease. 

You can chalk it up to a number of things, namely the MU-X’s platform - borrowed from the almighty D-MAX ute range - which provides a tough and durable skeleton to build a mighty impressive body-on-frame SUV. 

You can also tip your hat to Isuzu’s 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which provides tonnes of torque to launch you up to speed and keep you moving around town. 

With 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque on tap, the MU-X picks up speed respectably, with smooth shifts on offer from its six-speed automatic transmission. 

We recently got behind the wheel of one of its lesser-powered siblings with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel and while it’s a willing little unit, there’s simply no replacement for extra displacement.  

Where the 1.9-litre felt a little under-gunned and out of puff picking up speed, Isuzu’s 3.0-litre unit really shines with its work-ready nature and generous torque premium over the smaller turbo-diesel unit - proving itself more than worthy of an upgrade. 

For a vehicle of its size, Isuzu has done well to give the MU-X a user-friendly nature and polite manner around town. 

The steering rack is incredibly light, which makes parking and low-speed turns in a car park a simple task. 

While there isn’t a heap of feedback when you’re at speed, you do get a sense of what the front wheels are up to, with Isuzu obviously going for a very friendly driving experience in the urban jungle. 

With heavy-duty suspension hardware lurking underneath, the MU-X is incredibly confident on a mix of Australian roads. 

Around town, the MU-X irons out smaller bumps and potholes without a fuss, while taking larger bumps in its stride, even while riding on the largest 20-inch alloys in the range. 

You certainly get a feel of its body-on-frame construction tackling some bumps at higher speeds, where the MU-X tends to get a bit bouncy, though it remains planted to the road in a confidence-inspiring manner. 

There’s significant body roll when you’re really pushing in the corners, though on a more subdued and realistic drive on a country road, the MU-X is fabulous. 

Rounding out the package is an effortless driving experience on the highway, with tonnes of get-up-and-go from its turbo-diesel engine, smooth ride and a particularly quiet cabin. 

The end result is a near-faultless driving package that stands confidently on its feet in the face of a tough mix of country roads while retaining a set of table manners around town that would make anyone’s Mum pleased. 

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

The MU-X is a well-rounded package that is both comfortable around town and extremely well-credentialed when pushing up an off-road trail. 

It’s worth noting, though, that if you’re strictly after an adventurous, go-anywhere MU-X, this probably isn’t the best choice in the lineup for you. 

This is down to the larger 20-inch alloys, which look great, but detract from its true abilities off-road that means enthusiasts should probably give the LS-M variant a closer inspection, which rides on 18-inch alloys, accommodating larger profile all-terrain tyres and added movement of the tyre itself in the wheel arch over tough terrain. 

That said, the MU-X, even in fancy LS-T form, remains a mighty-capable package - though its versatility is somewhat handicapped by some of the more premium equipment that is bundled in with the LS-T. 

With the help of Isuzu’s 4x4 system with 2H, 4H and a transfer case for 4L, as well as a locking rear differential and a high-riding platform with 235mm of ground clearance, the MU-X has all the hallmarks of a tough off-roader. 

For those looking to tow a boat or a caravan, the MU-X with the 3.0-litre engine is a no-brainer thanks to its abundant torque figures, while a trailer sway control system as standard adds confidence when hauling around Australia. 

Below you can find key off-road figures for the MU-X LS-T, as well as its braked towing capacity, gross vehicle and gross combination mass to give you an idea of its tough pulling power. 

• Ground Clearance: 235mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 29.2 degrees

• Departure Angle: 26.4 degrees

• Breakover Angle: 23.1 degrees

• Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500kg

• Payload: 620kg

• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) - 2,800kg

• Gross Combination Mass (GCM) - 5,900kg 

Is the Isuzu MU-X LS-T Fuel Efficient?

With Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel unit sitting as a no-brainer for off-road enthusiasts and those looking for a hearty towing partner, fuel economy does suffer over its smaller 1.9-litre sibling. 

The trade-off in terms of power is worthwhile, in our opinion, for buyers who are looking to use their MU-X to haul their caravan around Australia. 

Official fuel economy figures for the MU-X LS-T stand at 8.3L per 100km on a combined cycle. 

In our time behind the wheel, we were able to average slightly more than Isuzu’s claims, sipping 8.4L per 100km on a mix of highway and town driving, as well as large stints on country roads. 

• MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Combined Cycle Fuel Economy: 8.3L/100km

• MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 City Consumption: 10.3L/100km

• MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Highway Consumption: 7.2L/100km

Is the Isuzu MU-X LS-T Practical and Spacious?

Step inside and it’s clear to see that the Isuzu MU-X is a spacious beast perfectly positioned for family duties. 

Ticking the box for LS-T variants adds predominantly interior upgrades that make it by far the most refined member of the MU-X lineup, too. 

Headlining the list of upgrades is leather upholstery throughout the cabin, with the driver and front passenger picking up eight- and four-way power-adjustment, respectively. 

Buyers living in a cold climate can also rejoice because the LS-T grade adds heated front seats, while some soft-touch leatherette added to make the centre console and door sills look a bit more premium. 

The culmination of special touches certainly makes the LS-T’s cabin a more deluxe offering, though it’s not a transformative series of changes, rather, some extras bundled on top. 

That said, the MU-X’s front cabin is a lovely place to kick back.

There’s tonnes of adjustment in the seating position and the steering wheel, with excellent forward visibility on offer to get comfortable behind the wheel. 

Controls are easy to get under wraps, with a row of silver switches for the climate control settings with additional buttons sitting beside the gear lever and atop Isuzu’s rotary 4x4 system controller. 

In terms of storage, the MU-X offers a solid range of options. 

There’s a tray sitting behind the gear lever, a small pair of cupholders and a compact storage area underneath the folding armrest. 

You’ll also find a pair of cupholders on the outer edges of the dashboard, as well as a pair of gloveboxes in front of the passenger’s seat. 

Moving to the second row, the MU-X treats those in the rear with a great deal of respect. 

There’s more than enough legroom on offer for adults seated behind a tall driver, meaning you’re unlikely to hear any complaints from young ones perched back here. 

You’ll also find an abundance of headroom thanks to the lofty roofline, while the leather-upholstered seats feel great underneath. 

In terms of amenities, there’s a small coat hook and cubby hole - that can fit a smartphone, but that’s about it - as well as a pair of USB-A charging ports, roof-mounted air vents and door bins on either side.

The MU-X’s second row can recline to a considerable degree, allowing those seated in the rear to lay further back for a snooze on a long trip. 

For the parents out there - the MU-X offers two pairs of ISOFIX anchors in the second row, as well as three top tether mounts hiding behind the seatback, though none in the third row. 

On the topic of the third row, the MU-X holds a pretty impressive set of cards.

Access is made relatively simple by folding and flipping the 60/40 split rear bench seats up against the first row, with just one pull of the handle completing the manoeuvre without much of a hassle. 

Slide your way into the third row and there’s a heap of space for kids - even adults if you’re desperately in need of a quick ferry around town. 

Headroom is decent in the third row, while a window, dedicated air vents, storage nooks and cupholders mean those in the rearmost of the cabin aren’t left out of the action. 

All up, space and practicality is arguably one of the strongest selling points of the MU-X platform which stands as a fully-fledged seven-seater that doesn’t shy away from a challenge. 

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 the Isuzu MU-X LS-T Safe?

The MU-X range boasts a hefty list of active safety equipment, especially in range-topping LS-T form. 

As standard, all members of the MU-X range come fitted with autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure alerts with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, trailer sway control, post-collision braking and forward collision warnings. 

You’ll also receive a rear-view monitor with rear parking sensors, traffic sign detection, wrong-pedal braking and eight airbags inside the cabin. 

The LS-T also benefits from a tyre pressure monitoring system and front-mounted parking sensors that are fitted to the mid-range LS-U and above. 

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

Isuzu’s MU-X range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, making it a safe option for large families. 

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 LS-T Come With?

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

The company offers up to seven years’ worth of roadside assistance when you service your vehicle on time, at the dealership. 

There is also five years’ of capped-price servicing on offer, which totals $2,245, or $449 per visit,  which is the same as the D-MAX.  

Isuzu also offers a complimentary 3,000-kilometre/three-month service for buyers. 

Service intervals for the Isuzu MU-X range stand at 12 months or 15,000-kilometres, whichever elapses first. 

Our Verdict: Is the Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0 4x4 Worth it?

The Isuzu MU-X is a fantastic 4x4 family wagon - one that confidently holds its own with the biggest names in the segment, particularly on the value front. 

The only problem with the MU-X LS-T is that it fumbles the ball slightly on the value front and, in our mind, isn’t the best variant on offer in the range - that award goes to the LS-U 4x4. 

If, however, you’re simply looking for the most luxurious take on the adventure-ready MU-X platform, there’s no debate that the LS-T is the pick - and one that looks and feels more contemporary than some of its major rivals… just not the one with the big blue oval badge. 

For a wider range of buyers looking for sheer versatility, though, the added price premium for these luxurious elements doesn’t quite stack up when you compare it to a lesser grade with the same, trusty 3.0-litre diesel and super-capable 4x4 system. 

That said, the MU-X LS-T is a great option for adventurous families that still demand some creature comforts inside and, as a result, is well worth a spot on your 4x4 family SUV shortlist. 

Don’t forget that our team of car-buying specialists is waiting on hand to find the best possible price on your dream car. 

Five Isuzu MU-X LS-T Specs You Need to Know

• Six-year/150,-kilometre warranty

• 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm)

• 8.3L per 100km combined cycle fuel economy

• 3,500kg braked towing capacity, 620kg payload

• Five-star ANCAP safety rating