2024 Isuzu MU-X Review

With its D-Max skeleton, the Isuzu MU-X offers a go-anywhere nature and heavy-duty towing abilities, all while remaining refined enough for a long-distance road trip with the family in tow.

Just how good is the latest Isuzu MU-X? Let’s take a closer look at the range to find out how it stacks up on practicality, on and off-road manners, fuel economy and features across the lineup to find out which is the best pick for your budget.

Isuzu MU-X Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the Isuzu MU-X range kick off from $48,900 for the entry-level LS-M 4x2, with the LS-M 4x4 priced at $54,900. 

Stepping up to the MU-X LS-U 4x4 brings the price to $55,400, with the LS-U 4x4 priced at $61,400. 

The range-topping 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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Isuzu MU-X - LS-M (4x4) Specifications

What Features & Specs 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 and 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 and keyless entry & start.

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.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Isuzu’s entry-level MU-X LS-M comes fitted with a 7.0-inch infotainment system with DAB+ digital radio which is paired with a four-speaker sound system.

Upgrading to the LS-U adds a larger 9.0-inch infotainment system that receives satellite navigation and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system.

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

Buyers will be pleased to know that all members of the Isuzu MU-X range, including the base model with its smaller infotainment system receive both wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity. 

Is the Isuzu MU-X Comfortable to Drive?

While it’s hard to escape just how large the MU-X package is on the road, it remains impressively user-friendly to drive on a simple run around town.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a hearty 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel pushing out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the wheels via a six-speed automatic.

This gives it more than enough motivation off the line, even while fully loaded, with the healthy amount of torque offering a nice push up to speed when needed, though it sounds a bit thrashy when stretched out.

It also means that you’ve got 3,500kg of braked towing capacity thanks to the turbo-diesel beating heart that is more than up to the challenge.

For all of its hardcore underpinnings, behind the wheel, the Isuzu MU-X is user-friendly to pilot around town thanks to the lightweight steering rack, though the steering feels heavier while making a low-speed turn or while parking.

Having said that, the MU-X’s ride quality is fabulous, with the heavy-duty suspension unphased by small and moderate bumps in town.

This allows it to glide through the urban jungle without a problem and makes for a particularly good long-distance touring option if you’re going to be cruising along rougher Aussie B-roads.

With all that weight to lug around, there’s some noticeable body roll when pushed in the corners, though overall the MU-X platform offers a stable and confidence-inspiring ride quality that is perfect for a mix of Aussie roads.

All up, the Isuzu MU-X is a super versatile package that remains nice and comfortable on a daily drive, user-friendly enough to make it accessible for family buyers and a mega-confident long-distance tourer and towing partner. 

Is the Isuzu MU-X Good Off-Road and For Towing?

Thanks to its D-MAX ute underpinnings, the Isuzu MU-X is an incredibly strong off-road package for what is designed to be a family-friendly, seven-seat SUV.

For those looking to hit the dirt, you’ll want to opt for the MU-X 4x4 range which picks up a low-range transfer case, a locking rear differential and a selectable terrain mode that adjusts the traction control system.

Isuzu MU-X LS-M Off-Road Figures

• Ground Clearance: 230mm

• Approach Angle: 28.6 degrees

• Rampover Angle: 22.6 degrees

• Departure Angle: 27.6 degrees

• Wading Depth: 800mm

Isuzu MU-X LS-M Off-Road Figures

• Ground Clearance: 235mm

• Approach Angle: 29.2 degrees

• Rampover Angle: 23.1 degrees

• Departure Angle: 26.9 degrees

• Wading Depth: 800mm

The Isuzu MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg and an unbraked cap of 750kg.

Gross vehicle mass (GVM) for the Isuzu MU-X 4x2 range stands at 2700kg which increases to 2800kg in the MU-X 4x4 range.

Gross combination mass (GCM) figures for the MU-X range stand at 5900kg across the range.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Officially, the Isuzu MU-X range is rated at 7.8L/100km on the combined test cycle in 4x2 variants, increasing to 8.3L/100km in 4x4 variants, with both receiving an 80L fuel tank.

How Much Fuel Does the Isuzu MU-X Use Around Town?

• MU-X 4x2 City Consumption: 9.6L/100km

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

How Much Fuel Does the Isuzu MU-X Use on the Highway?

• MU-X 4x2 Highway Consumption: 6.8L/100km

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

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While it doesn’t offer the most modern interior layout of the segment, there’s no questioning the MU-X cabin when it comes to space and practicality.

Up front, the driver and front passenger receive a nice lofty driving position that adds to visibility while driving.

There’s also a tall roofline that is happy to accommodate even the largest of drivers in the front of the cabin with a decent amount of seat and steering wheel adjustment to find your preferred driving position. 

The MU-X’s utilitarian nature is backed by a healthy range of storage options in the cockpit, with the centre console housing a pair of cupholders, a large storage tray behind the gear lever and added storage inside the folding armrest.

There are also two gloveboxes positioned in front of the passenger seat, pop-out cupholders hiding in the dashboard and large bottle holders inside the door sills.

Move to the second row and there’s a tonne of space on offer for rear passengers, even behind a tall driver, with no complaints for headroom or the width of the cabin that makes three-abreast seating a reality.

Access into the third row is made possible by the rear bench seat folding forward, which isn’t the most convenient for the segment, but it gets the job done.

Once you’ve settled in, there’s a decent amount of space in the MU-X’s third row, bettering a number of its rivals, making it a genuine seven-seat SUV perfect for large families.

The MU-X has ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts in the second row while the third row misses out.

How Big is the Isuzu MU-X’s Boot?

With seven seats standing, the Isuzu MU-X has a boot measuring 311L, which expands to 1119L with the third row folded down.

Fold down the second row and you’ll unlock a total of 2138L of boot space when it comes time to lug around sports gear or bulky cargo.

Is it Safe?

Thanks to a recent update, the amount of safety equipment the MU-X range receives as standard has made it super competitive in the seven-seat SUV segment.

The base model picks up autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, lane-departure alerts with emergency lane-keep assist, post-collision braking, trailer sway control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and wrong-pedal braking.

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

The Isuzu MU-X range has been given the five-star tick from ANCAP, scoring full marks in its 2020 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 86%

• Child Occupant Protection: 85%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 69%

• Safety Assist: 84%

What Warranty Does the Isuzu MU-X Come With?

Isuzu offers the MU-X range with a six-year/150,000-kilometre factory warranty, with seven years of roadside assistance on offer for those that service within the Isuzu network.

There’s also a complimentary first service, followed by eight capped-price services thereafter.

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

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

When it comes to sheer versatility, few vehicles can match the latest MU-X range, and even fewer can outdo it on value and practicality.

While it commands a large footprint, the MU-X remains accessible for drivers around town while offering tonnes of confidence on a road trip, while towing and off-roading.

As a result, we highly recommend you add the Isuzu MU-X to your shortlist if you’re tossing up your best seven-seat SUV options with a truly adventurous spirit.

Don’t forget to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help you find the best possible price on your next car.

Five Isuzu MU-X Specs You Need to Know

1. Six-year/150,000km warranty

2. 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine offers 3,500kg braked towing power

3. 4x4 variants pick up locking rear differential, low-range transfer case

4. 7.8 - 8.3L/100km fuel economy figures

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating