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The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
R1-million Isuzu MU-X will struggle to catch Fortuner and Everest
Isuzu's seven-seater SUV updated with attractive new looks and more technology. The Isuzu D-Max holds a comfortable place at the local top bakkie table, but its SUV sibling, the MU-X, is akin to the adage of having a brother in prison. You love him, but do not speak about him. Like the bakkie segment, the body on frame SUV space is also headed by Toyota. In an average month the Fortuner holds around half of the market share, with the Ford Everest a distant but steady second. The third place is an almighty scrap between the Isuzu MU-X and Mahindra Scorpio-N, with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport also in the mix. But even during months when the MU-X does edge the Scorpio-N, it doesn't come close to the kind of market share the D-Max has established in the bakkie race. Or in markets like Australia for example. Slowly but surely Isuzu is not under the illusion that the facelifted MU-X is going to perform miracles. But the Japanese manufacturer hopes it can at least build on the gradual single-digit percentage growth the SUV has achieved since the introduction of the second generation locally in 2021. The facelifted version of the seven-seater SUV features styling enhancements and more technology on board. It keeps the 1.9 and 3.0-litre powertrains from before across six models, with the refined flagship model now adopting the Onyx XT moniker in becoming the first local Isuzu to break the R1-million barrier. Seeing the facelift MU-X from the front approaching from a distance gives off serious previous generation Mercedes-Benz GLE vibes. The updated Isuzu MU-X features a redesigned front bumper which houses a model specific grille flanked by redesigned LED headlights. The grille and redesigned fog lights bezels share the same honeycomb pattern, with the ISUZU lettering moving up from the grille to below the bonnet line. The Onyx XT rides on 20-inch gloss black alloys. Picture: Isuzu Onyx XT looks the part The German inspired styling continues at the rear were the full-width lightbar between the revised LED taillight cluster is reminiscent of the Audi Q8. LS and LSE models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, with the Onyx XT kitted out in gloss black 20-inch rims. The latter works a charm along with a blacked-out grille with the XT badge, magnetite accents, gloss black wheel arch cladding and black side steps, mirrors caps and roof rails. Moving to the inside, the MU-X's dashboard has been revamped, while new colours feature on the doors and armrests. The seats also feature reworked leather patterns. ALSO READ: Can new entry-level Isuzu MU-X dent Toyota Fortuner's pride? More tech inside Isuzu MU-X Now standard across the range is a nine-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen systems now feature five touch-sensitive switches alongside the two rotary dials as before. The instrument cluster features a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display flanked by an analogue tachometer on the left and fuel and temperature gauges on the right. Standard across the range is push-start, electric front seats and front and rear parking sensors. In addition, LSE models get 360-degree camera and paddle shifters, while the Onyx XT boasts adaptive cruise control and heated front seats. A nine-inch infotainment system takes centre stage. Picture: Isuzu No change in power A decent set of safety systems is standard across the range, with the Isuzu MU-X Onyx XT benefitting from advanced systems like lane departure warning. The 1.9-litre blown diesel mill produces 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces 140kW/450Nm and is also mated to a six-speed auto box. All-wheel drive is standard on the Onyx XT, while the other 3.0-litre models offer a selection between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Smooth drive A recent launch drive around the Cape Winelands was enough for the 3.0-litre mill to prove to The Citizen Motoring that it has plenty of urge with little turbo lag. It offers a refined ride with smooth gear changes. Off the beaten track, the MU-X is as capable as you'd come to expect from an Isuzu off-roader. The updated Isuzu MU-X looks and feels better than its ever been. But the reality is that it is still playing catch-up to the Ford Everest and dated Toyota Fortuner. It's hard to imagine a price tag that breaches seven digits for the flagship will be justified for many more than the Isuzu faithful. Isuzu MU-X pricing MU-X 1.9 Ddi LS 4×2 AT – R752 300 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS 4×2 AT – R852 600 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LS 4×4 AT – R939 500 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LSE 4×2 AT – R886 700 MU-X 3.0 Ddi LSE 4×4 AT – R973 700 MU-X 3.0 Ddi Onyx XT 4×4 AT – R1 026 800 *Pricing includes five-year/90 000km service plan and five-year/120 000km warranty.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain review
Isuzu MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons Isuzu MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons The Isuzu MU-X range has been updated, and with the revamped and revised lineup, the Japanese brand has added a new range-topping X-Terrain variant of its popular seven-seat off-road SUV. Yes, it's a name borrowed from Isuzu's flagship D-Max dual-cab 4×4 ute, but this one doesn't feel like a truck to drive. In fact, there have been some important upgrades and inclusions that make this one of the most appealing takes on the MU-X theme to date. So, read on and you'll find out what it costs, what it's like to drive, what it's like inside and much, much more. The MU-X range is bigger than ever, following the addition of the top-shelf X-T variant as part of the facelifted MY25 lineup. Yes, the brand does have a strange habit of offering drive-away prices for some variants, which are lower than the list prices (before on-road costs), but it's a good way for consumers to get an idea of what they're looking at in terms of the bookends of the range. The MU-X still compares favourably to the likes of the Ford Everest on pricing, not to mention the much more expensive Toyota Prado, but there are a number of other diesel seven-seater off-road SUVs that undercut it, including the LDV D90, Mahindra Scorpio and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Buy the X-Terrain and you can tell you're getting something a bit more spesh as soon as you slide into the driver's seat. It has a host of model-specific changes that help it hold its own in the range, including red stitching details and highlights through the cabin, not to mention red LED ambient interior lighting. The 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen also has red fonts and specific graphics. In addition, the X-Terrain has dark grey and piano black appointments instead of the chrome silver or black accents as seen across the rest of the range. So, does it feel like almost $80K worth of interior? Not especially, but it is certainly the poshest MU-X ever seen in this market. As part of the 2025 update, higher-spec grades scored a new 9.0-inch touchscreen media system (as seen in the D-Max), and it has both good and not-so-good points. The screen glare is not great – if you're in the driver's seat, it can be difficult to see what's going on on the screen at times. However, what is good is the volume dial, tuning dial, and a row of home buttons below the screen, making it much easier to interact with than the multimedia unit it replaces. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, if those are the things you like to use. There's a drop-down screen to quickly jump between menus and settings, and the car adjustments are actually pretty deep. You have access to the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) settings, so you can turn things off if you want. You can also adjust electrical elements, check off-road angles, see where your wheels are pointed, monitor tyre pressure, and view the transfer case display to see what's happening with your powertrain. The system is pretty good – easy to get your head around, and useable. It also includes built-in sat-nav, and you can jump between menus pretty quickly. There's also a new 7.0-inch driver info screen with some good features, including the aforementioned X-Terrain specific colouring. You can navigate through menus using the steering wheel controls, and it provides a good at-a-glance view of fuel consumption and other useful information. On the steering wheel you also have controls for adaptive cruise control, volume, voice control, and phone pickup/hang-up buttons. There's a view mode button on the steering wheel, allowing you to quickly check the car and its surroundings – a neat feature, especially in a tight parking garage. The unchanged bottom part of the dash includes fan and temperature control toggles, and easy adjustments for the direction and air recirculation. There are USB-C ports, seat heating buttons, and a 12-volt port, but one thing still missing from this MU-X is a wireless phone charger – frustrating, especially considering it has Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a phone-shaped storage box just begging for it. You can get a wireless charger as an accessory, but it should really come as standard at this money (and less!). There's a conventional gear shifter, and you've got traction control and Hill Descent Control buttons, but somewhat surprisingly the top-spec model has plenty of blanks, which cheapens the vibe a bit. It also features a drive mode selector for four-wheel driving (2H, 4H, and 4L), a rear differential lock, rough terrain mode, and Auto Hold to prevent the car from creeping forward in traffic. The parking brake is electronic. Now, storage. The front is decent, with cupholders, additional loose item storage, and large door pockets with bottle holders, but the glove box is completely full with books, and there's no top glove box or extra storage on top, which is a bit of a downside. However, you do get a sunglasses holder. Inside, there are yellowy halogen lights which again bring the vibe down a bit, as do the halogen lights for the vanity mirrors. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror is a bonus, but it's not available in all variants. Second-row space with the driver's seat set for my position (I'm 6'0" or 182cm) is plenty in terms of legroom, footroom, and headroom. However, the interior feels quite dark because of the black headliner and the lack of a sunroof. There are grab handles, coat hooks, and overhead vents, which are great, along with a fan control system that lets you adjust airflow. In terms of amenities, you've got bottle holders in the doors, seatback pockets, and USB-C ports. There's not much intrusion from the transmission tunnel, but the seats don't slide forward, so this is the amount of space you get, no matter what. The second row has ISOFIX child seat anchors and top-tethers for child seats, and they even come with covers to prevent the seat from being damaged. There's also a flip-down armrest with pop-out cupholders, which is a neat feature, though I had some issues with it being a bit finicky to put away. The middle-row seat folds down easily for access to the third row, and you can push the seatbelt out of the way to make it easier to access the back. As a grown adult, I can fit in the back with decent headroom, but it feels quite gloomy due to the dark interior. One thing to note is that entry-level versions have a lighter headliner, which might be more appealing for those who don't like the dark feel. The back row has overhead vents and small windows, and cupholders too. However, there are no child seat anchors in the very back row, so if you're planning to use this as a seven-seater for small children in the third row, it won't work. If you're looking for a more family-friendly seven-seater, you may want to check out other options. As for the boot space, there is 311 litres of cargo capacity with all three rows up, and that expands to a generous 1119L with the third-row folded down. Under the body of the vehicle is a full-size spare wheel – as you'd expect. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The MU-X X-Terrain has Isuzu's heralded 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (4JJ3-TC), which offers 140kW of power (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm of torque (1600-2600rpm). Those are lower outputs than some rivals with a litre less engine capacity, but it is a tried and tested powertrain and doesn't feel much less punchy. It's matched as standard with an also-carryover six-speed automatic transmission and, for 4×4 variants including the X-Terrain, selectable four-wheel drive with 2H, 4H and 4L via a low-range transfer case, plus a locking rear differential. The towing capacity for this model is 750kg for an unbraked trailer, and 3500kg for a braked trailer. If you want to save cash, there's a 1.9L turbo-diesel four-cylinder delivering lower 110kW/350Nm outputs, also with a six-speed auto. Like the 3.0L, you can get it with 4×2 or 4×4, but braked towing is capped at 3000kg for models with that powertrain. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) for 4×2 models is 2700kg and 4×4 models is 2800kg, while gross combination mass (GCM) across the 1.9L range is 5500kg (5900kg for 3.0L models). Fuel tank capacity is 80 litres, and the official combined cycle figure is 8.3L/100km for this grade, and all others with the 3.0L 4×4 powertrain. Over my time with the X-Terrain, I saw a real-world figure of 8.5L/100km, with highway, urban and back-road driving thrown into the mix. Very impressive, I'd say – but my testing didn't incorporate towing or off-roading. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There have been some changes to the driving experience, and since it had been a little while since I'd driven an MU-X, I noticed them straight away. The ride comfort and compliance seem significantly better than the previous model I drove a while ago. It still feels firm, as is the case with most ladder-frame SUVs derived from utes, but this particular version with 20-inch wheels and lowish-profile tires does have a slightly harsher ride than other grades. But overall, the ride comfort is perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this type – better than some competitors, and certainly better than a Toyota Fortuner or Pajero Sport. When it came to the steering, I was also impressed. It's light enough without feeling too airy, so you get some connection to the front wheels. The responsiveness of the steering is actually not too bad at all, and it handles itself well enough for a vehicle of this type. While it's designed for off-roading, I didn't get a chance to test that aspect in this review – and honestly, if I was choosing a version of the MU-X to hit the trails in, it wouldn't be one with 20-inch black wheels… However, there are still some carryover complaints I have about the drive experience, primarily the engine noise. It's really loud. When you're under throttle, that diesel rattle is ever-present. It's less noticeable in stop-start traffic, for instance, but when you ask the engine to do more, it can get a little tiresome. That's probably my biggest complaint about the driving experience, apart from the fact the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel still continues in its least stressed form… as in, there's more torque to be had here, but it hasn't been let loose by Isuzu's engineers. I reckon they could easily eke out another 100Nm from this engine, as people do with aftermarket chips and tunes. As it is, the engine feels a little bit lazy, and at high speeds on the highway, if you need to overtake, it takes a little bit of work to keep it going. The six-speed auto does a good job though, managing the torque of the engine pretty well, and I do like the way it behaves at most speeds. It's focused and smooth enough to keep things moving without too much fuss. It even does a bit of engine braking when going downhill, dropping back a gear to help slow you down. Braking performance is pretty good, though the pedal does have a spongy feel, and the body of the vehicle lurches forward a bit when you hit the brakes. Still, it pulls up strong enough. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Below you'll see a rundown of the entire MY25 MU-X range, and the X-Terrain is the last one on the list because it builds upon all the grades below. 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights: MU-X LS-U adds: MU-X LS-T adds: MU-X X-Terrain adds: To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The safety changes are a big story for the updated MU-X. The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP that is datestamped July 2022, and it was issued following a redesign to the driver's knee airbag and instrument panel. In that testing the MU-X received an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent. The updated MY25 MU-X's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite adds new hardware such as a new 'Gen4' stereo camera that detects pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. According to the brand this greatly improves the peripheral and field-of-view vision, while a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) that can adjust your speed based on traffic sign recognition is also offered. Beyond that tech, there's also Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) that can maintain vehicle speed and distance at speeds below 60km/h. Updated lane-keep assist has been added with better lane-centring technology, and there's a new reversing camera that includes a hitch guide and a hydrophobic coating to prevent muck obscuring the view. Choose one of the higher grades and you score a surround-view camera as well. More new stuff includes Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB), which acts like a rear AEB system to react to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing. Standard safety equipment includes: The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera. All MU-X vehicles come with eight airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and front centre. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Isuzu Ute Australia offers a six-year/150,000km warranty plan, which is a longer duration than that offered by Ford and Toyota (both five-year/unlimited-km), but not quite as generous as the SsangYong Rexton's seven-year/unlimited-km warranty. The brand will back your vehicle with up to seven years of roadside assistance, so long as you service with its dealership network. There's a capped-price plan for five years/75,000km – shorter than the previous seven-year offering from the brand. But the costs are, on average, relatively low for the first five visits, at $469 per service. There's also a free three-month/3000km checkup as part of the ownership program. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The newly updated Isuzu MU-X is improved in a number of ways, and the X-Terrain flagship certainly adds a bit of bling to this rugged family wagon. Is it going to be the best version to build an off-road weekend warrior from? Arguably not. But at least if you choose to go down that route, you'll have a nicer MU-X than your other muddy mates. Interested in buying an Isuzu MU-X? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X Content originally sourced from: MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons Isuzu MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons The Isuzu MU-X range has been updated, and with the revamped and revised lineup, the Japanese brand has added a new range-topping X-Terrain variant of its popular seven-seat off-road SUV. Yes, it's a name borrowed from Isuzu's flagship D-Max dual-cab 4×4 ute, but this one doesn't feel like a truck to drive. In fact, there have been some important upgrades and inclusions that make this one of the most appealing takes on the MU-X theme to date. So, read on and you'll find out what it costs, what it's like to drive, what it's like inside and much, much more. The MU-X range is bigger than ever, following the addition of the top-shelf X-T variant as part of the facelifted MY25 lineup. Yes, the brand does have a strange habit of offering drive-away prices for some variants, which are lower than the list prices (before on-road costs), but it's a good way for consumers to get an idea of what they're looking at in terms of the bookends of the range. The MU-X still compares favourably to the likes of the Ford Everest on pricing, not to mention the much more expensive Toyota Prado, but there are a number of other diesel seven-seater off-road SUVs that undercut it, including the LDV D90, Mahindra Scorpio and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Buy the X-Terrain and you can tell you're getting something a bit more spesh as soon as you slide into the driver's seat. It has a host of model-specific changes that help it hold its own in the range, including red stitching details and highlights through the cabin, not to mention red LED ambient interior lighting. The 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen also has red fonts and specific graphics. In addition, the X-Terrain has dark grey and piano black appointments instead of the chrome silver or black accents as seen across the rest of the range. So, does it feel like almost $80K worth of interior? Not especially, but it is certainly the poshest MU-X ever seen in this market. As part of the 2025 update, higher-spec grades scored a new 9.0-inch touchscreen media system (as seen in the D-Max), and it has both good and not-so-good points. The screen glare is not great – if you're in the driver's seat, it can be difficult to see what's going on on the screen at times. However, what is good is the volume dial, tuning dial, and a row of home buttons below the screen, making it much easier to interact with than the multimedia unit it replaces. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, if those are the things you like to use. There's a drop-down screen to quickly jump between menus and settings, and the car adjustments are actually pretty deep. You have access to the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) settings, so you can turn things off if you want. You can also adjust electrical elements, check off-road angles, see where your wheels are pointed, monitor tyre pressure, and view the transfer case display to see what's happening with your powertrain. The system is pretty good – easy to get your head around, and useable. It also includes built-in sat-nav, and you can jump between menus pretty quickly. There's also a new 7.0-inch driver info screen with some good features, including the aforementioned X-Terrain specific colouring. You can navigate through menus using the steering wheel controls, and it provides a good at-a-glance view of fuel consumption and other useful information. On the steering wheel you also have controls for adaptive cruise control, volume, voice control, and phone pickup/hang-up buttons. There's a view mode button on the steering wheel, allowing you to quickly check the car and its surroundings – a neat feature, especially in a tight parking garage. The unchanged bottom part of the dash includes fan and temperature control toggles, and easy adjustments for the direction and air recirculation. There are USB-C ports, seat heating buttons, and a 12-volt port, but one thing still missing from this MU-X is a wireless phone charger – frustrating, especially considering it has Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a phone-shaped storage box just begging for it. You can get a wireless charger as an accessory, but it should really come as standard at this money (and less!). There's a conventional gear shifter, and you've got traction control and Hill Descent Control buttons, but somewhat surprisingly the top-spec model has plenty of blanks, which cheapens the vibe a bit. It also features a drive mode selector for four-wheel driving (2H, 4H, and 4L), a rear differential lock, rough terrain mode, and Auto Hold to prevent the car from creeping forward in traffic. The parking brake is electronic. Now, storage. The front is decent, with cupholders, additional loose item storage, and large door pockets with bottle holders, but the glove box is completely full with books, and there's no top glove box or extra storage on top, which is a bit of a downside. However, you do get a sunglasses holder. Inside, there are yellowy halogen lights which again bring the vibe down a bit, as do the halogen lights for the vanity mirrors. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror is a bonus, but it's not available in all variants. Second-row space with the driver's seat set for my position (I'm 6'0" or 182cm) is plenty in terms of legroom, footroom, and headroom. However, the interior feels quite dark because of the black headliner and the lack of a sunroof. There are grab handles, coat hooks, and overhead vents, which are great, along with a fan control system that lets you adjust airflow. In terms of amenities, you've got bottle holders in the doors, seatback pockets, and USB-C ports. There's not much intrusion from the transmission tunnel, but the seats don't slide forward, so this is the amount of space you get, no matter what. The second row has ISOFIX child seat anchors and top-tethers for child seats, and they even come with covers to prevent the seat from being damaged. There's also a flip-down armrest with pop-out cupholders, which is a neat feature, though I had some issues with it being a bit finicky to put away. The middle-row seat folds down easily for access to the third row, and you can push the seatbelt out of the way to make it easier to access the back. As a grown adult, I can fit in the back with decent headroom, but it feels quite gloomy due to the dark interior. One thing to note is that entry-level versions have a lighter headliner, which might be more appealing for those who don't like the dark feel. The back row has overhead vents and small windows, and cupholders too. However, there are no child seat anchors in the very back row, so if you're planning to use this as a seven-seater for small children in the third row, it won't work. If you're looking for a more family-friendly seven-seater, you may want to check out other options. As for the boot space, there is 311 litres of cargo capacity with all three rows up, and that expands to a generous 1119L with the third-row folded down. Under the body of the vehicle is a full-size spare wheel – as you'd expect. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The MU-X X-Terrain has Isuzu's heralded 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (4JJ3-TC), which offers 140kW of power (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm of torque (1600-2600rpm). Those are lower outputs than some rivals with a litre less engine capacity, but it is a tried and tested powertrain and doesn't feel much less punchy. It's matched as standard with an also-carryover six-speed automatic transmission and, for 4×4 variants including the X-Terrain, selectable four-wheel drive with 2H, 4H and 4L via a low-range transfer case, plus a locking rear differential. The towing capacity for this model is 750kg for an unbraked trailer, and 3500kg for a braked trailer. If you want to save cash, there's a 1.9L turbo-diesel four-cylinder delivering lower 110kW/350Nm outputs, also with a six-speed auto. Like the 3.0L, you can get it with 4×2 or 4×4, but braked towing is capped at 3000kg for models with that powertrain. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) for 4×2 models is 2700kg and 4×4 models is 2800kg, while gross combination mass (GCM) across the 1.9L range is 5500kg (5900kg for 3.0L models). Fuel tank capacity is 80 litres, and the official combined cycle figure is 8.3L/100km for this grade, and all others with the 3.0L 4×4 powertrain. Over my time with the X-Terrain, I saw a real-world figure of 8.5L/100km, with highway, urban and back-road driving thrown into the mix. Very impressive, I'd say – but my testing didn't incorporate towing or off-roading. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There have been some changes to the driving experience, and since it had been a little while since I'd driven an MU-X, I noticed them straight away. The ride comfort and compliance seem significantly better than the previous model I drove a while ago. It still feels firm, as is the case with most ladder-frame SUVs derived from utes, but this particular version with 20-inch wheels and lowish-profile tires does have a slightly harsher ride than other grades. But overall, the ride comfort is perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this type – better than some competitors, and certainly better than a Toyota Fortuner or Pajero Sport. When it came to the steering, I was also impressed. It's light enough without feeling too airy, so you get some connection to the front wheels. The responsiveness of the steering is actually not too bad at all, and it handles itself well enough for a vehicle of this type. While it's designed for off-roading, I didn't get a chance to test that aspect in this review – and honestly, if I was choosing a version of the MU-X to hit the trails in, it wouldn't be one with 20-inch black wheels… However, there are still some carryover complaints I have about the drive experience, primarily the engine noise. It's really loud. When you're under throttle, that diesel rattle is ever-present. It's less noticeable in stop-start traffic, for instance, but when you ask the engine to do more, it can get a little tiresome. That's probably my biggest complaint about the driving experience, apart from the fact the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel still continues in its least stressed form… as in, there's more torque to be had here, but it hasn't been let loose by Isuzu's engineers. I reckon they could easily eke out another 100Nm from this engine, as people do with aftermarket chips and tunes. As it is, the engine feels a little bit lazy, and at high speeds on the highway, if you need to overtake, it takes a little bit of work to keep it going. The six-speed auto does a good job though, managing the torque of the engine pretty well, and I do like the way it behaves at most speeds. It's focused and smooth enough to keep things moving without too much fuss. It even does a bit of engine braking when going downhill, dropping back a gear to help slow you down. Braking performance is pretty good, though the pedal does have a spongy feel, and the body of the vehicle lurches forward a bit when you hit the brakes. Still, it pulls up strong enough. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Below you'll see a rundown of the entire MY25 MU-X range, and the X-Terrain is the last one on the list because it builds upon all the grades below. 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights: MU-X LS-U adds: MU-X LS-T adds: MU-X X-Terrain adds: To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The safety changes are a big story for the updated MU-X. The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP that is datestamped July 2022, and it was issued following a redesign to the driver's knee airbag and instrument panel. In that testing the MU-X received an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent. The updated MY25 MU-X's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite adds new hardware such as a new 'Gen4' stereo camera that detects pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. According to the brand this greatly improves the peripheral and field-of-view vision, while a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) that can adjust your speed based on traffic sign recognition is also offered. Beyond that tech, there's also Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) that can maintain vehicle speed and distance at speeds below 60km/h. Updated lane-keep assist has been added with better lane-centring technology, and there's a new reversing camera that includes a hitch guide and a hydrophobic coating to prevent muck obscuring the view. Choose one of the higher grades and you score a surround-view camera as well. More new stuff includes Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB), which acts like a rear AEB system to react to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing. Standard safety equipment includes: The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera. All MU-X vehicles come with eight airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and front centre. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Isuzu Ute Australia offers a six-year/150,000km warranty plan, which is a longer duration than that offered by Ford and Toyota (both five-year/unlimited-km), but not quite as generous as the SsangYong Rexton's seven-year/unlimited-km warranty. The brand will back your vehicle with up to seven years of roadside assistance, so long as you service with its dealership network. There's a capped-price plan for five years/75,000km – shorter than the previous seven-year offering from the brand. But the costs are, on average, relatively low for the first five visits, at $469 per service. There's also a free three-month/3000km checkup as part of the ownership program. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The newly updated Isuzu MU-X is improved in a number of ways, and the X-Terrain flagship certainly adds a bit of bling to this rugged family wagon. Is it going to be the best version to build an off-road weekend warrior from? Arguably not. But at least if you choose to go down that route, you'll have a nicer MU-X than your other muddy mates. Interested in buying an Isuzu MU-X? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X Content originally sourced from: MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons Isuzu MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons The Isuzu MU-X range has been updated, and with the revamped and revised lineup, the Japanese brand has added a new range-topping X-Terrain variant of its popular seven-seat off-road SUV. Yes, it's a name borrowed from Isuzu's flagship D-Max dual-cab 4×4 ute, but this one doesn't feel like a truck to drive. In fact, there have been some important upgrades and inclusions that make this one of the most appealing takes on the MU-X theme to date. So, read on and you'll find out what it costs, what it's like to drive, what it's like inside and much, much more. The MU-X range is bigger than ever, following the addition of the top-shelf X-T variant as part of the facelifted MY25 lineup. Yes, the brand does have a strange habit of offering drive-away prices for some variants, which are lower than the list prices (before on-road costs), but it's a good way for consumers to get an idea of what they're looking at in terms of the bookends of the range. The MU-X still compares favourably to the likes of the Ford Everest on pricing, not to mention the much more expensive Toyota Prado, but there are a number of other diesel seven-seater off-road SUVs that undercut it, including the LDV D90, Mahindra Scorpio and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Buy the X-Terrain and you can tell you're getting something a bit more spesh as soon as you slide into the driver's seat. It has a host of model-specific changes that help it hold its own in the range, including red stitching details and highlights through the cabin, not to mention red LED ambient interior lighting. The 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen also has red fonts and specific graphics. In addition, the X-Terrain has dark grey and piano black appointments instead of the chrome silver or black accents as seen across the rest of the range. So, does it feel like almost $80K worth of interior? Not especially, but it is certainly the poshest MU-X ever seen in this market. As part of the 2025 update, higher-spec grades scored a new 9.0-inch touchscreen media system (as seen in the D-Max), and it has both good and not-so-good points. The screen glare is not great – if you're in the driver's seat, it can be difficult to see what's going on on the screen at times. However, what is good is the volume dial, tuning dial, and a row of home buttons below the screen, making it much easier to interact with than the multimedia unit it replaces. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, if those are the things you like to use. There's a drop-down screen to quickly jump between menus and settings, and the car adjustments are actually pretty deep. You have access to the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) settings, so you can turn things off if you want. You can also adjust electrical elements, check off-road angles, see where your wheels are pointed, monitor tyre pressure, and view the transfer case display to see what's happening with your powertrain. The system is pretty good – easy to get your head around, and useable. It also includes built-in sat-nav, and you can jump between menus pretty quickly. There's also a new 7.0-inch driver info screen with some good features, including the aforementioned X-Terrain specific colouring. You can navigate through menus using the steering wheel controls, and it provides a good at-a-glance view of fuel consumption and other useful information. On the steering wheel you also have controls for adaptive cruise control, volume, voice control, and phone pickup/hang-up buttons. There's a view mode button on the steering wheel, allowing you to quickly check the car and its surroundings – a neat feature, especially in a tight parking garage. The unchanged bottom part of the dash includes fan and temperature control toggles, and easy adjustments for the direction and air recirculation. There are USB-C ports, seat heating buttons, and a 12-volt port, but one thing still missing from this MU-X is a wireless phone charger – frustrating, especially considering it has Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a phone-shaped storage box just begging for it. You can get a wireless charger as an accessory, but it should really come as standard at this money (and less!). There's a conventional gear shifter, and you've got traction control and Hill Descent Control buttons, but somewhat surprisingly the top-spec model has plenty of blanks, which cheapens the vibe a bit. It also features a drive mode selector for four-wheel driving (2H, 4H, and 4L), a rear differential lock, rough terrain mode, and Auto Hold to prevent the car from creeping forward in traffic. The parking brake is electronic. Now, storage. The front is decent, with cupholders, additional loose item storage, and large door pockets with bottle holders, but the glove box is completely full with books, and there's no top glove box or extra storage on top, which is a bit of a downside. However, you do get a sunglasses holder. Inside, there are yellowy halogen lights which again bring the vibe down a bit, as do the halogen lights for the vanity mirrors. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror is a bonus, but it's not available in all variants. Second-row space with the driver's seat set for my position (I'm 6'0" or 182cm) is plenty in terms of legroom, footroom, and headroom. However, the interior feels quite dark because of the black headliner and the lack of a sunroof. There are grab handles, coat hooks, and overhead vents, which are great, along with a fan control system that lets you adjust airflow. In terms of amenities, you've got bottle holders in the doors, seatback pockets, and USB-C ports. There's not much intrusion from the transmission tunnel, but the seats don't slide forward, so this is the amount of space you get, no matter what. The second row has ISOFIX child seat anchors and top-tethers for child seats, and they even come with covers to prevent the seat from being damaged. There's also a flip-down armrest with pop-out cupholders, which is a neat feature, though I had some issues with it being a bit finicky to put away. The middle-row seat folds down easily for access to the third row, and you can push the seatbelt out of the way to make it easier to access the back. As a grown adult, I can fit in the back with decent headroom, but it feels quite gloomy due to the dark interior. One thing to note is that entry-level versions have a lighter headliner, which might be more appealing for those who don't like the dark feel. The back row has overhead vents and small windows, and cupholders too. However, there are no child seat anchors in the very back row, so if you're planning to use this as a seven-seater for small children in the third row, it won't work. If you're looking for a more family-friendly seven-seater, you may want to check out other options. As for the boot space, there is 311 litres of cargo capacity with all three rows up, and that expands to a generous 1119L with the third-row folded down. Under the body of the vehicle is a full-size spare wheel – as you'd expect. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The MU-X X-Terrain has Isuzu's heralded 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (4JJ3-TC), which offers 140kW of power (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm of torque (1600-2600rpm). Those are lower outputs than some rivals with a litre less engine capacity, but it is a tried and tested powertrain and doesn't feel much less punchy. It's matched as standard with an also-carryover six-speed automatic transmission and, for 4×4 variants including the X-Terrain, selectable four-wheel drive with 2H, 4H and 4L via a low-range transfer case, plus a locking rear differential. The towing capacity for this model is 750kg for an unbraked trailer, and 3500kg for a braked trailer. If you want to save cash, there's a 1.9L turbo-diesel four-cylinder delivering lower 110kW/350Nm outputs, also with a six-speed auto. Like the 3.0L, you can get it with 4×2 or 4×4, but braked towing is capped at 3000kg for models with that powertrain. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) for 4×2 models is 2700kg and 4×4 models is 2800kg, while gross combination mass (GCM) across the 1.9L range is 5500kg (5900kg for 3.0L models). Fuel tank capacity is 80 litres, and the official combined cycle figure is 8.3L/100km for this grade, and all others with the 3.0L 4×4 powertrain. Over my time with the X-Terrain, I saw a real-world figure of 8.5L/100km, with highway, urban and back-road driving thrown into the mix. Very impressive, I'd say – but my testing didn't incorporate towing or off-roading. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There have been some changes to the driving experience, and since it had been a little while since I'd driven an MU-X, I noticed them straight away. The ride comfort and compliance seem significantly better than the previous model I drove a while ago. It still feels firm, as is the case with most ladder-frame SUVs derived from utes, but this particular version with 20-inch wheels and lowish-profile tires does have a slightly harsher ride than other grades. But overall, the ride comfort is perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this type – better than some competitors, and certainly better than a Toyota Fortuner or Pajero Sport. When it came to the steering, I was also impressed. It's light enough without feeling too airy, so you get some connection to the front wheels. The responsiveness of the steering is actually not too bad at all, and it handles itself well enough for a vehicle of this type. While it's designed for off-roading, I didn't get a chance to test that aspect in this review – and honestly, if I was choosing a version of the MU-X to hit the trails in, it wouldn't be one with 20-inch black wheels… However, there are still some carryover complaints I have about the drive experience, primarily the engine noise. It's really loud. When you're under throttle, that diesel rattle is ever-present. It's less noticeable in stop-start traffic, for instance, but when you ask the engine to do more, it can get a little tiresome. That's probably my biggest complaint about the driving experience, apart from the fact the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel still continues in its least stressed form… as in, there's more torque to be had here, but it hasn't been let loose by Isuzu's engineers. I reckon they could easily eke out another 100Nm from this engine, as people do with aftermarket chips and tunes. As it is, the engine feels a little bit lazy, and at high speeds on the highway, if you need to overtake, it takes a little bit of work to keep it going. The six-speed auto does a good job though, managing the torque of the engine pretty well, and I do like the way it behaves at most speeds. It's focused and smooth enough to keep things moving without too much fuss. It even does a bit of engine braking when going downhill, dropping back a gear to help slow you down. Braking performance is pretty good, though the pedal does have a spongy feel, and the body of the vehicle lurches forward a bit when you hit the brakes. Still, it pulls up strong enough. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Below you'll see a rundown of the entire MY25 MU-X range, and the X-Terrain is the last one on the list because it builds upon all the grades below. 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights: MU-X LS-U adds: MU-X LS-T adds: MU-X X-Terrain adds: To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The safety changes are a big story for the updated MU-X. The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP that is datestamped July 2022, and it was issued following a redesign to the driver's knee airbag and instrument panel. In that testing the MU-X received an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent. The updated MY25 MU-X's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite adds new hardware such as a new 'Gen4' stereo camera that detects pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. According to the brand this greatly improves the peripheral and field-of-view vision, while a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) that can adjust your speed based on traffic sign recognition is also offered. Beyond that tech, there's also Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) that can maintain vehicle speed and distance at speeds below 60km/h. Updated lane-keep assist has been added with better lane-centring technology, and there's a new reversing camera that includes a hitch guide and a hydrophobic coating to prevent muck obscuring the view. Choose one of the higher grades and you score a surround-view camera as well. More new stuff includes Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB), which acts like a rear AEB system to react to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing. Standard safety equipment includes: The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera. All MU-X vehicles come with eight airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and front centre. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Isuzu Ute Australia offers a six-year/150,000km warranty plan, which is a longer duration than that offered by Ford and Toyota (both five-year/unlimited-km), but not quite as generous as the SsangYong Rexton's seven-year/unlimited-km warranty. The brand will back your vehicle with up to seven years of roadside assistance, so long as you service with its dealership network. There's a capped-price plan for five years/75,000km – shorter than the previous seven-year offering from the brand. But the costs are, on average, relatively low for the first five visits, at $469 per service. There's also a free three-month/3000km checkup as part of the ownership program. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The newly updated Isuzu MU-X is improved in a number of ways, and the X-Terrain flagship certainly adds a bit of bling to this rugged family wagon. Is it going to be the best version to build an off-road weekend warrior from? Arguably not. But at least if you choose to go down that route, you'll have a nicer MU-X than your other muddy mates. Interested in buying an Isuzu MU-X? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X Content originally sourced from: MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons Isuzu MU-X Pros Isuzu MU-X Cons The Isuzu MU-X range has been updated, and with the revamped and revised lineup, the Japanese brand has added a new range-topping X-Terrain variant of its popular seven-seat off-road SUV. Yes, it's a name borrowed from Isuzu's flagship D-Max dual-cab 4×4 ute, but this one doesn't feel like a truck to drive. In fact, there have been some important upgrades and inclusions that make this one of the most appealing takes on the MU-X theme to date. So, read on and you'll find out what it costs, what it's like to drive, what it's like inside and much, much more. The MU-X range is bigger than ever, following the addition of the top-shelf X-T variant as part of the facelifted MY25 lineup. Yes, the brand does have a strange habit of offering drive-away prices for some variants, which are lower than the list prices (before on-road costs), but it's a good way for consumers to get an idea of what they're looking at in terms of the bookends of the range. The MU-X still compares favourably to the likes of the Ford Everest on pricing, not to mention the much more expensive Toyota Prado, but there are a number of other diesel seven-seater off-road SUVs that undercut it, including the LDV D90, Mahindra Scorpio and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Buy the X-Terrain and you can tell you're getting something a bit more spesh as soon as you slide into the driver's seat. It has a host of model-specific changes that help it hold its own in the range, including red stitching details and highlights through the cabin, not to mention red LED ambient interior lighting. The 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen also has red fonts and specific graphics. In addition, the X-Terrain has dark grey and piano black appointments instead of the chrome silver or black accents as seen across the rest of the range. So, does it feel like almost $80K worth of interior? Not especially, but it is certainly the poshest MU-X ever seen in this market. As part of the 2025 update, higher-spec grades scored a new 9.0-inch touchscreen media system (as seen in the D-Max), and it has both good and not-so-good points. The screen glare is not great – if you're in the driver's seat, it can be difficult to see what's going on on the screen at times. However, what is good is the volume dial, tuning dial, and a row of home buttons below the screen, making it much easier to interact with than the multimedia unit it replaces. It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, if those are the things you like to use. There's a drop-down screen to quickly jump between menus and settings, and the car adjustments are actually pretty deep. You have access to the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) settings, so you can turn things off if you want. You can also adjust electrical elements, check off-road angles, see where your wheels are pointed, monitor tyre pressure, and view the transfer case display to see what's happening with your powertrain. The system is pretty good – easy to get your head around, and useable. It also includes built-in sat-nav, and you can jump between menus pretty quickly. There's also a new 7.0-inch driver info screen with some good features, including the aforementioned X-Terrain specific colouring. You can navigate through menus using the steering wheel controls, and it provides a good at-a-glance view of fuel consumption and other useful information. On the steering wheel you also have controls for adaptive cruise control, volume, voice control, and phone pickup/hang-up buttons. There's a view mode button on the steering wheel, allowing you to quickly check the car and its surroundings – a neat feature, especially in a tight parking garage. The unchanged bottom part of the dash includes fan and temperature control toggles, and easy adjustments for the direction and air recirculation. There are USB-C ports, seat heating buttons, and a 12-volt port, but one thing still missing from this MU-X is a wireless phone charger – frustrating, especially considering it has Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a phone-shaped storage box just begging for it. You can get a wireless charger as an accessory, but it should really come as standard at this money (and less!). There's a conventional gear shifter, and you've got traction control and Hill Descent Control buttons, but somewhat surprisingly the top-spec model has plenty of blanks, which cheapens the vibe a bit. It also features a drive mode selector for four-wheel driving (2H, 4H, and 4L), a rear differential lock, rough terrain mode, and Auto Hold to prevent the car from creeping forward in traffic. The parking brake is electronic. Now, storage. The front is decent, with cupholders, additional loose item storage, and large door pockets with bottle holders, but the glove box is completely full with books, and there's no top glove box or extra storage on top, which is a bit of a downside. However, you do get a sunglasses holder. Inside, there are yellowy halogen lights which again bring the vibe down a bit, as do the halogen lights for the vanity mirrors. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror is a bonus, but it's not available in all variants. Second-row space with the driver's seat set for my position (I'm 6'0" or 182cm) is plenty in terms of legroom, footroom, and headroom. However, the interior feels quite dark because of the black headliner and the lack of a sunroof. There are grab handles, coat hooks, and overhead vents, which are great, along with a fan control system that lets you adjust airflow. In terms of amenities, you've got bottle holders in the doors, seatback pockets, and USB-C ports. There's not much intrusion from the transmission tunnel, but the seats don't slide forward, so this is the amount of space you get, no matter what. The second row has ISOFIX child seat anchors and top-tethers for child seats, and they even come with covers to prevent the seat from being damaged. There's also a flip-down armrest with pop-out cupholders, which is a neat feature, though I had some issues with it being a bit finicky to put away. The middle-row seat folds down easily for access to the third row, and you can push the seatbelt out of the way to make it easier to access the back. As a grown adult, I can fit in the back with decent headroom, but it feels quite gloomy due to the dark interior. One thing to note is that entry-level versions have a lighter headliner, which might be more appealing for those who don't like the dark feel. The back row has overhead vents and small windows, and cupholders too. However, there are no child seat anchors in the very back row, so if you're planning to use this as a seven-seater for small children in the third row, it won't work. If you're looking for a more family-friendly seven-seater, you may want to check out other options. As for the boot space, there is 311 litres of cargo capacity with all three rows up, and that expands to a generous 1119L with the third-row folded down. Under the body of the vehicle is a full-size spare wheel – as you'd expect. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The MU-X X-Terrain has Isuzu's heralded 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine (4JJ3-TC), which offers 140kW of power (at 3600rpm) and 450Nm of torque (1600-2600rpm). Those are lower outputs than some rivals with a litre less engine capacity, but it is a tried and tested powertrain and doesn't feel much less punchy. It's matched as standard with an also-carryover six-speed automatic transmission and, for 4×4 variants including the X-Terrain, selectable four-wheel drive with 2H, 4H and 4L via a low-range transfer case, plus a locking rear differential. The towing capacity for this model is 750kg for an unbraked trailer, and 3500kg for a braked trailer. If you want to save cash, there's a 1.9L turbo-diesel four-cylinder delivering lower 110kW/350Nm outputs, also with a six-speed auto. Like the 3.0L, you can get it with 4×2 or 4×4, but braked towing is capped at 3000kg for models with that powertrain. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) for 4×2 models is 2700kg and 4×4 models is 2800kg, while gross combination mass (GCM) across the 1.9L range is 5500kg (5900kg for 3.0L models). Fuel tank capacity is 80 litres, and the official combined cycle figure is 8.3L/100km for this grade, and all others with the 3.0L 4×4 powertrain. Over my time with the X-Terrain, I saw a real-world figure of 8.5L/100km, with highway, urban and back-road driving thrown into the mix. Very impressive, I'd say – but my testing didn't incorporate towing or off-roading. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There have been some changes to the driving experience, and since it had been a little while since I'd driven an MU-X, I noticed them straight away. The ride comfort and compliance seem significantly better than the previous model I drove a while ago. It still feels firm, as is the case with most ladder-frame SUVs derived from utes, but this particular version with 20-inch wheels and lowish-profile tires does have a slightly harsher ride than other grades. But overall, the ride comfort is perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this type – better than some competitors, and certainly better than a Toyota Fortuner or Pajero Sport. When it came to the steering, I was also impressed. It's light enough without feeling too airy, so you get some connection to the front wheels. The responsiveness of the steering is actually not too bad at all, and it handles itself well enough for a vehicle of this type. While it's designed for off-roading, I didn't get a chance to test that aspect in this review – and honestly, if I was choosing a version of the MU-X to hit the trails in, it wouldn't be one with 20-inch black wheels… However, there are still some carryover complaints I have about the drive experience, primarily the engine noise. It's really loud. When you're under throttle, that diesel rattle is ever-present. It's less noticeable in stop-start traffic, for instance, but when you ask the engine to do more, it can get a little tiresome. That's probably my biggest complaint about the driving experience, apart from the fact the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel still continues in its least stressed form… as in, there's more torque to be had here, but it hasn't been let loose by Isuzu's engineers. I reckon they could easily eke out another 100Nm from this engine, as people do with aftermarket chips and tunes. As it is, the engine feels a little bit lazy, and at high speeds on the highway, if you need to overtake, it takes a little bit of work to keep it going. The six-speed auto does a good job though, managing the torque of the engine pretty well, and I do like the way it behaves at most speeds. It's focused and smooth enough to keep things moving without too much fuss. It even does a bit of engine braking when going downhill, dropping back a gear to help slow you down. Braking performance is pretty good, though the pedal does have a spongy feel, and the body of the vehicle lurches forward a bit when you hit the brakes. Still, it pulls up strong enough. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Below you'll see a rundown of the entire MY25 MU-X range, and the X-Terrain is the last one on the list because it builds upon all the grades below. 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights: MU-X LS-U adds: MU-X LS-T adds: MU-X X-Terrain adds: To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The safety changes are a big story for the updated MU-X. The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP that is datestamped July 2022, and it was issued following a redesign to the driver's knee airbag and instrument panel. In that testing the MU-X received an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent. The updated MY25 MU-X's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite adds new hardware such as a new 'Gen4' stereo camera that detects pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. According to the brand this greatly improves the peripheral and field-of-view vision, while a new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) that can adjust your speed based on traffic sign recognition is also offered. Beyond that tech, there's also Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) that can maintain vehicle speed and distance at speeds below 60km/h. Updated lane-keep assist has been added with better lane-centring technology, and there's a new reversing camera that includes a hitch guide and a hydrophobic coating to prevent muck obscuring the view. Choose one of the higher grades and you score a surround-view camera as well. More new stuff includes Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB), which acts like a rear AEB system to react to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing. Standard safety equipment includes: The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera. All MU-X vehicles come with eight airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and front centre. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Isuzu Ute Australia offers a six-year/150,000km warranty plan, which is a longer duration than that offered by Ford and Toyota (both five-year/unlimited-km), but not quite as generous as the SsangYong Rexton's seven-year/unlimited-km warranty. The brand will back your vehicle with up to seven years of roadside assistance, so long as you service with its dealership network. There's a capped-price plan for five years/75,000km – shorter than the previous seven-year offering from the brand. But the costs are, on average, relatively low for the first five visits, at $469 per service. There's also a free three-month/3000km checkup as part of the ownership program. To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The newly updated Isuzu MU-X is improved in a number of ways, and the X-Terrain flagship certainly adds a bit of bling to this rugged family wagon. Is it going to be the best version to build an off-road weekend warrior from? Arguably not. But at least if you choose to go down that route, you'll have a nicer MU-X than your other muddy mates. Interested in buying an Isuzu MU-X? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers hereMORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X Content originally sourced from:
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Next-level luxury meets rugged adventure: The 2025 ISUZU MU-X ONYX XT arrives
GQEBERHA – The 2025 ISUZU MU-X sets a new standard for luxury, safety, and versatility in the SUV segment, blending robust off-road capability with premium comfort and advanced technology. Designed for families and adventure seekers alike, the refreshed MU-X range introduces the flagship 3.0-litre 4×4 ONYX XT, offering exclusive features and heightened sophistication. Key Features and Benefits: Refined Interior Comfort: The MU-X boasts a luxurious, spacious seven-seat cabin with upgraded materials, French-stitched leather upholstery (ONYX and LSE), and improved seat cushioning for enhanced comfort. The driver enjoys an 8-way power-adjustable seat, while both front seats offer heating in higher trims. Intelligent seating configurations allow the second and third rows to fold flat, maximising cargo flexibility for any journey. The MU-X boasts a luxurious, spacious seven-seat cabin with upgraded materials, French-stitched leather upholstery (ONYX and LSE), and improved seat cushioning for enhanced comfort. The driver enjoys an 8-way power-adjustable seat, while both front seats offer heating in higher trims. Intelligent seating configurations allow the second and third rows to fold flat, maximising cargo flexibility for any journey. Advanced Technology: The high-resolution infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity. Multiple USB charging ports, a built-in inverter (ONYX), and dual-zone climate control keep all occupants comfortable and connected. The ONYX model features a premium nine-inch display and ambient interior lighting for added sophistication. The high-resolution infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity. Multiple USB charging ports, a built-in inverter (ONYX), and dual-zone climate control keep all occupants comfortable and connected. The ONYX model features a premium nine-inch display and ambient interior lighting for added sophistication. Striking Exterior Enhancements: The bold new design includes a restyled grille, sharper headlamp clusters with bi-beam LED technology, and distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels (ONYX). The revised rear features a new bumper, tailgate design, and advanced LED taillights, reinforcing the MU-X's dynamic and premium presence. The bold new design includes a restyled grille, sharper headlamp clusters with bi-beam LED technology, and distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels (ONYX). The revised rear features a new bumper, tailgate design, and advanced LED taillights, reinforcing the MU-X's dynamic and premium presence. Unmatched Safety: The 2025 MU-X leads with cutting-edge safety systems: eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, brake, and a 360° surround view monitor. Features like mis-acceleration mitigation, digital reversing camera, and traffic jam assist provide peace of mind in all driving conditions. The 2025 MU-X leads with cutting-edge safety systems: eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, brake, and a 360° surround view monitor. Features like mis-acceleration mitigation, digital reversing camera, and traffic jam assist provide peace of mind in all driving conditions. Superior Off-Road Capability: Built on Isuzu's durable D-MAX platform, the MU-X excels off-road with a recalibrated 4×4 system, rear differential lock, and revised rough terrain mode. With 800mm wading depth and class-leading boot space (up to 2,138 litres), it's ready for any adventure, from city streets to rugged trails. Built on Isuzu's durable D-MAX platform, the MU-X excels off-road with a recalibrated 4×4 system, rear differential lock, and revised rough terrain mode. With 800mm wading depth and class-leading boot space (up to 2,138 litres), it's ready for any adventure, from city streets to rugged trails. Efficient Powertrains: Choose between a powerful 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm) or a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel (110kW/350Nm), both paired with a six-speed automatic and available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. These engines deliver strong performance with improved fuel efficiency. The 2025 ISUZU MU-X delivers a compelling blend of luxury, practicality, and safety, making it a standout choice for those seeking a versatile and sophisticated family SUV.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Isuzu MU-X SUV gets a makeover: significant upgrades challenge Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest
The exterior of the Isuzu MU-X has received a significant upgrade over the previous model. Image: Supplied Isuzu has lifted the covers off their revamped MU-X SUV with an exterior and interior update, and also added a flagship ONYX XT 4x4 to the range. Exterior The exterior has received a significant upgrade over the previous model with a new bumper, restyled grille (the ONYX XT 4x4 giving off Mercedes G-Class vibes), redesigned Isuzu badge, LED headlights with bi-beam technology, LED daytime running lights and repositioned fog lights. Around the back it's a lot more appealing than the outgoing MU-X with a mid-level spoiler, new badging and combination taillights linked by tailgate garnish. It also gets new wheel designs with multi-spoke 18-inch alloys for the LS and LSE models and black 20-inch rims for the ONYX XT. There are eight colour options with a new Biarritz Blue and Eiger Grey Metallic, with the latter looking particularly striking. The Isuzu MU-X gets a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display in a new shaped instrument cluster. Image: Supplied Interior Inside, it gets a redesigned seven-inch multi-information display in a new-shaped instrument cluster while the analogue dials for the tachometer and fuel gauge remain, alongside an LED temperature gauge. There are new interior colours for the door cards and armrests, and the leather seat patterns have been reworked. The infotainment system has been upgraded to a nine-inch display and is wireless, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. The LSE and ONYX XT gain a new digital 360-degree Surround View Monitor with the LS model retaining an analogue reverse camera. The camera has a new underfloor view that enables the driver to see and navigate around obstacles when venturing off the beaten track. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The engine options and power outputs remain the same with Isuzu's trusted 3.0-litre diesel engine and the 1.9-litre variant. Image: Supplied Engines The engine options and power outputs remain the same, with Isuzu's trusted 3.0-litre diesel engine delivering 140kW and 450Nm of torque available across the range. The 1.9-litre variant with 110kW and 350Nm is available in the LS model with only a 4x2 option, while the 3.0-litre is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with a diff-lock and low-range transfer case on the 4x4 variants. Both engine options are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. ONYX XT The range-topping ONYX XT takes the fight directly to the Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport and Ford Everest Sport. It's set apart by a gloss black grille, metallic Light Magnetite bumper, gloss black roof rails, black side mirrors, gloss black door mouldings, rear liftgate garnish, metallic Light Magnetite accent panels below the bumper and unique XT badging on the grille and bodywork, as well as the afore-mentioned black 20-inch alloys. Inside, there's a soft-touch covered dash, red ambient lighting on the dashboard and doors, red stitching on the seats, the steering wheel is finished in piano black with a metallic lower-centre ornament, the rear gets extra USB Type-C ports, and the driver's MID features unique XT graphics with red accents. Driving Overall, it's a very neat package which we explored on the launch route in and around the Cape Winelands. The wireless Android Auto connected effortlessly and, unlike some cars, stayed connected throughout the day. It's a very comfortable driving position once you've adjusted the electronic seats with a clear view over the bonnet. Build quality feels solid, and thank goodness the regular settings are buttons and dials so you don't have to go digging around on the touchscreen. It's not the quietest engine on start-up, but once warmed up, it purrs along nicely with slick gear changes throughout the rev range. When pressed hard to pass traffic there's some engine noise in the cabin but it calms down again quickly and with three of us in the car conversation could be had at normal volumes. The rear passenger with us had more than enough legroom with the seat adjusted for my tall frame. The updated Isuzu MU-X takes on the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. Image: Supplied
TimesLIVE
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
2025 Isuzu D-Max gains snazzier looks and cabin upgrades
In the wake of General Motors' 2017 disinvestment, Isuzu might have gone the route of other brands under the American firm's banner. Great effort was made to ensure the famed commercial vehicles manufacturer retained the Gqeberha plant and resumed activities as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Japanese mother company. It helped that the brand's mainstay product, the D-Max bakkie, cultivated such a storied reputation in the Mzansi market. The model continues to put in a decent performance on the monthly new vehicle sales charts, bolstered by the continuation of the Gen-6 series, with the latest iteration. In 2018 Isuzu sought to earn a greater share of the passenger space with the MU-X, designed to compete with the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. It never supplanted the best-selling status of the Toyota, but in its second generation, continues to provide a well-resolved alternative in the segment. Its appeal has been given a boost with the launch of a facelifted version. We attended the introduction in the Western Cape on Monday, testing the vehicle on- and off-road. Billy Tom, CEO of Isuzu SA, shared some insights before the driving evaluation. As president of Naamsa, South Africa's automotive business council, Tom is among prominent supporters of the local industry and its expansion. He said Africa is a sleeping giant and reiterated Isuzu's commitment to the sector, particularly its efforts at the long-standing Gqeberha manufacturing facility. 'The South African motor industry fosters industrialisation, job creation and economic growth,' Tom noted, praising its resilience in the face of rising fuel costs, inflationary pressures and supply chain issues. He noted the motor industry is the fifth largest export sector, with two of every three vehicles manufactured in South Africa exported. Commenting on the recent global reveal of the electric D-Max bakkie, Tom said the company is assessing local readiness for new energy vehicles. In the meantime, it will continue to focus on what its strengths are: durable, diesel-powered light commercial pickups and ladder-frame SUVs. The MU-X traces its lineage to the Trooper (1992), which was succeeded by the Frontier. When Isuzu launched the 2018 model, it was essentially a thorough revision of the Chevrolet Trailblazer from 2012. The current MU-X generation was introduced locally in 2021, with a refreshed identity. On the 2025 version, you will notice dramatic changes at the front end. It sports redesigned headlamps with sharp edges, almost resembling shards of glass. There are two types of grilles, depending on the model. The lower- and middle-range models get a larger interpretation of the familiar fang-toothed design. The range-topper gets a mesh-style arrangement. A more aggressive front bumper design features across the range. New alloy wheel designs and a restyled rear lighting cluster round off the outward changes. The grade walk remains as before: LS, LSE and Onyx XT. Pricing ranges from R752,300 to R1,026,800 and includes a five-year/90,000km and five-year/120,000km warranty. Power plants are also unchanged, with the proven 1.9 l (110kW/350Nm) and 3.0 l (140kW/450Nm) turbocharged-diesel, four-cylinder units carried forth. A six-speed automatic is the default gearbox across the board. There is a greater emphasis on interior refinement, with plusher appointments, improved insulation and ergonomically-optimised head restraints for the front occupants. A larger central infotainment screen with physical rotary dials for volume and track seeking remedies former criticisms. The driver assistance functions on higher-tier versions were said to have been revised. The driver now gets a digital instrument cluster, though strangely, Isuzu still insists on displaying fuel consumption readout in km/ l rather than l /100km. We spent our day with the middle-range 3.0 Ddi LSE 4x4 model. Over tarmac and on shoddy terrain, the benefit of uprated shocks permitting increased suspension travel was evident, enabling a more composed ride. The MU-X was never a particular bad steer, but the enhancements culminate in tangible improvements and widen the gap between it and the hardy D-Max bakkie. Our drive took us over immaculate Western Cape asphalt and scenic mountain backdrops, where the model showed competence as a relaxing open road cruiser. Over more treacherous obstacles, the 4x4 system and hill design control made light work of affairs. We had no need to engage the locking differential or low-range. The MU-X has always been a left-field choice and that is not likely to change. But prospective buyers may be compelled to find an extra dollop of refinement and more expressive styling in the mix.
