Facelifted 2025 Isuzu MU-X teased for first time

The facelifted 2025 Isuzu MU-X has been teased in Thailand and is expected to arrive Down Under in the first quarter of 2025, based on previous timelines.

Isuzu Thailand has traditionally moved quickly with the reveal of new models and/or variants following the release of their initial teasers, which suggests the new MU-X could even make its debut later this month.

A couple of shadowy teaser images and one video have been released thus far, showing off the facelifted large off-road SUV’s new lighting signature and grille design, plus a sporty new RS trim that will bring at least a black honeycomb grille mesh and green RS logo.

The official materials really don’t paint too much of a picture, but Filipino publication Visor has painstakingly stitched together dozens of screengrabs to remove the white and green lights passing over the new MU-X’s front fascia, providing us with an almost unobstructed look at the new design.

To say it’s completely different to the current MU-X and what we expected would be an understatement, given the entire fascia has been overhauled with a gaping new central grille, huge air curtains and a new trapezoid lower intake.

The whole ensemble reminds us of an LDV D90, albeit one that’s hit the gym.

There has been next to no intel shared about the new model, with Isuzu Australia declaring it’s “not in a position to comment on the Isuzu vehicle shown in the teaser video”.

Our independent sources also came up short with details, however, a major technology update as per the recently-released MY24 D-MAX ute facelift is expected, including upgraded infotainment and safety systems, plus a refreshed interior design.

Odds are there’ll be no changes to the familiar 1.9- and 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel powertrains as part of the update – again as per the D-MAX – which output 110kW/350Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively, offering braked towing capacities of 3000-3500kg.

The new MU-X will also inevitably inherit the D-MAX’s upgraded version of Rough Terrain Mode, which sees traction control remain active on the front axle when the rear diff lock is engaged – a feat currently also accomplished by only the Nissan Navara and Ford Ranger.

Nothing about the teased RS trim is known at this stage, nor is there any guarantee it will come to Australia.

Isuzu Thailand has numerous sports-themed D-MAX variants in its portfolio, so it make sense for equivalent MU-Xs to be offered at some stage, but we wonder if the RS could also serve as the eventual launch pad for Isuzu’s long-promised electrification hardware – given the green hue.

Shown earlier in the year in the D-MAX, the Japanese brand’s 48-volt mild-hybrid equipped 1.9-litre engine could feasibly be introduced s part of the updated MU-X range, given the SUV has traditionally one-upped its ute sibling in technology terms (it was the first model to feature rough terrain mode, for example).

The addition of 48V tech to the MU-X range would enhance the appeal of the cheaper 1.9-litre variants through marginally improved fuel economy and subtly enhanced low-speed driveability – particularly off-road.

It would also be a small but meaningful step towards electrification for Isuzu Ute Australia, as the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard bears down on the local industry from 2025.

Odds are the mild-hybrid engine will eventually become Isuzu’s default 1.9-litre turbo-diesel powertrain, and that it will one day replace the big-bore 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in both the MU-X and D-MAX.

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