Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X 2019 Review – Australia

The 2019 Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X have arrived at an interesting juncture in the brand's relatively brief 11-year history in this country.

The current-generation ute, introduced back in 2012, and the seven-seat SUV, introduced the following year, share their mechanical underpinnings, and it's no secret that the development of Isuzu UTE's next-gen platform – a collaboration with Mazda and that brand's BT-50 – is well underway.

The challenge then is to maintain sales momentum through to the generational shift. It's a task Isuzu UTE is approaching with a refreshed D-MAX and MU-X line-up for 2019, along with a new top-spec D-MAX X-Runner variant and an enticing extension of its 'Service Plus' warranty and aftersales ownership program.

Whether prospective buyers opt to bide their time until the next-gen model arrives or not – and with Isuzu and Mazda yet to divulge any details regarding specs or timing – the success of the existing generation can't be denied, both the D-MAX and MU-X carving out significant slices of their respective fields.

There's also a lot to be said for investing in a vehicle at or near its evolutionary peak. In a platform that's built a solid name for its rugged simplicity and no-fuss approach, that sentiment is arguably even more likely to strike a chord with those attracted to these products in the first place.

So who does buy these models? While the full customer spectrum is as diverse as these models' design briefs, Isuzu UTE says more than three-quarters of sales are private purchases, and they've found particular favour with those who tow and recreational set. Think caravans, camper trailers, boats and horse floats, along with those who simply like to head bush and explore.

Carsales recently sampled the refreshed line-up at a media event in southern Victoria, where we drove selected D-MAX and MU-X models including the D-MAX X-runner along the Great Ocean Road and through the surrounding Otway Ranges, before tackling the off-road circuit at the nearby Australian Automotive Research Centre at Anglesea.

While a comprehensive rundown on the changes for the 2019 range can be found here, it's fair to describe the bulk of the updates as modest, comprising a handful of external styling tweaks for the D-MAX and MU-X, the latter's cabin also benefiting from a minor lift.

The MU-X also receives recalibrated hydraulic steering for a lighter feel at lower speeds along with the appearance of new safety tech. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert is now available as a $955 accessory package on the MU-X along with front parking sensors ($545). The latter also now available for D-MAX LS-M, LS-U and LS-T variants. And, in a show of how the automotive market is evolving, the MU-X is now only available with an automatic transmission.

The workhorse D-MAX SX variants continue unchanged.

Of more note, however, is the extension of Isuzu UTE's Service Plus program, which sees the factory warranty and roadside assistance increase to six years and 150,000km (previously five), and the capped-price servicing scheme increase to seven years and 105,000km (also previously five). Service intervals continue at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

The new '6-6-7' scheme beats most rivals on most counts, and makes a strong statement regarding the brand's faith in its products.

Spearheading the new-look range is a limited-edition D-MAX X-Runner, which will be limited to 645 examples and is based on the top-tier D-MAX LS-T.

In addition to top-spec LS-T features like satellite-navigation, a reversing camera, an electric driver's seat and keyless entry/starting, the model features a range of cosmetic enhancements, including red Isuzu badging on the front grille and alloy wheel hubs, and a satin-black-finish sports bar.

The list continues with a tub liner, X-Runner door scuff plates, rear parking sensors, and – in the interior – prominent red door and dash trim, complementing the red-accented leather upholstery.

The X-Runner is available in Pearl White or Magnetic Red Mica for a very attractive $54,990 drive-away.

While the Isuzu D-MAX drive experience remains unchanged from that of its predecessor, the serpentine twists and turns of the Great Ocean Road served to highlight some of the ute's key strengths – and weaknesses.

The 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that continues throughout the Isuzu UTE Australia range is derived from Isuzu's N-Series light truck. It's 130kW/430Nm is exceptional in today’s ute and ute-based SUV markets, but its lazy, low-revving nature is well suited to load lugging, plugging its way through the bends and – as previous experience has shown – hauling a significant load.

However, with the latest brace of high-output utes now available, it's on-road performance is best described as adequate, if not exactly spectacular. It'll get the job done in an unhurried manner, and that in itself will tick the box for many prospective D-MAX buyers.

It's also a noisy unit under load. That much was clear when powering away through this coastal route's many corners and climbs, although the diesel cacophony does settle to an entirely acceptable level on a steady throttle.

Our vehicles weren't loaded and so our D-MAX LS-T's ride was on the harsher side, as you'd expect. On a related note, Isuzu UTE issued a recall in April 2019 affecting 4717 D-MAX models sold between January and October over potential leaf-spring suspension fractures.

At the media event Isuzu UTE said it had addressed around 20 per cent of affected vehicles, while the potential flaw had thus far cropped up in four vehicles.

With coil/spring suspension at all four corners, our MU-X LS-T offers notably smoother progress, even if it does come at the expense of a little more body roll through the bends. As for the recalibrated steering, we suggest the change would only be revealed by a back-to-back comparison – we had no complaints regarding the previous model, but certainly it steers well enough for a large SUV and in a thoroughly docile, benign manner.

Both models come fitted with new 18-inch alloys shod with highway tyres – Toyo Open Country for the D-MAX, Bridgestone Dueler for the MU-X – which will suit many Isuzu UTE buyers, the majority of whom – the company says – largely restrict their usage to sealed roads. The off-road set, naturally, will swap out the HTs for all-terrains or mud tyres as a matter of course.

Not that the highway tyres were an impediment for any of the models on hand as we tackled a variety of off-road exercises at the Australian Automotive Research Centre.

On the contrary, traction was entirely sufficient over a variety of terrain, from a long water-filled pit to a 40 per cent gradient, while the various hills and ruts showcased the vehicles' off-road geometry and ground clearance to good effect.

Yes, many rivals have a locking rear differential these days, but here at the AARC and over many Isuzu UTE I-Venture off-road expeditions we've seen first-hand how capable these vehicles can be in the bush.

They're not about canyon rock-hopping or extreme axle articulation but even in stock trim their capabilities will surprise many, thanks to healthy approach and departure angles complemented by decent underbody protection, effective low-range gearing and that engine's low-down grunt.

Fuel range can be a limiting factor for some off-road explorers in these vehicles – the D-MAX comes with a 76-litre tank, dropping to 65 litres for the MU-X – but many remedy the situation by fitting an aftermarket long-range tank, which depending on the model may or may not involve relocating the underbody location of the spare wheel.

The gradient exercise highlighted both vehicles' hill-hold function, which automatically holds the vehicle for up to three seconds to afford a smooth getaway, as well as the hill descent control function.

This controls the vehicle's descent on technical terrain and, unlike many equivalents where the speed is altered via cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, we really like the simplicity of adjusting speed via the accelerator or brake. It works well, and is quiet in its operation too.

It should come as no surprise that this latest Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X update is relatively modest in nature.

The models may still lack some features now commonplace among SUVs and increasingly found in the ute segment – things like autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, and entertainment tech like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – but chances are we'll see those and who knows what else in the looming next generation, whenever that may arrive.

In the meantime, the cosmetic lift and new features but especially the longer warranty and its associated benefits add up to a worthy update for a proven package with solid credentials, involving a minor price increase that, on average, sees individual variants lift by roughly $500 to $1000.

Add the sharply styled new D-MAX X-Runner into the mix, and the latest Isuzu UTE range continues as a capable, practical and compelling line-up.

How much does the Isuzu D-MAX LS-T Crew Cab 4x4 cost?
Price: $54,800 (plus ORC)
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/430Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 207g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

How much does the 2019 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4x4 cost?
Price: $56,400 (plus ORC)
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/430Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 214g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP