Isuzu MU-X 2021 Review

The all-new 2021 Isuzu MU-X has been a long time coming and has much to live up to.

Based on the overhauled Isuzu D-MAX ute introduced last August, the new MU-X has to fill the shoes of a predecessor that first arrived in 2013 and became Australia’s top-selling ute-based SUV.

Much of that success was due to the seven-seat off-road SUV’s compelling mix of capability, durability and value, but now the sun has set on the original MU-X as the category’s low-frills, budget hero.

In contrast, when the 2021 Isuzu MU-X went on sale on August 2, prices increased by between $5000 and $10,800, depending on the model.

And yet Isuzu UTE Australia expects a significant uptick in sales, with a forecast that would see the new MU-X overtake the Toyota Kluger and even approach the all-conquering Prado in the large SUV segment.

Once again there are six model variants spanning LS-M, LS-U and LS-T trim grades across 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines, but recommended retail pricing now ranges from $47,900 to $65,900 (plus on-road costs).

However, the flagship Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4x4 we’re reviewing here comes with a limited introductory drive-away price tag of $63,990 (including on-road costs).

So that’s a lot more than before, but it’s still less than the top-spec MU-X’s most direct rivals including the Ford Everest Titanium ($72,690 drive-away) and Toyota Fortuner Crusade ($66,852 drive-away), not to mention the dominant Prado ($65,215 to $94,904 drive-away).

Isuzu UTE says the equipment and performance boost justify the price hike. And with a huge lift in refinement, ability, safety and features, a closer look at this classy new getaway machine reveals plenty of substance behind the sentiment.

Like the new D-MAX, the 2021 Isuzu MU-X arrives with an updated engine and driveline, plus a beefed-up chassis and suspension package, sharper styling, a revitalised interior and smarter tech.

Of particular note is the now category-best 3.5-tonne towing limit – up 500kg – while off-road ability in 4x4 models has escalated too, with improved ground clearance, off-road geometry, electronics, a tougher driveline and the arrival of a rear differential lock.

The entry-level LS-M kicks things off with push-button starting, keyless entry, and a 7.0-inch touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with cloth upholstery, bi-LED headlights, an electric park brake and 17-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres.

The mid-range LS-U and top-tier LS-T receive 18- and 20-inch alloys respectively (both with highway tyres) and a 9.0-inch touch-screen, plus eight-speaker surround sound, dual-zone air-conditioning and a power tailgate, among other features.

A standout across the range is Isuzu’s new Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which packages a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features. While the new MU-X is yet to be assessed by ANCAP, Isuzu UTE is anticipating a full five-star rating.

Available in a variety of new and carry-over colours, the MU-X is backed by a six-year/150,000km factory warranty, with up to seven years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.

Service intervals remain pegged at 15,000km or every 12 months, with service costs totalling $3373 over that period – a 12 per cent reduction, Isuzu says.

The 2021 Isuzu MU-X has taken both safety and technology to the next level, and the adoption of the IDAS safety suite across the range will surely resonate with buyers.

Utilising a Hitachi 3D stereo camera system, highlights include autonomous braking (with day/night pedestrian/cyclist detection), forward collision warning, dynamic lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and speed sign recognition, plus rear cross traffic alert and eight airbags, among others.

It’s a major progression for the MU-X and a step forward for the category. The driver assistance features integrate seamlessly and many features can be tailored for sensitivity and/or disabled entirely if desired.

Speed sign alerts – which are generally quite accurate – can be set to visual, visual/audible or off, along with a leeway of 2km/h (over), 5km/h, and 10km/h. While the car will store these settings after the ignition has been keyed off, the audible alerts for lane departure warning and forward collision warning default to 'on' whenever the car is started (but can then be muted).

The range-standard reversing camera is now equipped with dynamic guides and complemented by rear parking sensors; only LS-U and LS-T variants get front and rear sensors.

The visual warning ‘Look your surroundings for safety’ that flashes up on the central dash display grates – it's triggered by the parking sensors – and we think a high-bonneted vehicle like this would benefit from a 360-degree camera.

The MU-X’s off-road electronics now include Rough Terrain Mode – an off-road traction mode – as well as hill descent control, while the top-spec LS-T receives tyre pressure monitoring.

Other technical additions include auto high-beam and auto-levelling for the bi-LED headlights with LED DRLs (a standard feature), plus auto wipers (ditto), ‘walk away’ door locking (LS-U/LS-T), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror (LS-T), and remote engine starting (LS-T), affording preheating or cooling of the cabin before entry.

Pairing a phone is simple, while the new multimedia unit combines smartphone mirroring, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with integrated satellite navigation, voice recognition, and regular plus digital radio.

The 2021 Isuzu MU-X is powered exclusively by Isuzu’s updated 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm.

That’s a lift of 10kW and 20Nm, while Isuzu says the improved unit has at least 400Nm available across 1400-3250rpm, and 300Nm from just 1000rpm.

That grunt is transmitted via an improved Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode, and – in 4x4 models – a tougher, more durable and faster shifting dual-range transfer case.

Isuzu quotes ADR combined-cycle economy figures of 7.8L/100km for 4x2 models (down 0.1L/100km) and 8.3L/100km for 4x4 models (up 0.2L/100km), while fuel capacity has increased by a handy 15 litres to 80 litres.

The 2021 MU-X adopts the strengthened ladder-frame chassis and beefed-up double-wishbone front suspension from the new D-MAX, but utilises a redesigned rear subframe to accept five-link coil (rather than the ute’s leaf-sprung) rear suspension.

Compared to the old MU-X, stiffer spring rates and a thicker anti-roll bar help mitigate body roll and enhance handling, while also accommodating the boosted load-lugging potential.

Beyond its 3.5-tonne towing limit, this more robust platform also boasts increases in gross vehicle mass (2700kg for 4x2, 2800kg for 4x4 – both up 50kg), gross combination mass (5900kg, up 250kg), towball download mass (350kg, up 50kg), roof payload (100kg) and cargo payload (from 615kg to 665kg).

Kerb weights have also increased, ranging from 2035kg for the LS-M 4x2 (up 43kg) to 2175kg for the LS-T 4x4 (up 18kg).

The new MU-X’s body is 25mm longer overall (4850mm) and has a 10mm longer wheelbase (2855mm), while it’s 10mm wider (1870mm) and up to 35mm lower (1825mm).

And the range now comes equipped with electric power steering. While the steering box is long, at 3.75 turns lock to lock, the MU-X’s turning circle is down 200mm to a claimed 11.4 metres.

Heading off-road? Ground clearance has increased to 230mm (up 10mm) for the LS-M and 235mm (up 5mm) for the LS-U/LS-T, while approach, ramp-over and departure angles have improved by at least 5.2 degrees, 3.6 degrees and 1.3 degrees respectively.

In the LS-T 4x4 on test here, we’re talking 29.2 degrees (approach), 23.1 degrees (ramp-over) and 26.4 degrees (departure).

It’s instantly apparent the 2021 Isuzu MU-X is a major progression from the moment you jump in.

The LS-T cabin is so much more inviting and refined – it’s thoroughly modern and extensively equipped, while the lower trim grades aren’t left wanting either.

Our flagship test vehicle has a classy, even sophisticated feel, with the old model’s naked expanse of hard plastic replaced by extensive soft-touch finishes and an array of tasteful highlights – even LED ambient lighting.

With leather-accented seating throughout, eight-way electric adjustment (including lumbar support) for the driver, front row seat heating and a leather-wrap steering wheel adjustable for tilt and reach, finding the perfect position is easy.

The big new multimedia display dominates the dash, and together with the new instrumentation (with 4.2-inch central Multi Information Display), the view from the cockpit is bang up to date.

Navigating the menu systems is easy and intuitive, although there’s a slight lag when flicking through screens on the central display. There’s no volume knob on the big touch-screen, either – only plus and minus buttons – which can be a pain on bumpy surfaces.

Further back, second-row occupants enjoy reasonable leg and head space, while kids have relatively easy access to the third row, which has wider seating and more foot space than before.

Isuzu says total luggage space has decreased slightly from 2162L to 2138L (SAE), but luggage space with the third-row seating either up or folded flat has increased by 25L/68L respectively.

The seating can be easily altered to accommodate varying configurations, and there are dedicated air-con vents and cup-holders for all occupants.

There are several power outlets too, both 12-volt and USB, although the soft covers for the latter (one up front, two on the rear of the centre console) appear a bit flimsy, especially when kids are involved.

Press the start button and the updated oiler erupts with a familiar but better supressed engine note. Its roar still dominates under hard acceleration, but it’s appreciably quieter with a more restrained right foot. Engine noise is also very subdued at 100km/h on the open road, when this lazy, low-revving mill registers just 1400rpm.

That relaxed nature helps fuel consumption, which we measured at 9.1L/100km (largely unladen, with a mix of city, country and off-road driving).

The six-speed auto is smooth and generally unobtrusive, but despite the extra torque open-road overtaking often requires downshifting. Still, with a spread of abilities this broad, the MU-X was never going to be a rocket ship; it gets along nicely and shifting is accomplished with relative speed and precision.

The MU-X feels secure and well sorted on the road, with the neutral, nicely weighted electric steering requiring only a light touch at the wheel.

Body roll is nicely controlled and the MU-X goes exactly where you point it. Indeed, the new chassis is a highlight, despite the lack of a local tuning program.

Sure, there’s some jiggling and judder over small road imperfections when unladen, but given its ladder-frame chassis and towing potential it’s an impressive compromise.

We’re yet to put the hefty tow capacity to the test (stay tuned), but we did give the MU-X an off-road shakedown – and it excelled.

The suspension irons out dirt corrugations effectively but it’s also nicely tuned for cushioning bigger hits. It’s really pretty refined – there’s that word again – both on-road and off.

I like the faster switching between high and low range too, although on occasions it took a bit of travel to engage or disengage the diff lock. Great to finally see this traction-enhancing feature on an MU-X, though.

Generous ground clearance and geometry make for a pretty handy tool in the rough stuff, and the strong low-down torque is a great asset in tough going – the MU-X just digs in and claws up and over obstacles without fuss.

Add with the additional fuel capacity, reasonable underbody protection, a pragmatic range of genuine accessories and boosted axle limits to help accommodate them, and the MU-X is a compelling package for adventurous sorts heading bush.

Its predecessor was a solid, dependable rig that struck a chord with adventure-minded families, RVers and off-roaders alike, but the 2021 Isuzu MU-X builds on that platform in comprehensive fashion and will appeal to a much broader audience including those who never venture off-road.

The second-generation MU-X simply offers more of what buyers want across all of its many areas of expertise – it’s the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, with the tools for every job.

While its higher pricing may give existing devotees pause for thought, we can say with all certainty that the new Isuzu MU-X has been worth the wait, and for many Aussies it will also be well worth the extra.

How much does the 2021 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4x4 cost?
Price: $63,990 (drive-away, introductory offer only)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 220g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC