Isuzu MU-X Blade decision coming “ASAP”
Walkinshaw-developed tough SUV nears the green lightThe News
A decision on whether the 2026 Isuzu MU-X Blade will go into production will be made “ASAP”.
The Key Details
- A decision is imminent on the future of the Isuzu MU-X Blade
- Isuzu Ute Australia says the D-Max Blade has been a success
- MU-X Blade would follow a similar blueprint of cosmetic updates and chassis upgrades
- If approved, the five-door Blade could be in production and on-sale next year
The Finer Details
A flagship Isuzu MU-X Blade SUV has been on the agenda since the launch of the D-Max Blade tough truck in 2024.
But Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) made it clear at the time it wanted to see how the Walkinshaw Group-modified and assembled ute performed in the market before pressing the button on an SUV equivalent.
IUA managing director Junta Matsui told carsales at this week’s 2.2-litre D-Max and MU-X media launch the time was nearing for a decision to be made on whether the Ford Everest Tremor rival would go into production.
“We need to make a decision ASAP, for sure,” he said.
“If we want to go with these options, of course we need to make a decision ASAP. But we haven’t concluded yet.”
The D-Max Blade is a cosmetic and chassis upgrade (twin tube 35mm Monroe MTV dampers, unique 17-inch alloys, 275/65R17 all-terrains, heavy-duty bash plate) based on the high-spec LS-U+.
Walkinshaw Group in Melbourne performed the development work in conjunction with Isuzu, and assembles Blades at the rate of 100 units per month.
Matsui described sales of the D-Max Blade as being “as good as we expected … it’s a very good result”.
The MU-X Blade would follow a similar cosmetic and chassis recipe that would also avoid the expense of modifications to the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
Previously, carsales learned an MU-X Blade would be based on the penultimate LS-T trim rather than the flagship X-Terrain – just like the D-Max.
There had been suggestions that production restrictions at Walkinshaw could inhibit the green light for an MU-X Blade, but Matsui indicated that was not the case.
“It’s not Walkinshaw side [issue], it’s our side. It’s our decision,” he said.
The Road Ahead
Basically, we sit tight and wait for a decision on whether the MU-X Blade comes into being.
But considering the D-Max Blade is considered a success, the MU-X Blade must be a good chance.
If it does get signed off, it will set a new price ceiling for the MU-X which has just bumped up to $77,100 plus on-road costs for the X-Terrain.
Related: Isuzu D-MAX Blade 2025 Review
Related: Full details: Updated 2025 Isuzu D-Max and MU-X arrive
Related: Isuzu MU-X LS-M 1.9 4x4 2025 Review
Related: Isuzu D-Max and MU-X 1.9s dead, 2.2L replacement inbound
Related: Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 Review
Related: Isuzu MU-X Blade firming for production
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