Isuzu MU-X Blade firming for production

A hardcore Isuzu MU-X Blade looks increasingly likely to take on the Ford Everest Tremor.

Inspired by and closely related to the Isuzu D-Max Blade ute launched late last year, the MU-X Blade would also be developed and remanufactured locally by Walkinshaw Auto Group on behalf of Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA).

Like the D-Max, the MU-X Blade would be the flagship of its line-up and most likely get within a coo-ee of $80,000, making it the most expensive IUA model ever sold in Australia.

The Everest Tremor, which is now being delivered to customers after orders opened last August, is priced from $76,590 plus on-road costs.

But while the MU-X Blade is definitely on the agenda at IUA, it’s not quite as clear just whether it’s been signed off for production or not.

At this week’s 2025 MU-X media launch, IUA executives veered from pretty much confirming it was on the way to being a nice idea at some unconfirmed time.

Asked about the prospects for an MU-X Blade during an all-in press conference, IUA deputy general manager Sadanori Sugita seemed unequivocal.

“We are carefully monitoring the market strategy, customer needs and customer requirement,” he said.

“We are planning something.”

But in a separate interview with selected media, IUA managing director Juntas Matsui was much more cautious when asked about the MU-X Blade’s status.

“Maybe that’s a good strategy for us to take,” he said.

“Of course we need to look at how the market is going, because the market is moving.

“So we are carefully observing the enquiry on [D-Max] Blade at the moment.

“If customers are moving towards Blade segment of course we need to think about MU-X as well for sure.

“So let’s see how the D-Max Blade segment is going over the next six to 12 months.”

carsales understands an MU-X Blade would be based on the MU-X LS-T trim rather than the new X-Terrain flagship, a move that tallies with the D-Max Blade which is based on the penultimate LS-U+ rather than the X-Terrain.

Key MU-X Blade modifications would also resemble D-Max Blade, focussing on the chassis, rolling stock and predominantly exterior cosmetics, while budget constraints would mean virtually no upgrades to the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine or the dual-range 4x4 drivetrain.

Also as per the ute, the MU-X’s dampers would be swapped out for more capable units – the D-Max Blade uses 35mm Monro MTV twin tube dampers – but standard springs would be retained, with any potential ride height increases gained via packers.

All-Terrain rubber would replace standard H/T tyres, likely encasing a 17-inch wheel.

The MU-X Blade would likely incorporate a variety of exterior design modifications including a new grille insert developed by Walkinshaw design chief Julian Quincey and his team. This was the most expensive single new item in the D-Max Blade program.

The D-Max Blade also features a 3mm heavy-duty bash plate and dual 8000kg recovery hooks.

Of course, the MU-X runs a coil rear-end rather than the D-Max’s leaf springs leaf end that adds complexity to a development program.

Complicating things further is the fact the D-Max Blade production line at Walkinshaw’s Melbourne plant is currently limited to 100 units per month and is being fully utilised.

That could mean expanding the line – and the cost for IUA – or throttling D-Max Blade demand to add the wagon into the schedule.

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