New Isuzu MU-X design exposed

Images obtained from the Japanese patent office provide the first look at the new-generation Isuzu MU-X seven-seat SUV.

Currently the third-best-selling large SUV behind the Toyota Prado and Kluger, the MU-X off-road wagon is a crucial model for Isuzu Ute Australia and the forthcoming new series will again be based on the Isuzu D-MAX ute that has just entered its third generation.

The new MU-X looks to inherit only a few elements of the latest ute’s bold design such as the front quarter panels, bonnet and front doors, and instead has a unique appearance via reworked headlights, grille and a new bumper with sleek fog light nacelles.

First posted by Autoweek.nl, the Isuzu MU-X patent designs also show the redesigned rear end which carries new tail-lights but retains a full-size spare wheel under the body.

The MU-X will also feature a heavily reworked interior and should have a coil-sprung independent rear suspension, unlike the ute which uses leaf springs and a solid rear axle.

The family off-roader will leverage many of mechanical and technological enhancements featured on the new Isuzu D-MAX, including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, automatic high beam and autonomous emergency braking with turn assist.

The ute’s upgraded powertrain will also be donated to the 2021 Isuzu MU-X – a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (140kW/450Nm) hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission with dual-range transfer case.

This should deliver improved fuel economy for the family SUV and at least maintain (if not improve) its 3000kg towing capacity.

It’s not clear if the new Isuzu MU-X will mirror the D-MAX’s price rises, but count on a similar uptick given the improvements across the board.

The MU-X is currently priced between $42,900 and $56,400 in Australia and is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive variants.

Isuzu Ute Australia has sold 4592 examples of the MU-X to the end of August this year, down 24.5 per cent compared to the same period last year but enough for an 8.1 per cent slice of the large SUV segment.

The Toyota Prado is king with 9905 sales over the same period – down 23.2 per cent but handing the Prado a 17.5 per cent share – while Kluger, at 6452 sales (-11.6%), accounts for 11.4 per cent.