Isuzu MU-X — What you need to know

The second-generation Isuzu MU-X arrived here in 2021, bringing new levels of technology and in particular safety and improved towing capacity to the already well-received first-generation Japanese seven-seater SUV. The MU-X, based on the Isuzu D-MAX ute, has since received various rolling upgrades (including the introduction of the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel alongside the existing 3.0-litre last year), but the most significant milestone to date is the March 2025 mid-cycle refresh.

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X offers crisper exterior styling, more features, updated safety, a new suspension tune and a new top-spec model, the X-TERRAIN (offered as a 3.0-litre 4x4 only). There are 10 different models spanning four grades to choose from: LS-M, LS-U, LS-T, and X-TERRAIN.

The model continues with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain choices and, depending on model grade, either a 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

All MU-X models come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Let’s get stuck into what you can choose from in the 2025 Isuzu MU-X range and let us explain what we think is the pick of the MU-X crop.

Opening at $48,400 plus on-road costs (or the current offer of $46,990 drive away for private, ABN and business fleet customers only), the entry-model Isuzu MU-X 4x2 LS-M 1.9L automatic has the following standard equipment:

• 8.0-inch touchscreen audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Reversing camera with rear sensors
• LED daytime running lights
• Bi-LED auto-levelling headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Full-size spare steel wheel
• Manual air-conditioning
• Seven-seat capacity
• 3000kg towing capacity

The only factory option on the Isuzu MU-X is exterior colour: there are up to eight choices. Your pick of colours, however, depends on model grade. For example, the LS-M offers Mineral White, Mercury Silver metallic, Obsidian Grey metallic, Neptune Blue mica, Basalt Black mica or Magnetic Red mica. The LS-U and LS-T model grades additionally offer a Moonstone White pearl, while the new X-TERRAIN is offered in a choice of four colours: Moonstone White pearl, Mercury Silver metallic, Basalt Black mica and a new X-TERRAIN exclusive colour, Slate Grey metallic. All except for Mineral White costs $695 extra on LS-M, LS-U and LS-T, while on X-TERRAIN all four colour choices are at no extra cost.

Dealer-fit accessories in contrast are numerous; key items include a towbar ($1284, fitted), towbar wiring kit (from $301, fitted), a selection of nudge bars and bullbars (from $1692 to $5163, fitted), and much more.

Isuzu went all in with safety features when introducing the new MU-X in 2021. Accordingly, all Isuzu MU-Xs offer eight airbags (front, front side, side curtain, front centre and driver’s knee airbags), anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with junction assist and day/night pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Other driver-assist tech fitted to all MU-X models from LS-M up includes auto headlights with high beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot and driver-attention monitoring, emergency lane keeping, lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning and prevention.

There’s also a manual speed limiter, traffic-sign recognition, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, post-collision braking, collision warning and braking (front and rear) and misacceleration mitigation.

All models also offer a rear camera and rear parking sensors.

Front parking sensors, LED front fog lights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and tyre-pressure monitoring are standard in all but the base model LS-M, while a 360-degree view monitor is exclusive to LS-T and X-TERRAIN.

All models feature two ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the outboard second row positions while three top-tether strap points are also fitted for the second row.

At the entry-level Isuzu MU-X LS-M grade there’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system employs four speakers.

Meanwhile the LS-U and up get a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, eight speakers and embedded satellite navigation. The LS-M has a 4.2-inch digital dash display set in between analogue dials, while the other models have a 7.0-inch display.

While the LS-M has rotary dials to operate air-conditioning, the rest of the range serves up dual-zone climate control. Pushbutton start is standard across the board, but if you want hands-free keyless entry and walk-away auto locking you’ll have to step up to the LS-U, while the LS-T and X-TERRAIN add remote engine starting.

Bump up from the base model to any other grade (from LS-U and up) and you’ll also get a powered tailgate, power-fold side mirrors, and a welcome home light function.

Inside, from LS-U and up, there’s a leather steering wheel and voice recognition functions. All occupants sit on a higher grade of cloth seats with powered lumbar support for the driver.

From the LS-U and up, you get roof rails, aluminium sidesteps (black painted aluminium side steps for LS-T and X-TERRAIN), rear privacy glass, a satin chrome grille (or a unique black grille on X-TERRAIN). The LS-U also has colour-coded door handles and exterior mirrors, while these side mirrors are gloss black on LS-T and X-TERRAIN. From LS-U, the power folding side mirrors also feature turn indicators.

While the 2025 Isuzu MU-X range offers alloy wheels, they are a 17-inch size on the LS-M, 18-inch for LS-U and 20-inch for LS-T and X-TERRAIN. A full-size steel spare wheel is fitted with every LS-M and LS-U, while the LS-T and X-TERRAIN feature a matching alloy spare.

If you want a more premium vehicle, the LS-T and X-TERRAIN offer a step up into luxury. Both have perforated leather seats in all three rows, which are heated and feature electric adjustment up front. The X-TERRAIN has red stitching throughout the cabin, with dark grey and piano black appointments – both unique to this model. An ambient door lighting feature comes on board with the LS-T, while the X-TERRAIN enhances this with red ambient lighting and footwell lighting.

While 4x2 models have some underbody protection (a steel front skid plate) under the 4x4 models you have steel protection for the sump, transfer case and the reinforced fuel tank.

Terrain Command Select, a rear diff lock and a Rough Terrain mode button is standard on all 4x4 variants.

The Isuzu MU-X straddles the medium/large off-road SUV categories for its exterior dimensions, measuring 4860mm long, 1870mm wide and 1825mm high and sitting on a 2855mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 235mm across the range.

Kerb weight ranges from 1970kg to 2135kg, while the Gross Vehicle Mass is 2700kg for 4x2 variants and 2800kg for the 4x4 models.

The 1.9-litre models can pull a trailer up to 3000kg (braked), with 300kg of that on the towball. The 3.0-litre continues with its 3500kg/350kg braked towing capacity.

Inside, all the MU-X models offer 311 litres cargo capacity with all three seat rows up, or 1119L with the third row folded, or 2138L with the second and third rows folded.

The MU-X range offers two engine choices (1.9-litre or 3.0-litre), two driven wheel choices (4x2 or 4x4) and just one transmission, a six-speed automatic.

The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is good for 110kW and 350Nm and achieves a claimed 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle. This engine is offered in 4x2 as a LS-M only while in 4x4 you can get this engine in LS-M or LS-U.

A 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is on offer in 4x2 as an LS-M, LS-U or LS-T, while with the 4x4 driveline you can get this engine in all four variants. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km in 3.0-litre 4x2 variants, while the 4x4 versions have an 8.3L/100km average. All MU-Xs have an 80-litre fuel tank.

The Isuzu MU-X is one of the more conservative off-road large SUV wagons on the market and arguably has a less refined powertrain than some competitors. Yet the MU-X has grown a loyal following as it offers a good level of safety, tech and convenience features, value for money, has good off-road capability and is a great towing tug.

If you’re not concerned with off-road capability and you’re on a budget, the $50,400 plus on-road costs 4x2 3.0-litre version of the LS-M would make for good buying. The X-TERRAIN, while appealing, offers primarily cosmetic improvements over the $4000 cheaper LS-T, so the $69,990 (drive away) 3.0-litre 4x4 LS-T is the pick of the litter for its great blend of creature comforts, such as powered, heated leather seats and useful features such as a 360-degree camera for a price lower than many competitors.

2025 Isuzu MU-X pricing
LS-M 1.9L 4x2 – $48,400 ($46,990 drive away)
LS-M 3.0L 4x2 – $50,400
LS-U 3.0L 4x2 – $57,400
LS-T 3.0L 4x2 – $65,400
LS-M 1.9L 4x4 – $54,400
LS-U 1.9L 4x4 – $61,400
LS-M 3.0L 4x4 – $56,400
LS-U 3.0L 4x4 – $63,400
LS-T 3.0L 4x4 – $71,400 ($69,990 drive away)
X-Terrain 3.0L 4x4 – $74,400 ($73,990 drive away)
* Pricing before on-road costs unless otherwise indicated

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