It might be overshadowed in some respects by a recent Blue Oval release, but there is still a lot to like in Isuzu’s rough-and-ready MU-X four-wheel-drive wagon.
2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T
While it’s one of the newest and most tech-laden in the segment, Isuzu’s MU-X also plays in the same sandbox of mechanical simplicity and a reputation of dependability that Australians lap up.
Changes for the 2023 Isuzu MU-X – since launching a couple of years ago – are minor. Some darker exterior elements, along with new wheels, refreshed looks outside, and a few minor tech changes: tyre pressure monitoring, hands-free tailgate opening, and not a whole lot else.
Keeping things steady is perhaps not a bad thing in this case, because the MU-X is intrinsically a good thing. It launched in the middle of 2021 – during the height of travel restrictions in Australia – and replaced a well-loved long-serving model that was a popular choice despite being outdated.
This is an important element of appeal to this Isuzu for Australian buyers. While it once traded on good value and a rock-solid reputation, it can now take the fight to other four-wheel drives and SUVs on a more even keel. It’s got a similar mechanical recipe of strong simplicity, but now has improved safety, technology and convenience levels.
That means it could be the perfect mix for someone yearning for long road trips, or even that big one across (or around) the continent.
How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost in Australia?
That whole value-for-money element of things has shifted, however. Compared to the old model, this new-generation MU-X is significantly more expensive. However, it also brings a whole lot of extra gear into the equation.
What doesn’t help is a recent jump in pricing of around $2000, making this top-spec LS-T model break into $65,000 territory.
However, it’s not a straightforward run up the ladder for the MU-X.
In a strategy that Isuzu also employs for the D-Max range, only this top-specification MU-X LS-T gets the offer of a cut-price drive-away deal. Instead of having a regular ‘plus on-road costs’ set-up, this LS-T has an offer of $65,990 drive-away. It’s a good offer, and gives this top-speccer the strange advantage of being less expensive than the mid-spec LS-U.
| Key details | 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4×4 |
| Price | $65,990 drive-away |
| Colour of test car | Galaxy Blue Mica |
| Options | Prestige paint – $650 |
| Price as tested | $66,640 drive-away |
| Rivals | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport | Toyota Fortuner | Ford Everest |
How much space does the Isuzu MU-X have inside?
Changes to the interior of the MU-X are minimal in this 2023 model. However, it still feels fresh and fit for purpose. The commercial roots of the MU-X, which come from the D-Max ute side of the family tree, add a utilitarian touch that makes sense for family useage.
On top of the usual set-up of twin cupholders and a decent-sized glovebox, pop-out cupholders underneath the air vents are helpful, as is the second glovebox. However, the storage in here is limited from what looks like a box for a CD player in other markets.
LS-T enjoys leather-wrapped electric seats finished with some contrasting white stitching. The seats are comfortable and you’ve got the regular range of adjustments on offer.
Some might yearn for more power outlets however, as there is only a single USB-A and 12-volt point up front.
The second row misses out on any sliding function, but is spacious and well sorted in its static position. Legroom and headroom are both in good supply, allowing long-limbed adults to get plenty comfortable. Air vents are located in the roof, along with a fan speed controller. However, power supply is somewhat limited here as well: there is only one USB-A point.
These second-row seats fold flat (for sleeping in, for example), but also tumble forward for access into the decent-sized third row. The rearmost seats are big enough for adults, although some might find it a little bit tight.
The boot – which offers over 300L as a seven-seater – is plenty spacious enough for everyday use. Over a 1100 litres is possible in five-seat mode, which is also a good number.
For a vehicle that might be spending large periods of time plugging up and down interstate highways – and many country B-roads – the mix of hard materials, rubber floor mats and electric leather seating is enticing. It’s comfortable and spacious, but with a hard edge of materials for durability and easy cleaning. And I don’t know about you, but extra cup holders are always a blessing on the road.
| 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T | |
| Seats | Seven |
| Boot volume | 311L to third row 1119L to second row 2138L to first row |
| Length | 4850mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1815mm |
| Wheelbase | 2855mm |
Does the Isuzu MU-X have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A 9.0-inch infotainment display is a good size for your media and navigation needs, and this system has things like wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, digital radio and native navigation.
The operating system lacks the flair and intuitive feel of other systems that you could find. Functions are basic, and the relatively new inclusion of wireless smartphone mirroring is missing.
However, it has to be said: when you jump in, turn on the car and plug in your phone, that is forgotten when the user experience of your smartphone’s system takes over.
The multifunction display in front of the driver is fairly basic as well. Tyre pressure monitoring and a digital speed readout are helpful assets here, as well as the usual trip computer functionality. But don’t expect a sharp and immersive experience from this set-up.
Is the Isuzu MU-X a safe car?
A five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2020 still applies for the Isuzu MU-X. This is a rating shared with the D-Max, and it was the crash-test results of the D-Max – along with some additional information provided from Isuzu to ANCAP – that allowed the MU-X to be awarded the full five stars.
Adult occupants scored 86 per cent in crash testing, while child occupants got 85 per cent. Safety assistance systems scored 84 per cent, while vulnerable road users (pedestrians) scored 69 per cent.
| 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2022) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Isuzu MU-X have?
Isuzu employs its entire IDAS safety suite across the MU-X range, which is good news for those not looking at this top-spec model. There is autonomous emergency braking with intersection, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, plus road sign detection from the two windscreen-mounted cameras. The systems work well, but can be affected by heavy rain.
There’s also lane-departure warning and lane-keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, post-collision braking and driver attention assistance.
Eight airbags include a front centre airbag (between the two front occupants) and curtain airbags that cover the third row.
How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost to maintain?
Servicing the MU-X can be done via a seven-year or five-year capped price servicing schedule. Three years will cost $1545 ($515 per year on average) five years $2435 ($487 per year on average) up to $3689 to the end of the capped price program (or average of $527 per year), which is quite approachable.
And the relatively basic mechanical nature of the MU-X: a single turbocharger, four cylinders and only six ratios on the gearbox will appeal to those who prefer simplicity, and are looking for a long-term vehicle.
There’s also a more rudimentary part-time four-wheel-drive system to consider on the MU-X. It’s not as sophisticated as the clutch based-system you’d find on the Everest, which allows full-time four-wheel-drive in its 4×4 auto mode.
Of course, Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine (which uses a timing chain and scissor gear in the timing gear) has an enviable reputation for long and reliable service, for those who are considering holding onto their new vehicle for many years.
And for those looking to travel into the depth of our continent, there are some well-placed dealerships and service centres to help out. Newman and Kalgoorlie cover Western Australia, along with Broome and Kununurra up north.
There’s also Katherine, Alice Springs, Mount Isa and Cairns across the top, and Roma, Broken Hill, Port Augusta and Ceduna further south. The dealership network is nowhere near as voluminous and widespread as what Toyota has, but it’s got good coverage for those looking to travel around some of Australia’s more remote parts.
Insuring an MU-X like this will cost $1724.56 based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T |
| Warranty | Six years/150,000km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $1545 (3 years) $2435 (5 years) |
Is the Isuzu MU-X fuel-efficient?
Although it’s a big rumbling diesel engine, the Isuzu MU-X can be a reasonably efficient operator. Against a claim of 8.3 litres per hundred kilometres, we saw a figure of 8.5L/100km. That included a few long highway runs, so if you’re planning to do more heavy town work, expect that figure to be a little higher.
With an 80L fuel tank, the MU-X is well positioned to cover some long distances between refills.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 8.3L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 8.5L/100km |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel tank size | 80L |
What is the Isuzu MU-X like to drive?
One thing that certainly hasn’t changed here is the way the MU-X goes about its business on the road. It’s gruff, torquey and likeable, with a relaxed and comfortable nature to the steering and suspension.
The 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine – which makes a relatively low 140kW and 450Nm (especially when you consider the high capacity) – isn’t the fastest or most refined in the segment. An engine with 3.0-litres capacity is relatively high for four cylinders, and you can certainly hear the power plant rumbling away at times under the bonnet. Some might find this distasteful, but if you subscribe to the philosophy of this truck-derived engine, you’ll find the noises assuring or even charming.
The engine develops good levels of torque throughout the rev range, feeling much happier lugging along at low and mid-level revs instead of being near redline. And to be honest, you don’t need to search for that redline very often. Instead, lean into that torque-rich low end and let the MU-X cruise and accelerate more gracefully.
If you’re more into the daily race of getting up to the speed limit as quickly as possible, and a frequent user of wide-open throttle, then you’ll find this MU-X less enjoyable to drive.
However, getting it out onto the open road for extended periods of time allows the Isuzu to get into it’s groove of slow, loping revs nicely.
The six-speed automatic gearbox is a predictable and reliable performer choosing gears at the right time and never getting flustered in its decision-making. Gear changes are not as frequent as in other options, but that suits the nature of the engine.
The ride quality does have a habit of reminding you that this is indeed a four-wheel drive with a ladder chassis and live rear axle, feeling slightly wallowy and a little flustered at times over some rough and undulating surfaces. The 20-inch wheels of this LS-T don’t help in this regard, and previous experiences tell us that the smaller-diameter wheels of lower-specification grades make for a more composed driving experience.
While the ride and steering qualities might not exhibit the same kind of polish that you’ll find in an Everest – the best choice in the segment in this regard – the MU-X certainly is comfortable and easy to pilot in an everyday sense. Its steering is tuned with a light resistance at low speeds, but gets progressively heavier as you pick up speed.
The softness and comfort of the ride quality does work well on highways and by-ways nicely, absorbing undulations on the surface well at higher speeds. Smaller diameter wheels would work better here, from a durability and absorption sense on the open roads. However, the 20-inch wheels didn’t do a bad job during our test.
We’ve done some long-distance hauls in this new-generation MU-X over the last couple of years, and we have always found that the torquey diesel engine, soft ride quality and good ergonomics allow it to feel more and more at home on the open road.
And while we didn’t get the chance to take this MU-X off-road this time, previous experiences also tell us it’s well sorted in this regard. The 20-inch wheels (once again) bring a negative sentiment here, but the combination of good torque, a locking rear differential and a supple feel to the suspension puts the MU-X in good stead.
The ‘Rough Terrain Mode’ button is a winner as well, tightening up response and wheel spin control in slippery conditions off-road. Along with the locking rear differential, this off-road mode is the biggest thing that separates the new MU-X from the old one.
| Key details | 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T |
| Engine | 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel |
| Power | 140kW @ 3600rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 1600–2600rpm |
| Drive type | Part-time four-wheel drive, low-range transfer case, locking rear differential |
| Transmission | Six-speed torque converter automatic |
| Power to weight ratio | 64kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2180kg |
| Spare tyre type | Full-size |
| Tow rating | 3500kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 11.4m |
Should I buy an Isuzu MU-X?
The Isuzu MU-X is as solid a choice as ever. The pricing structure – arse about in this cheaper top-spec model – might leave you scratching your head, but will inevitably push you towards choosing an LS-T. It’s a fresher and overall better offering than what one gets from Mitsubishi and Toyota (with the Pajero Sport and Fortuner), and still manages to effectively undercut the Everest when you drill into the value-for-money equation.
And, of course, this will likely be the choice for those who are looking for 10-plus years of ownership, and those with aspirations of well into seven figures on the odometer. I (of course) cannot guarantee that you’ll get so far on the standard running gear with no major problems, but I’d wager that this would be the odds-on favourite (amongst its main competitors) to go the furthest distance.
It’s not as polished or refined as others, nor does it offer the same level of outright performance (on-road or off-road) as others, but it’s quite a competent offering across the board with little in terms of major flaws.
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