0–100: X marks the spot
Isuzu’s tough-touring MU-X scores its biggest update yet, with bold styling, smart tech and a new top-spec X-Terrain.
Soon after achieving a new annual record in 2024, Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has released the biggest update to its MU-X SUV since the current generation launched in 2021.
Last year, the MU-X was the country’s second-best-selling large SUV behind the Ford Everest, so it’s clearly still finding the mark with Aussie consumers. But with the arrival of the new Prado in Toyota showrooms, Isuzu clearly felt it needed to step up its game with a range of cosmetic, equipment, multimedia and chassis upgrades.
The big news in the revamped lineup is the introduction of a new top-of-the line variant, the X-Terrain, which builds on the highly specified LS-T and adds further cosmetic enhancements to ensure it stands out from the crowd. The X-Terrain moniker has previously been seen on the closely related D-Max ute, but this is the first time it’s been offered on the wagon.
In addition to range-wide updates to the MU-X’s headlights and taillights, the X-Terrain adds gloss-black accents on the wheel arches, lower body skirts and grille, with the grille itself featuring a specific design that further differentiates the new grade. Other X-Terrain touches include unique gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels and red ‘XT’ badges on the front guards, grille and tailgate, plus an exclusive Slate Grey metallic paint colour in addition to three other finishes.
Inside, the X-Terrain does a passable impersonation of a luxury car with its pleated leather-accented upholstery, red stitch accents and red ambient lighting, plus an updated 7.0- inch digital multi-information display (MID) and new 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with separate tuning and volume control dials. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard, but there’s no wireless phone charger.
The X-Terrain remains the real deal off-road, with excellent approach and departure angles, good ground clearance, high- and low-range gearing, an upgraded Rough Terrain Mode and rear-locking differential.
What hasn’t changed with this update, but which perhaps should have, is the Powertrain, which remains Isuzu’s trusty 3.0-litre four cylinder turbodiesel. Despite the enduring appeal of this big four-pot, due in no small part to its reputation for reliability and durability, the engine feels lethargic when compared to the crisp responsiveness of the 2.0-litre fourcylinder bi-turbo diesel powering its key rival, the Ford Everest. The Isuzu engine musters 140kW/450Nm, which is adequate compared to the Ford’s 154kW/500Nm, but the MU-X’s six-speed gearbox pales against the Everest’s sophisticated 10-speed unit.
Fans will argue that this conservative approach to the mechanical package is part of Isuzu’s appeal, but the MU-X simply can’t match the effortless drivability of the Ford’s combo, which is a shame as the rest of the package is excellent.
The specs
Make/model: Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain
Body style: Five-door 4WD wagon
Retail price: $74,400 (RRP)
Seating: 7 seats
Fuel consumption combined: 8.3L/100km (220g/km, CO2)
ANCAP safety rating: 5 star (2022)
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (140kW/450Nm)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Drive type: Part-time dual-range four-wheel drive
Kerb weight: 2195kg
Towing capacity: 750kg (unbraked)/3500kg (braked)
0-100km/h: N/A
Visit the Isuzu website for more.