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2026 Isuzu MU-X review

The Isuzu MU-X just leveled up. Ditching its former 1.9-liter diesel, a muscular new 2.2-liter turbo-diesel now powers this off-road beast. Expect potent performance and surprising efficiency, precisely what adventure-hungry SUV drivers crave.

The MU-X gets a shot of adrenaline with a revamped turbo-diesel engine, a refined powerhouse building on its predecessor. Paired with a seamless new eight-speed Aisin automatic and fuel-sipping automatic start/stop tech, this drivetrain offers serious grunt. Choose your adventure: it’s available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations across select MU-X models.

Is pinching pennies now worth potentially paying a heavier price later? Choosing the less powerful engine option might save you some upfront, but you could be sacrificing the robust performance and renowned reliability of the 4JJ3 3.0-litre diesel. And when it’s time to sell, will buyers be willing to overlook that missing muscle, impacting your resale value?

Considering the new MU-X 2.2L? Let’s dive in and uncover everything you need to know, so you can decide if this SUV is the perfect fit for your adventures.

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost?

Unleash the power of the new 2.2L engine – now available in select MU-X models! And for a limited time, grab yours with exclusive drive-away pricing.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | Drive-away pricing | | — | — | — | | 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4×2 | $49,900 | $48,990 | | 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4×4 | $55,900 | – | | 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 2.2L 4×4 | $62,900 | – | | 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 2.2L 4×4 | $71,400 | $69,990 |

For those requiring a more traditional setup, the robust 3.0L engine paired with a six-speed automatic and selectable four-wheel drive remains a steadfast option. Find this powertrain across the LS-M, LS-U, and LS-T trims, and exclusively powering the flagship X-Terrain for unwavering off-road prowess.

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To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Isuzu MU-X like on the inside?

Let’s be blunt: stepping inside the MU-X is like hitting replay. If you’ve seen our past coverage of the interior, prepare for déjà vu because, spoiler alert, virtuallynothinghas been altered.

Hate that fuel-saving start/stop system? Good news! There’s now a button to silence it. Craving more control? Pop the transmission into manual mode and watch the driver’s display flaunt all eight gears instead of just six!

Stepping inside the MU-X reveals a familiar landscape, but not always in a good way. The LS-M and LS-U trims still leave something to be desired; their interiors whisper "budget-friendly" instead of making a confident statement.

The cloth trim, while acceptable, plays it safe. The LS-M also saddles you with an old-school key ignition, a dinky infotainment screen, and a driver display that feels straight out of the Stone Age.

Want more? Have a look at our previous MU-X review coverage for a nitty-gritty breakdown of the interior.

Climbing into the third row isn’t a clumsy contortion act; a simple flip-and-tumble of the passenger-side seat creates a surprisingly spacious passage. And forget cramped knees back there – even six-footers can stretch out and enjoy the ride. While the second-row seats stay put, refusing to slide, the overall interior space remains impressively practical.

Heads up, parents! While breezy air vents grace the ceiling and row two gets to play with the fan, the very back row is a no-go zone for car seats needing ISOFIX or top-tether anchors. Plan your seating accordingly!

Cargo capacity clocks in at 311 litres behind the rear seats – which, by the way, recline for customized comfort and cargo flexibility. Need more room? Fold down the third row and unlock a cavernous 1119 litres. And for those sneaky extras, discover a hidden storage compartment tucked neatly behind the rearmost seats.

Beneath the chassis lies a full-size spare, ready for anything the road throws your way. Hungry for an even deeper dive inside? Revisit our past MU-X review – we’ve already peeled back the layers for you.

| Dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-T | | — | — | |Length| 4860mm | |Width| 1870mm (including mirrors) | |Height| 1825mm | |Wheelbase| 2855mm | |Cargo capacity| 311L (third row up) 1119L (third row folded down) 1238L (second row folded down) |

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The old 1.9L engine is out, and a beefier 2.2L roars onto the scene, flexing some serious muscle with a 10kW power boost and an extra 50Nm of torque. But don’t expect neck-snapping acceleration; Isuzu’s reputation for rock-solid reliability means they’ve opted for dependable power over outright lunacy.

| Specifications | Isuzu MU-X LS-T 2.2L | | — | — | |Engine| 2.2L 4cyl turbo-diesel | |Power| 120kW | |Torque| 400Nm | |Transmission| 8-speed automatic | |Drive type| Four-wheel drive | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 6.7L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 8.7L/100km | |CO2 emissions (claimed)| TBC | |Fuel tank| 80L | |Weight| 2130kg | |Payload| 670kg | |Braked towing capacity| 3500kg | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 2800kg | |Gross combination mass (GCM)| 5900kg |

While official emissions figures are pending, expect significant improvements in fuel consumption and emissions. The MU-X launch drive threw everything at it: from inner-city crawls and highway hauls to winding country roads and challenging stop-start scenarios. We even spent a couple of hours navigating low-speed off-road trails, punctuated by frequent stops and starts.

The LS-T I drove averaged 8.7L/100km. Not bad for a blend of terrains, but imagine the fuel savings if it stuck to city streets, skipping the off-road adventures.

Craving the open road without the engine hiccups? Thankfully, you can silence the start/stop system with a simple switch. But be warned: this fuel-saving feature has a mind of its own, resetting to "on" with every new adventure.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?

Gone is the serviceable 1.9-liter, replaced by an engine that doesn’t just meet expectations – it shatters them. This isn’t merely an upgrade; it’s a transformation. The new engine is genuinely impressive, a performance leap amplified by the seamless choreography of the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The boosted engine is a revelation. The surge of an extra 10kW and 50Nm transforms the driving experience, delivering an immediate and compelling response. The engine’s enhanced urgency stems not just from the raw numbers, but from a masterfully sculpted power band.

Forget lag – this Isuzu Ute throws down the gauntlet from the moment you breathe on the throttle. With a colossal 60% torque surge at a mere 1000rpm compared to the 1.9L, it’s like unleashing a low-revving monster. The sweet spot now stretches from 1600-2400rpm, delivering a thick, usable slab of power. The cleverly calibrated gearbox ensures the engine stays locked in this torque-rich zone, making for a surprisingly satisfying drive when you’re on the go.

The start/stop system? Noticeable, yes, but surprisingly eager. Unlike some systems that lazily wait for the accelerator, this one fires the engine back to life the instant your foot lifts off the brake. Think: instant readiness, a refreshing jolt of urgency in stop-and-go traffic.

However, the diesel engine shudders to life with all the grace of a grumpy bear waking from hibernation, sending tremors through the entire car. Forget a smooth getaway; pulling away from a stop feels like coaxing a reluctant beast into motion, hampered by a noticeable lag.

Under heavier acceleration, the engine’s voice becomes a dominant presence within the cabin. The eight-speed transmission, a busy conductor of power, amplifies this effect as it diligently cycles through its gears, ensuring optimal performance. Interestingly, this aural experience feels more subdued in the MU-X compared to its D-Max sibling, where the engine note borders on boisterous.

Thankfully, it’s smooth with the shifts, and the logic seems on point – both on- and off-road.

The engine and transmission roared to life off-road, proving more than capable, yet the terrain presented a quirky limitation: seventh and eighth gears, overdrive ratios designed for open highways, remained tantalizingly out of reach in low-range.

Unleash the MU-X and watch terrain transform under its wheels. Rough Terrain Mode isn’t just a traction control system; it’s your key to unlocking adventures others only dream of. Conquer challenging landscapes with unflinching confidence, leaving the competition spinning in the dust.

Where lesser seven-seaters whimpered and retreated, the MU-X clawed its way forward, defying expectations. Especially impressive was the LS-T, its imposing 20-inch wheels shod with Bridgestone Dueler highway terrain tyres, a combination that belied its surprising tenacity even at recommended pressures. This wasn’t just a drive; it was a statement.

The coil-sprung rear dances with composure, unfazed by the terrain. Flexing like a seasoned yoga master, it delivers impressive articulation when the trail throws a twisted tantrum.

The refreshed MU-X boasts a suspension tuned earlier this year, and thankfully, the new powertrain hasn’t muddled the magic. Think of it: surprisingly smooth sailing. Ditching the typical ute-based SUV wobble, it handles bumps with grace and corners with poise – exceeding expectations at every turn.

| Off-road dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-T | | — | — | |Track front and rear| 1570mm | |Ground clearance| 235mm | |Approach angle| 23.9 degrees | |Departure angle| 26.4 degrees | |Ramp breakover angle| 19.6 degrees | |Wading depth| 800m |

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The MU-X lineup: Unpacking the tech and trim – what’s inside stays inside (mostly). Spoiler alert: if you were expecting a ground-up revamp of the 1.9L offerings, prepare to be mildly surprised… by absolutely nothing. Same MU-X, subtly different day.

2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights:

  • 17-inch 6-spoke silver alloy wheels
  • 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25 all-terrain tyres
  • Bi-LED headlights
  • Automatic high-beam
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Electronic parking brake with auto hold
  • Polyurethane steering wheel and shifter trim
  • Carpet flooring
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Dual vanity mirrors
  • Push-button start
  • 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Wireless Android Auto
  • 4-speaker sound system
  • 3 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 1 in second row)
  • USB-A outlet for aftermarket dash camera
  • Air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents and controls
  • Door mirrors and door handles finished in black
  • Sidesteps finished in black
  • Window trims finished in black

The MU-X LS-U adds:

  • 18-inch 12-spoke titanium metallic alloy wheels
  • 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
  • Smart entry and start
  • LED fog lights
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Hands-free power tailgate
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Power-folding and heated body-colour door mirrors
  • Body-colour door handles
  • 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
  • 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Satellite navigation
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • 8-speaker sound system
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
  • 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support
  • Dual-zone climate control with rear passenger air vents and controls
  • 4 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 2 in second row)
  • Tyre pressure monitoring

The MU-X LS-T adds:

  • 20-inch 6-spoke two-tone machined face alloy wheels
  • 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
  • Door handles, window trims, front fender accents, roof rails, side steps in gloss black
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Remote engine start
  • Power-folding and heated door mirrors w/ side cameras finished in gloss black
  • White ambient interior lighting
  • Black headliner
  • Heated front seats
  • 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar
  • 4-way power passenger seat
  • Leather-accented upholstery with grey stitching and leatherette across door trims, centre console

The MU-X X-Terrain adds:

  • 20-inch gloss black alloys, coated with a smoked clear coat
  • 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
  • Updated LED fog lights with black fog light bezels and gloss black surrounds
  • Gloss black fender flares
  • Lower body side skirt
  • Lower rear underbody spoiler
  • Piano black and silver metallic interior trim
  • Red stitching details
  • Red LED ambient interior lighting
  • 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen with red fonts, graphics

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Isuzu MU-X safe?

All variants of the Isuzu MU-X come with a 2022 five-star safety rating from ANCAP.

| Category | Isuzu MU-X | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 86 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 85 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 69 per cent | |Safety assist| 84 per cent |

The 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X range comes standard with the following safety features:

  • 8 airbags
  • Dual front
  • Dual seat side
  • Dual full-length curtain
  • Front knee and centre (far-side)
  • Autonomous emergency braking with Turn Assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Emergency lane-keep assist
  • Mis-acceleration Mitigation
  • Rear cross-traffic assist
  • Intelligent speed limiter
  • Reversing camera
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Traffic Jam Assist
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Trailer sway control
  • Tyre pressure monitoring

The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera.

Isuzu’s camera tech needs a serious lens upgrade. Locking a 360-degree view behind a $70,000 paywall feels like a feature stuck in 2015, not something ready for 2025 and beyond. It’s time to bring the vision into focus.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost to run?

Buy an MU-X and it’ll be backed by a six-year, 150,000km warranty.

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| Servicing and Warranty | Isuzu MU-X | | — | — | |Warranty| 6 years or 150,000km | |Roadside assistance| Up to 7 years | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years | |Total capped-price service cost| $2345 ($469 each) |

The brand has a five-year/75,000km capped-price service campaign, with intervals pegged at 12 months/15,000km.

Keep your MU-X humming like new with capped servicing costs for the first five years – just $469 per visit, matching the price of maintaining the 3.0L. Stay loyal to the brand for your servicing needs and unlock up to seven years of roadside assistance, offering peace of mind on every adventure.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Isuzu MU-X

The MU-X, however, feels like the powertrain’s true calling. Forget the D-Max’s need for chest-thumping power; in the MU-X, this engine sings, offering a refined and responsive experience that transforms the SUV from capable to downright delightful.

But savvy shoppers eyeing the MU-X should seriously consider the 2.2L engine. It’s a smart play, balancing family-friendly practicality with the promise of lighter fuel bills, making it the pragmatic choice for budget-conscious adventurers.

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Isuzu MU-X. Clickhereto get a great deal

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