Isuzu MU-X

The Isuzu mu-X’s interior has a premium minimalistic feel thanks to its predominantly black styling. For a car that has a durable build, its cabin is surprisingly filled with soft-touch materials. Its cabin offers class-leading spaciousness and generous legroom. Hence, you can definitely accommodate 7 passengers with enough breathing room. 

Drivers of this SUV’s higher variants have access to a new electroluminescent 7-inch smart multi-information display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls, both of which are created to ensure that they will be able to drive at their best. 

Meanwhile, all passengers can enjoy a 10.1-inch full touchscreen infotainment system display that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth connectivity and USB. Higher variants are given an 8-speaker sound system, while lower variants have the 6-speaker counterpart. Passengers of higher variants also have access to a wireless charger. This SUV’s interior offers a balance of accessibility and comfort. 

The latest Isuzu mu-X model underwent significant changes with its facade, giving it an appealing look that showcases a mixture of elegance and sportiness. At the front, it sports a huge radiator grille with a honeycomb pattern, Bi-LED headlamps, and clean DRLs, all of which adopted the brand’s dynamic blade design. It is also given a new front bumper with a fighter jet wing design with air curtain, which not only enhances this SUV's bold demeanor but also improves its air flow overall. 

Meanwhile, at the back, it is equipped with a new tailgate and rear combination lamp that display Isuzu’s ‘embrace line' concept. Drivers of the mu-X can also enjoy a new smart power tailgate for a more premium feeling and added layer of convenience. On the sides, this durable SUV’s higher variants run on a new set of 20-inch ‘Dynamic Turbine’ wheels, offering both stability and unique styling. Meanwhile, the two lower variants run on 18 and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. 

All variants are 4,850 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and have a 2,855 mm wheelbase. The base variant is 1,815 mm in height, whereas all the other variants are 1,825 mm. 

The Isuzu mu-X utilizes a suspension combination of a double wishbone coil spring with a high mounted upper control arm and stabilizer at the front, while a five-link coil spring and stabilizer bar at the rear. This suspension system allows this car to have good absorption of bumps and an overall great off-roading capability. You can drive this on rough terrain and still feel comfortable inside. 

The Isuzu mu-X’s three higher variants are powered by a 3L, 4-cylinder in-line blue power diesel engine with a turbo intercooler, which produces a maximum power output of 190 PS and a maximum torque of  450 Nm. In contrast, the base variant runs on a 1.9L RZ4E-TC engine that produces a maximum power output of 150 PS and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. 

All variants run on 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. However, only the top variant has four-wheel-drive controls for more adaptability on rough terrain.

This SUV has great overtaking power, making it perform well on free-flowing highways. It has a pretty decent fuel economy as well. However, in terms of steering, it feels a little heavy and sometimes even sluggish to drive. But, overall, it is feasible to use a daily vehicle for city driving.

The Isuzu mu-X is equipped with an advanced driver assistance system for the two higher variants, and active safety features for all variants. Its active safety features include electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, as well as systems for brake overriding and traction control. Its braking system consists of 12.5-inch ventilated discs for both front and rear. Its braking setup is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, and a brake assist feature. Isuzu shows its mastery when it comes to ensuring that all passengers are safe and secured through this SUV.

For its price, the Isuzu mu-X is placed at the middle among its direct competitors when it comes to its three lower variants. Hence, choosing among these three is realistic and relatively practical considering the features and the driving capability that the mu-X can offer. However, buying its top variant, the 4x4 LS-E AT, is a little more on the impractical side since its price already exceeded that of its competitors’ top-of-the-line variants (e.g., Toyota Fortuner GR-S 4x4 AT and Ford Everest 2.0L Wildtrak 4x4 10AT), while offering essentially the same set of features as the 4x2 LS-E AT–only with 4WD controls.