Isuzu MU-X

Old-School But Fun!

Known for its dependable pick-up trucks and massive SUVs that not only boast great reliability but also offer a comfortable in-cabin experience, Isuzu has been a rather ignored player in the full-size SUV segment. Despite this, the Japanese carmaker still finds a lot of buyers who are fans of its old-school charm and bulletproof reliability. This is why, despite being old and dated, the MU-X continues to be on sale. But should you consider this understated dark horse over rivals like the Toyota Fortuner or the MG Gloster?

ISUZU MU-X Pros and Cons

ISUZU MU-X Exterior Design

The MU-X looks big, bold, and has plenty of chrome accents. For anyone who appreciates old-school boxy designs, the MU-X is a great pick. The SUV is now offered with machine-cut alloys, LED lights, sidesteps, and roof rails, giving it a slightly fresher look. However, no major changes were introduced with the launch of the MU-X BS6 avatar. It still bears some resemblance to Isuzu's other pickup offerings in the country in terms of styling.

ISUZU MU-X Interiors

Inside, the MU-X remains largely unchanged, featuring extremely comfortable seats, a high and commanding seating position, and great visibility thanks to the large glass area. The dashboard layout, however, has remained the same for ages and now looks dated. While the cabin is durable, the design is boring, and you miss out on many modern features, including a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hard plastics are used throughout, which are durable but might not feel very premium to touch.

ISUZU MU-X Comfort

Despite the not-so-impressive dashboard layout, in-cabin comfort attracts customers to the MU-X. The front seats are comfortable and accommodating, while the middle-row bench is equally comfortable. The third row, unlike many other 7-seater SUVs, is usable and offers a decent ride. Overall, the MU-X tackles bad roads with composure and keeps occupants comfortable with its well-sorted suspension setup.

ISUZU MU-X Performance and handling

With the launch of the BS6 MU-X, ISUZU is now offering a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine which has replaced the older 3.0-litre unit famous for its outright acceleration and power figures. This new engine, with 165 PS and 360 Nm, has enough grunt to handle most situations but struggles in city traffic due to its lack of responsiveness at lower RPMs. Once you reach the mid-range, there's a strong surge of power, and the SUV picks up pace effortlessly. The 6-speed automatic, though lazy with shifts, is smooth and complements the overall power delivery. High-speed stability is impressive, and so is the ride quality, making the MU-X a great choice for long-distance drives. 

ISUZU MU-X Key specifications

ISUZU MU-X Safety Features

The ISUZU MU-X is offered with all the basic features including airbags, ESP, traction control, ABS, EBD, hill-descent control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. What is however missing from the package are the advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring system, auto emergency braking, etc. 

ISUZU MU-X Technology and Infotainment
 

On the features front, the MU-X boasts an updated infotainment display with Android Auto, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a roof-mounted sound system, passive entry with push-button start/stop, and cabin cooling vents for all three rows. Additionally, you get LED headlights, dual-tone alloy wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and more.

Is the ISUZU MU-X for You?

The ISUZU MU-X is positioned as a reliable and comfortable SUV for buyers looking for a dependable alternative to SUVs like the Fortuner or the Gloster. While it offers a great package, the less powerful diesel motor and dated interiors do hamper the overall experience. That said, it is rugged, reliable, and an SUV you can comfortably take on roads less explored.