Isuzu MU-X LS-T is a large 4WD from a Japanese company that has a long history of producing hard working vehicles. Indeed, Isuzu has a history dating back for over 100 years in light commercial vehicles.
With research showing 50 per cent of Aussie owners tow something behind their Isuzu MU-X this latest model has a stronger body-on-frame chassis and re-engineered coil-sprung five-link independent rear suspension has delivered what the company says is best-in-class braked towing capacity of 3500 kg.
MU-X comes with three equipment levels: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T, each with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. All are powered by Isuzu’s new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, putting out 140 kW and 450 Nm, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The MU-X has a six-year / 150,000 km warranty (some rivals have unlimited kays) with up to seven years roadside assistance and seven years capped-price servicing available.
STYLING
This is a good-looking vehicle that’s aimed at those looking for an attractive vehicle that’s going to appeal to family buyers looking for something that’s more than an upmarket station wagon.
The front grille is large and stretches all the way to the headlights, indeed it slightly overlaps the headlights. There’s a huge “Isuzu” badge in the top centre of the grille.
The headlights have an interesting look in that they are in two sections, making them styling feature not merely a way of letting the driver see better in the dark.
The bonnet is tall and slopes down at the outer edges. The windscreen has a practical, relatively upright slope in that it doesn’t reach too far back and therefore keeps the sun off the driver and front passenger.
The roof stretches back so that it provides a tall load area, again adding to the practical nature of this vehicle.
INTERIOR
Again, the MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family vehicle not simply an off-road machine.
It has quilted leather-accented seven-seat upholstery with white stitching and quilted leatherette across interior door trims and centre console.
The LS-T has heated front seats, with improved eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side with under-thigh adjustment, power adjustable lumbar support and four-way power adjustment for the passenger.
This model has dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, which covers all three-rows.
The instrument cluster has analogue dials for tacho and speedo, with a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display in between them. This includes a digital speedometer, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, drive modes, fuel
usage and vehicle range information.
INFOTAINMENT
A new nine-inch centrally mounted screen displays high-definition infotainment with crisp images. Connectivity is by way of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Eight JVC Kenwood speakers give the occupants excellent quality sound.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Power comes from a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-diesel engine. It drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. High- and low-ranges give it good traction on-road or off-.
SAFETY
The Isuzu MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in August 2021.
Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System combines active and passive safety with driver assistance technology.
It has eight airbags which includes a front centre airbag between the driver and the front passenger.
Other safety features across the range include Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Roll-Over Mitigation, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Post-Collision Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Misacceleration Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go Functionality, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Inattention Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The top-spec LS-T gets front and rear parking sensors, the other only have rear sensors.
The outer centre-row seats come with ISO FIX compatible anchor points.
DRIVING
Engine response off the line is pretty good, thought as is often the way in turbo-diesels it’s a bit slow to respond off the mark. Once it up and running it does what you ask of it promptly and is enjoyable to sit behind.
It’s not quite car like in the way it drives, but the Isuzu MU-X is pleasant to drive in the way that it provides good feel from the steering wheel as what vehicle is doing.
It turns in nicely and holds the path chosen by the driver without the need for small changes to keep it on the chosen path.
Keep in mind that you’re driving a 4WD not a passenger car and it’s excellent in the way that it responds to road conditions.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to drive the MU-X in off-road conditions, but we are confident the it will handle them well. Perhaps in the future we will find time to borrow one for a further week and be able to spend time in the tough stuff.
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged 9.3 L/100 km during our test.
SUMMING UP
Isuzu MU-X LS-T is a well-built Japanese vehicle that looks good, handle well for its type and is offered in a number of variants. Would I buy one if this is the type of vehicle I’m shopping around for? Certainly, as it’s one that would sit very high on the list of vehicles I would shop around for.
