The 2020 Isuzu MU-X Onyx Edition is the first special edition for the brand’s sole SUV, and offers an unexpected update for a model on the verge of replacement.
Rather than being a simple black pack as is so common nowadays, the Onyx Edition adds automatic headlights and upgrades the MU-X’s infotainment system to include DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
The system measures 6.8 inches, however, which is down slightly on the 7.0- and 8.0-inch units found elsewhere in the MU-X and D-Max ranges, plus rivals like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Based on the flagship LS-T 4×4, the Onyx Edition is priced at $56,990 drive-away and is available at dealerships now. The LS-T’s list price is $57,400.
For a full overview of the MU-X range, including pricing and technical data, check out our pricing and specs article.
There are the de rigueur black exterior enhancements, too, with gloss black trim at the front and rear ends and on the side steps. Shadow chrome trim is also used on the grille and tailgate, while the mirrors and parts of the bumpers are painted the same colour as the body. There’s also a unique front chin spoiler.
Isuzu is limiting production to just 420 units, with all special editions painted in either Silky White Pearl or Obsidian Grey Mica.
Powering the Onyx Edition is the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as the rest of the MU-X range, producing 130kW of power and 430Nm of torque.
It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and Isuzu’s dual-range Terrain Command four-wheel drive system.
Other than the new tech, standard features are identical to those of the LS-T. That means quilted leather upholstery, a six-way power driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, an eight-speaker sound system, roof-mounted 10.0-inch DVD entertainment system and air-conditioning vents for all three rows.
It’s also covered by the same six-year/150,000km warranty, with up to seven years of roadside assistance provided you service your vehicle at an Isuzu dealer. There’s also seven years of capped-price servicing.
As the D-Max has just been redesigned, a next-generation MU-X isn’t far off. We already know what it’ll look like, courtesy of images obtained from the Japanese Patent Office.
It’s almost certain to feature Isuzu’s latest 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four, now with 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, and add the full suite of active safety technology that’s been rolled out across the new D-Max range.
The suite, which Isuzu calls IDAS, comprises autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, turn assist, traffic sign recognition, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive high-beam.
The current MU-X doesn’t include any of this technology. It dates back to 2013 though, despite its age, it remains the best-selling off-road ready SUV in its segment after the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, outselling stalwarts like the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
