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The Isuzu MU-X can now be had with a new entry-level 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that delivers more power, torque and efficiency than the 1.9-litre engine it replaces in the updated 25.5MY range announced by Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) this week.
There are no interior or exterior design changes for this update to the popular large off-road SUV, which received a midlife facelift in February this year, and the five-star ANCAP safety rating of the MU-X carries over to all 2.2L variants, but there have been some minor additions and attractions to the model range – as well as price hikes.
The MU-X range now comprises eight variants – down from 10 after losing all 4×2 grades bar one base LS-M 2.2L rear-wheel drive grade.
That’s still more than seven-seat ladder-frame SUV rivals including the Ford Everest, Toyota Prado and Fortuner, LDV D90, SsangYong Rexton and the soon-to-depart Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
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Given its higher outputs, improved efficiency and better towing capability, the 2.2L engine is expected to be more popular than the 1.9L, which made its local debut in the D-Max in 2022 before becoming available in the MU-X in 2024, in part because it brings more performance and efficiency, and makes a 3500kg towing capacity standard across the MU-X range.
The 1.9L engine attracted less than 10 per cent of MU-X sales, but the new 2.2L will be more widely available than the 1.9L. It will be offered in four MU-X variants, including an entry-level LS-M 4×2 version of the SUV even after the previous axing of all rear-drive versions.
The new 2.2L engine will be available in all three core trim levels of the MU-X (LS-M, LS-U and LS-T), but not the X-Terrain flagship.
Finding more than 100,000 Australian homes since the nameplate was launched here in 2013, the D-Max-based SUV entered its second generation in mid-2021 and became the nation’s second most popular large SUV behind the Ford Everest in 2024, when almost 18,000 examples were sold locally.
The new 2.2L-powered MU-X variants are more expensive than the entry-level 1.9L model grades they replace, and there’s now an average price gap of about $2000 between 1.9L and 3.0L variants, following price hikes of up to $2700 for 25.5MY versions of the latter – which sees the MU-X X-Terrain flagship now priced at $77,100 plus on-road costs – though some 2.2L variants are being offered at special introductory drive-away prices (see the full price list below).

The cheapest MU-X variant – the 4×2 LS-M 2.2L auto – now costs $49,900 before on-road costs (or $48,990 drive-away from launch), which is up $2500 on the 1.9L vehicle it replaces (previously $47,400 plus on-roads).
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×2 LS-M 2.2L AT | $49,900 ($48,900 drive-away) |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 LS-M 2.2L AT | $55,900 |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 LS-M 3.0L AT | $57,900 |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 LS-U 2.2L AT | $62,900 |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 LS-U 3.0L AT | $64,900 |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 LS-T 2.2L AT | $71,400 ($69,990 drive-away) |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 LS-T 3.0L AT | $73,400 |
| 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X 4×4 X-Terrain 3.0L AT | $77,100 |
All pricing excludes on-road costs unless noted otherwise.
First revealed in November 2024 and now also available in the related D-Max ute, the new Euro 5 emissions-compliant RZ4F engine produces 120kW of power at 3600rpm and 400Nm of torque over 1600-2400rpm, up from the discontinued 1.9L RZ4E engine’s 110kW/350Nm outputs. IUA sys the new engine delivers peak torque 200rpm sooner and 60 per cent more torque at 1000rpm.
However, it’s still less powerful than the long-running ‘4J’ 3.0L engine, which continues on sale in both models – for now – and still delivers 140kW/450Nm, but like the new 2.2L engine it is now equipped with a fuel-saving engine idle stop/start system for 25.5MY.

Paired as standard with a new Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission (instead of the six-speed Aisin auto in other MU-X vehicles), IUA says the new 2.2L powertrain brings greater refinement and a 3500kg towing capacity across the range, as well as a 500kg increase in GCM (now 5900kg). The 1.9L engine was limited to towing just 3000kg.
Crucially, the new 2.2L diesel/auto combo lowers combined fuel consumption to 6.7L/100km in the MU-X LS-U 4×4 (down from 7.4L/100km for the 1.9L) and 7.6/100km with the 3.0L – down from 8.3L/100km without idle-stop.
There’s a corresponding CO2 reduction, from 196 to 177g/km (2.2L v 1.9L) and from 220 to 200g/km for the 3.0L with idle-stop in the MU-X LS-U 4×4.
| Specifications | MU-X 2.2L | MU-X 3.0L |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L turbo-diesel 4cyl | 3.0L turbo-diesel 4cyl |
| Power | 120kW | 140kW |
| Torque | 400Nm | 450Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Drive type | 4×2 or 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4L/100km (LS-M 4×2) 6.7L/100km (LS-M/LS-U/LS-T 4×4) | 7.6L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (combined) | 168g/km (LS-M 4×2) 177g/km (LS-M/LS-U/LS-T 4×4) | 200g/km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80L | 80L |
| Braked towing capacity | 3500kg | 3500kg |
| Gross combination mass (GCM) | 5900kg | 5900kg |
Four-wheel drive vehicles have a switchable 4×4 system with high- and low-range gearing plus a locking rear differential.
There is no change to any MU-X dimensions or capacities for 25.5MY, apart from the 3.5-tonne towing capacity that now applies across the range.

| Isuzu MU-X | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4850mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1825mm |
| Wheelbase | 2855mm |
| Boot space | 311L (behind third row) 1119L (third row folded) 2138L (second and third rows folded) |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
| Ground clearance | 230mm (LS-M) 235mm (LS-U and up) |
The range has the following approach, departure and ramp-over angles:
| LS-M | LS-U | LS-T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach angle (degrees) | 23.4 | 24.0 | 24.0 |
| Departure angle (degrees) | 27.6 | 26.9 | 26.9 |
| Ramp-over angle (degrees) | 19.1 | 19.6 | 19.6 |
The 2025.5MY Isuzu MU-X range continues to be covered by a six-year, 150,000km warranty. When you service on schedule at an Isuzu dealer, up to seven years of roadside assistance is offered.
Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, apart from a complimentary three-month service.
The first six services are capped at the following prices.
| Service interval | Cost |
|---|---|
| Three months/3000km | Free |
| 12 months/15,000km | $469 |
| 24 months/30,000km | $469 |
| 36 months/45,000km | $469 |
| 48 months/60,000km | $469 |
| 60 months/75,000km | $469 |
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, issued in July 2022 after a redesign to the driver’s knee airbag and instrument panel.

It received an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent.
The 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X range comes standard with the following safety features:
The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera.
There are no equipment changes for the 25.5MY MU-X range, with 2.2L variants specified as per outgoing 1.9L grades, and 3.0L vehicles also sharing the same features across the respective LS-M, LS-U and LS-T trim levels.

The MU-X LS-M is fitted as standard with the following features:
The MU-X LS-U adds:
The MU-X LS-T adds:
The MU-X X-Terrain adds:
The updated 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X range is available with eight exterior paint colour options, including Neptune Blue Mica which was new for 25MY, and Slate Grey metallic which was new for the new X-Terrain variant released in February.

The LS-M, LS-U and LS-T are available in the following finishes:
The X-Terrain is offered exclusively in the following finishes:
All premium paints (pearl, metallic and mica; or anything other than standard Mineral White) cost an additional $695.
The 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X range brings updates to IUA’s catalogue of genuine accessories, including an electronic brake controller ($948) and tow bar (from $1239).
The 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X is officially on sale from October 1. Watch this space for our first review on October 3.
MORE: Everything Isuzu MU-X
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Marton Pettendy is a veteran motoring journalist and editor with decades of experience across Australia’s leading automotive titles.


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