The all-new Isuzu MU-X has evolved considerably from its predecessor.

No longer is it just a rugged seven-seater family SUV that can go virtually anywhere. The new Isuzu MU-X now does it with the latest safety and infotainment technology while also upgrading its creature comforts and cabin luxuries to a new level.

Like before, the new SUV is built on the same bones as the D-Max ute. As such the 2022 Isuzu MU-X is a more powerful and capable car, while undoubtedly also being more comfortable than its popular predecessor.

It may be a little more expensive than the car it replaces, but we are going through an unprecedented time in the industry where new cars have risen noticeably in price and that market dynamic is wholly supported by the increase in the price of second-hand cars – making the price of a new MU-X justifiable over a previous-generation model.

Watch Paul’s video review of the MU-X LS-T 4×4

Isuzu MU-X Pricing

The new MU-X is at least $2700 more than the SUV it replaces at the base specification, with some variants costing almost $10,000 more than before.

See the full price list below:

2022 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×2: $47,990 (+$4090)
2022 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×2: $53,900 (+$7600)
2022 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×4: $53,900 (+$2700)
2022 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4×2: $59,900 (+$9800)
2022 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×4: $59,900 (+$6300)
2022 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4×4: $65,900 (+$8500)

All prices exclude on-road costs.

Isuzu MU-X availability and wait times?

Demand for the D-Max ute has been skewed towards top-end X-Terrain and LS-T models, Isuzu is forecasting a more even spread in the MU-X.

Along with strong demand from private buyers, the full suite of active safety assists now offered in the MU-X is expected to make it more popular with fleet buyers.

The MU-X remains in tight supply, with the company admitting that it has been a challenge. The short supply of semiconductors has been the biggest issue for those waiting for their new MU-X.

According to Isuzu, some models are available and in stock currently, while there continues to be ongoing supply delays on certain higher-grade Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X models due to the unprecedented levels of demand, ongoing component supply delays due to the global semiconductor shortage and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Isuzu MU-X Lifecyle

The Isuzu MU-X is a brand new car that was launched in August 2021. It is the second generation of the popular SUV model and will unlikely get a meaningful update for at least 24-36 months.

The first-generation MU-X was on sale for around seven years, which would suggest the new model will have a similar lifecycle.

We anticipate that in late 2024 or early in 2025 we anticipate Isuzu will release a moderate mid-life update that will see this generation through until around 2028 when an all-new third-generation Isuzu MU-X is expected.

Buyers looking to get into an Isuzu MU-X now should have peace of mind in knowing that their vehicle will remain the current generation for at least the next seven or so years, allowing for better resale and also giving that new car-feel on the road for an extended period of time.

Isuzu MU-X Engines & Fuel Economy?

Power in all 2022 Isuzu MU-X models comes from the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the D-Max ute, making 140kW and 450Nm.

In 4×2 models, it’s sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission using a claimed 7.8L/100km of diesel.

The 4×4 adds a switchable four-wheel drive with high- and low-range, along with a locking rear differential.

It’s auto-only, like the 4×2 model and uses a claimed 8.3L/100km of diesel.

Isuzu MU-X Safety

The MU-X hasn’t been rated by ANCAP, but the related D-Max has a five-star rating based on testing carried out in 2020.

The whole MU-X range comes with a full gamut of active safety features atop of eight airbags, including:

AEB with turn assist (stops you turning into an oncoming car)
Post-collision braking (stops the car after a rear-end accident)
Forward collision warning
Wrong-pedal braking (stops if it thinks you’ve hit the accelerator instead of the brake)
Adaptive cruise with stop/go
Traffic sign recognition
Lane departure warning
Lane-keep assist
Driver attention monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Trailer sway control
Reversing camera
Rear parking sensors

Isuzu MU-X Colours

There are eight colour choices available on the Isuzu MU-X, though two are not available on the base model LS-M:

Mineral White
Moonstone White Pearl
Mercury Silver Metallic
Obsidian Grey Mica (Not on LS-M)
Jasper Brown Mica (Not on LS-M)
Cobalt Blue Mica
Basalt Black Mica
Magnetic Red Mica

Isuzu MU-X Towing Capacity & Dimensions

The 2022 Isuzu MU-X measures 4850mm long, 1870mm wide, and 1815mm tall, with a 2855mm wheelbase.

It has a turning circle of 11.4m., an approach angle of 29.2 degrees, a departure angle of 26.4 degrees, and a ramp-over angle of 23.1 degrees.

Ground clearance is 230mm in LS-M models, and 235mm in LS-U and LS-T guises. Wading depth is 800mm.

The headline figure is the new 3500kg braked towing capacity, up 500kg on the outgoing model.

It’s worth noting, however, the car’s Gross Combination Mass means a top-spec LS-T 4×4 towing a 3500kg trailer would only be able to carry an extra 225kg of passengers and luggage.

See the table below for more details:

Isuzu MU-X Standard Equipement

Standard equipment in the Isuzu MU-X LS-M includes:

17-inch alloy wheels with Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain tyres
Bi-LED headlights
LED daytime running lights
Electric park brake
Black-trimmed door mirrors and door handles
Black/grey grille
7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired0
DAB+ digital radio
Urethane steering wheel and shifter
Cloth seat trim and carpet flooring
Keyless entry and start
Four-speaker sound system
Manual air-conditioning with rear vents and controls
Rain-sensing wipers
Rear parking sensors
Reversing camera

Moving to the Isuzu MU-X LS-U brings:

18-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
Body-coloured door mirrors and handles
Silver/chrome front grille
Leather steering wheel, gear selector
Electric lumbar support for driver
Piano black, chrome/silver/cloth door trims
Bronze, chrome dashboard trims
Keyless entry and start with walk-away locking
9.0-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired)
Satellite navigation
Eight-speaker sound system
Dual-zone climate control with rear vents and controls
Auto-levelling, auto high-beam headlights
LED fog lights
LED tail lights
Front parking sensors
Powered tailgate with remote entry
Roof rails
Rear privacy glass with chrome window trim

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T packs:

20-inch alloy wheels with machined finish
Tungsten silver and chrome front grille
Carpet flooring
Quilted, leather-accented seats
Quilted, leatherette door trims and centre console
Heated front seats
Eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar
LED ambient lighting, backlit gear selector
Piano black, chrome interior trim
Remote engine start

Isuzu MU-X Interior

Although a huge step-up from its predecessor, it’s worth noting that the MU-X is still ultimately based on a ute and anyone who’s sat in the new Isuzu D-Max ute will find the MU-X’s cabin rather similar.

Even so, those looking for luxury levels of interior comforts to match a more premium-feeling crossover with seven seats like a Kia Sorento or Mazda CX-9, may be a little disappointed.

We find the MU-X to be a step above the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and tech, though the trim quality falls shy of a Toyota Prado – as does the price.

The front seats have plenty of side bolstering and leg support, and both were heated and come with powered adjustments although the front passenger height adjustment is lacking.

Isuzu has fitted an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and sturdy A-pillar grab handles to help you pull yourself up.

The steering wheel is trimmed in soft leather (LS-U, LS-T) and has classy contrast stitching and nicely weighted buttons. A big bonus is that it now adjusts telescopically unlike the old MU-X.

Behind this sit two analogue gauges as well as a digital trip computer that displays driving data, a speedo, which wheels are being driven, and various active safety system settings.

The attempts at adding some pizzazz stretch to the padded dash top and centre tunnel surrounds with contrast stitching, squishy door cards and armrests, light grey trim pieces, and ambient light piping.

The 1280 x 800 resolution 9.0-inch centre display in the LS-U and above runs basic but effective maps, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB radio receiver, Bluetooth, and a reversing camera with guidelines.

Below this sits a dual-zone digital climate control system controlled by nice silver rocker switches. Along the centre tunnel, you’ll find a rotary dial to switch from 2H to 4H or 4L, as well as an electric park brake switch with Auto Hold.

There’s no shortage of storage options, including dual gloveboxes, four front cup holders (12 in the whole cabin), door bins, a deep cubby below the fascia, a sunglasses holder, and a decent glovebox.

Grievances are mild, but there. There’s a lot of piano black trim all over the dash that acts as a magnet for dust and sun reflections, there’s no twistable volume knob, and the sun visor scrapes against the rear-view mirror when you lower it.

There are also numerous button ‘blanks’ on the tunnel and wheel, even though we had the flagship variant.

To the middle row: it certainly passes the family test, with the more forward B-pillar adding 25mm to the aperture over the old model. A 2m tall adult is afforded good rear legroom and headroom, and comfortable reclining seats – albeit they don’t slide.

Amenities include vents in the roof with fan speed adjustment, two USB points fitted behind the centre console, a centre armrest with pull-out cup holders, big handles on the B-pillars, and a clever shopping bag hook behind the front-passenger seat.

Compared to a Pajero Sport, for example, there’s clearly more headroom or shoulder room.

Access to the third seating row is really well-considered. One simple tug on a lever tilts and tumbles the kerbside 60 per cent split-seat portion, revealing a sizeable aperture from which to access. It’s light enough for kids to do it if need be.

There’s even sufficient room for two adults at a pinch. Isuzu claims each rearmost seat is 105mm wider across the back than the old model’s. You also get roof vents and cup holders, though the small rearmost windows hinder outboard visibility.

When not in use these third-row seats fold neatly into the floor, like an Everest’s, and in much neater and more practical fashion than a Pajero Sport’s (average) or Toyota Fortuner’s (worse).

The old MU-X’s weird raised boot is long gone and with seven seats in use still stows 311 litres (enough for a decent suitcase and a few duffel bags).

Isuzu MU-X Boot Space and Luggage Capacity

Boot space is 311L with all three seating rows in place, 1119L with the third row folded, and 2138L with all three rows flat.

Isuzu MU-X Servicing Costs

The MU-X is backed by a six-year, 150,000-kilometre warranty.

Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000km, and costs $3373 over the first seven years to service.

Isuzu MU-X Competitors

Isuzu MU-X Sales Data

The new Isuzu MUX only went on sale in late July early August of 2021.

In August 2021 the company sold 1158 MU-X units nationally, while 7,134 MU-Xs have been sold year-to-date through August 31 – although a large number of them would have been the previous-generation model.