2023 Isuzu MU-X

As is typical for ute-based 4x4s, the cabin is quite utilitarian and quite similar to the D-Max dual-cab it’s based on. That means there’s a lot of harder plastics dotted around the cabin, though touch points like the leather steering wheel and comfortable, supportive seats feel very upmarket.

Build quality feels pretty darn rock solid, though, and even though it lacks the interior tactility of vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, the cabin is solidly screwed together and built to last whatever life can throw at it. This is an adventure vehicle, after all.

There’s good adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel, though leggy people like myself have to choose between having your hands too far from the wheel or have your legs bent a little more than you’d like. Still, a big improvement.

We prefer the cloth trim of the LS-U compared to the leather-accented trim of the top-spec LS-T, but they may not be as kid-friendly for spills and sticky fingers.

Ergonomically the Isuzu MU-X doesn’t go overboard with switchgear but everything is logically laid out and the feel of the buttons is nicely damped. It again plays to that more premium positioning.

Move into the second row and there’s more than enough space for a couple of adults or adult-sized kids. The wide and flat centre position, as well as the relative lack of a transmission tunnel, means the middle seat is usable as well.

The seats recline and fold with a 60:40 split. Rear air vents are mounted in the roof, there’s map pockets behind each front seat, and there’s two USB charge points to keep mobile devices juiced.

A fold-down centre armrest with cupholders resides in the middle seat, and there are also bottle holders in the rear doors.

ISOFIX anchor points on each outboard pew and top-tether points across all three positions means little ones are catered for, too.

The MU-X gets some subtle aesthetic updates for the 2023 model-year.

There’s a new grille for all variants; finished in two-tone black for the LS-M, or Magnetite grey and black chrome for the LS-U and LS-T. Further, the LS-M and LS-T score new alloy wheel designs, illustrated above.

All models also get dark grey metallic accents for the LED tail lights, while the LS-U and LS-T pick up a range of Magnetite grey accents for the fog light surrounds, bumper trim, roof rails and side steps.

The LS-U and LS-T also receive a new hands-free tailgate, which allows a user with the key fob to open the tailgate by walking up to the rear and then taking a step back.

The 2023 Isuzu MU-X is available in the following exterior paint colours:

• Basalt black mica
• Cobalt blue mica
• Galaxy blue mica (LS-U and LS-T only) (NEW)
• Magnetic red mica
• Mercury silver metallic
• Mineral white
• Moonstone white pearl (LS-U and LS-T only)
• Obsidian grey mica

All premium paints cost an additional $650.

Power in the 2023 Isuzu MU-X comes from the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the D-Max and Mazda BT-50 utes, making 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

In 4×2 models, power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively through a six-speed automatic transmission.

4×4 models add a switchable four-wheel drive with high- and low-range, along with a locking rear differential. It’s auto-only, like the 4×2 models.

Boot space is 311 litres with all three rows of seating upright, 1119 litres with the third row folded, and 2138 litres with the third and second rows folded.