The Isuzu MU-X seven-seat body-on-frame SUV is now obtainable with a extra inexpensive, extra economical turbo-diesel powertrain.

A brand new 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been launched to the native lineup for 2024 (MY24). It’s not solely new to Isuzu Ute Australia nevertheless, because it joined the D-Max vary in 2022. The engine can be supplied within the associated Mazda BT-50 ute.

Producing 110kW of energy and 350Nm of torque, this new engine is down 30kW and 100Nm on the bigger and heavier 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel carried over unchanged. It additionally has a decreased braked towing capability of 3000kg, down 500kg on the three.0-litre.

This 1.9-litre engine is accessible in three completely different variants – LS-M 4×2, LS-M 4×4, and LS-U 4×4. It additionally brings down the entry worth for the MU-X vary to $47,400 earlier than on-roads, which is far nearer to budget-oriented seven-seat off-roaders just like the LDV D90 and SsangYong Rexton.

Not like the associated D-Max which is receiving a extra complete replace for MY24, the MU-X is soldering on unchanged when it comes to specification.

Is that this new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine a very good match for this seven-seat body-on-frame SUV? Learn alongside to seek out out.

How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X price?

The brand new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine is accessible in three completely different MU-X variants – LS-M 4×2, LS-M 4×4, and LS-U 4×4.

The opposite MU-X variants with the three.0-litre turbo-diesel engine obtained a worth rise between $500 and $2000, relying on the variant, for the 2024 mannequin 12 months.

2024 Isuzu MU-X pricing

• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4×2: $47,400 (NEW)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4×2: $49,400 (+$500)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4×4: $53,400 (NEW)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4×4: $55,400  (+$500)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4×2: $55,900 (+$500)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4×4: $59,900 (NEW)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4×4: $61,900 (+$500)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0L 4×2: $63,400 (+$2000)
• 2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0L 4×4: $69,400 or 67,990 drive away (+$2000)

Costs exclude on-road prices except said in any other case

To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

What’s the Isuzu MU-X like on the within?

For those who’re anticipating drastic modifications contained in the MU-X, don’t maintain your breath.

We spent nearly all of our time on the nationwide media launch for the MU-X driving and experiencing the entry-level LS-M variant. Hedge your expectations accordingly.

Hopping into the Isuzu MU-X is fortunately fairly simple due to facet steps and variety of seize handles. I did discover, like a lot of high-riding ute-based SUVs, it takes a second to get comfy behind the wheel.

When you’re in, the driving force’s seating place is perched fairly excessive, which is one thing SUV patrons search for. All through my time driving I discovered it gave me a ‘King of the Highway’ kind of feeling which was confidence-inspiring.

As normal the MU-X LS-M comes with black and gray material upholstery that has an inoffensive design with a lot of wavy traces working throughout the seat again and base.

The entrance seats are manually adjustable which is to be anticipated for this worth level. Regardless of this you possibly can nonetheless dial in your required seating place and the seats themselves are actually comfy.

The driving force’s seat particularly has sufficient facet bolstering to hug you in, plus there are some good padded sections the place your shoulders sit. One thing it’s missing, nevertheless, is a little more thigh help for long-legged drivers.

Forward of the driving force is a urethane (plastic) steering wheel which isn’t unusual for entry-level body-on-frame SUVs. It might be good to have a leather-wrapped unit on this variant however you must step as much as the mid-spec LS-U to get it.

All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned and are simple to grasp. Additionally they all have a clicky motion which makes urgent the buttons very satisfying.

Forward of the driving force the instrument cluster is unchanged. There are analogue dials for the revs and velocity flanking a carryover 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, which is a little bit on the small facet however tells you all you must know.

You will get misplaced fairly simply within the journey meter’s settings, because it looks like there’s an choice for every thing. It’s must have configurability however certainly there’s solely a lot you are able to do with a 4.2-inch display screen.

Transferring throughout the entry-level MU-X LS-M retains its 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s good to step as much as the mid-spec LS-U to get the bigger 9.0-inch unit which fills the house on the sprint a little bit higher, and doesn’t have massive black borders.

This infotainment system does look okay with its matte end, but it surely picks up fingerprints and reflections like nothing else. The native consumer interface can be actually darkish, virtually aftermarket-looking, which amplifies these imperfections.

Gripes with the infotainment system embody the very fact you must click on an ‘Okay’ button on the display screen each time you begin up the automotive to correctly use the display screen, in addition to annoying push buttons relatively than a dial to vary the quantity.

Hopefully each of those gripes are addressed with a future replace. The D-Max ute however now receives dials beneath the touchscreen for quantity and tuning the radio station.

The touchscreen doesn’t seem to have very a lot processing energy, which means it takes some time to activate at startup and in addition when loading new pages.

As normal the MU-X LS-M comes with wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay, although Android Auto is barely obtainable in wired kind.

With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly for a really transient interval I didn’t expertise any dropouts. Earlier expertise with this touchscreen has confirmed it’s susceptible to dropouts and it takes perpetually for smartphone mirroring in addition up once more at instances, nevertheless.

Regardless of having wi-fi Apple CarPlay there’s no wi-fi cellphone charger as normal, which implies you must watch out (when linked to wi-fi Apple CarPlay) your cellphone doesn’t run out battery.

There’s a beneficiant house to retailer your cellphone forward of the gear selector nevertheless. Isuzu Ute Australia does provide a real accent the place it makes use of this house as a wi-fi charger. It prices a further $433.27.

Wanting across the cabin the MU-X LS-M has a big unfold of tougher plastics, however this to be anticipated given it’s an entry-level mannequin. To be truthful there are some plusher touches in touch-point areas together with the armrests and higher dashboard cowl.

The centre console armrest within the MU-X is notably higher than the one within the associated D-Max ute because it doesn’t have a cutout for the bodily handbrake. The MU-X has an electrical park brake which is smart within the family-friendly SUV.

Different good winds up entrance within the MU-X embody tradie-style cupholders that come out from the dashboard in entrance of the facet air vents, in addition to a gear selector that sits comfortably within the hand.

Fortunately all of the buttons on the centre console make logical sense, together with the dial for the four-wheel drive controls.

The MU-X LS-M makes do with handbook air-conditioning which is fairly frequent for entry-level automobiles within the phase. It’s good to step as much as the mid-spec LS-U to get dual-zone local weather management.

Curiously with the handbook air-con setup within the entry-level LS-M is the a bodily lever to modify between exterior and recirculating air. It gave me big throwback vibes to my household’s 2000 Holden Rodeo… which is technically a rebadged Isuzu.

Transferring to the second row there’s a beneficiant quantity of house for passengers. At a leggy 182cm tall I had enough leg, head, shoulder, and toe room behind my driving place.

The second-row seats don’t slide however they do recline, permitting you to put again a bit and loosen up. It’s very easy to go two up within the second row of the MU-X and even perhaps three up at a pinch.

Second-row facilities embody USB ports on the again of the centre console, a nook subsequent to the USB ports massive sufficient to accommodate a cellphone that’s charging, in addition to a bag hook on the again of the entrance passenger seat.

There’s additionally fortunately a devoted rear blower with roof-mounted air vents for individuals within the second and third row. This may be activated by a button on the right-hand facet of the steering wheel, with fan velocity managed through a dial on the roof.

Talking of the third row, you possibly can entry it by getting the second-row seats to fold and tumble. This occurs fairly shortly and makes getting in simpler. Annoyingly the best way the 60:40 cut up fold is configured means the bigger portion is on the kerb facet in right-hand drive Australia.

When you’re within the third row I used to be pleasantly stunned that I may match. Legroom is fairly good for adults, as is toe room. This doesn’t occur fairly often in three-row body-on-frame SUVs.

Within the third-row seat’s default upright place I had restricted headroom, however after faffing round for a bit I came upon every particular person seat reclines, which means my head was not wedged into the headliner.

After reclining the backrest I discovered I may get moderately comfy within the third row of the MU-X. It’s positively not someplace I’d wish to spend hours at a time, however due to the roof-mounted air vents it makes it a extra nice place to be.

Just about each single end within the third row is tough plastic and the one notable amenity is a cupholder on both sides, plus a small nook massive sufficient for a cellphone. There aren’t any USB ports.

Across the again the MU-X LS-M has a handbook tailgate which is to be anticipated given it’s an entry-level mannequin. It’s good to step as much as the mid-spec LS-U to get an influence tailgate, which even has a hands-free performance.

As soon as the tailgate is open the boot house on provide is a little bit tight for those who’ve received all three rows of seating upright, particularly for those who’ve received the third-row seats reclined.

Isuzu formally claims the MU-X has 311L of boot capability with the third row upright, increasing to 1119L with the third-row seats folded. For those who fold the second and third rows boot house grows to 2138L.

Fortunately beneath the automotive there’s a full-sized spare wheel which is essential given this type of automobile is continuously taken off-road and away from cities with tyre restore outlets.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

The spotlight of the up to date Isuzu MU-X is a brand new 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which had beforehand been added to the D-Max in 2022.

This new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel is 80kg lighter than the three.0-litre turbo-diesel which continues to be supplied within the MU-X lineup – it’s additionally claimed to be extra gasoline environment friendly and quiet.

Given my expertise with the 1.9-litre MU-X was restricted to a short drive on the nationwide media launch it’s arduous to name my noticed gasoline financial system figures correctly real-world. I sit up for spending a bit extra time with the automotive on acquainted territory to get a greater determine.

To see how the MU-X compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?

Our prescribed drive loop with the MU-X 1.9-litre was low-speed and closely off-road-focused, although I did get a number of transient alternatives to drive an instance on the street.

Probably the most notable time was from the outskirts of Brisbane again to the airport on sweeping roads and freeways with 4 individuals onboard, plus our baggage.

Beginning up the MU-X with the brand new engine it’s notably quieter and fewer raucous than variants geared up with the carryover 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The idle noise nonetheless has an agricultural undertone.

Setting off the preliminary acceleration is enough however not earth shattering. It’s higher than I first thought, and feels higher than its outputs counsel at decrease speeds. Load the automotive up with individuals and gear nevertheless and the acceleration does decelerate and turns into extra leisurely.

Isuzu was fast to level out the 1.9-litre develops the complete 350Nm of torque from 1800 to 2600rpm. It additionally produces 300Nm from 1550 to 3700rpm, which is sort of three quarters of the rev band.

It’s clear this powertrain makes probably the most sense in low-speed, arguably city settings given the very fact it’s extra environment friendly and produces much less CO₂ than the three.0-litre.

Sadly this engine is barely Euro 5 categorized in Australia, and isn’t probably the most environment friendly model obtainable – there’s a Euro 6d model of this engine obtainable in markets together with the UK.

The six-speed automated transmission which comes as normal makes probably the most out of the 1.9-litre’s outputs. On paper 110kW and 350Nm actually isn’t a lot when it’s shifting a seven-seat SUV that weighs 2.1 tonnes unladen.

This automated transmission shifts via the gears very easily beneath gentle hundreds however does have to carry them a bit longer than the three.0 when accelerating. When you attain a cruising velocity round city it would hold the revs low, making on a regular basis driving comparatively quiet.

The MU-X’s steering is on the lighter facet which makes navigating in low-speed eventualities simpler. Like a lot of body-on-frame automobiles nevertheless you continue to must twirl the steering wheel a bit to get the SUV to vary instructions.

The lighter steering additionally makes the 1.9-litre MU-X really feel a contact extra nimble. The smaller engine is technically 80kg lighter than the three.0-litre, which in flip additionally boosts the payload determine to an virtually segment-leading 735kg relying on the variant.

The suspension tune is supple and compliant, in a position to absorb street imperfections and velocity bumps simply. Its physique management can be good for a big SUV which has a excessive centre of gravity, but it surely nonetheless will get the leans within the corners.

Isuzu claims it has revised the MU-X’s steering geometry settings with a purpose to rectify the pesky bump steer concern that was inflicting untimely and uneven tyre put on on buyer’s vehicles. The corporate additionally says it would repair the steering alignment of any customer-delivered instance experiencing the problem, together with exchange the affected tyres.

Whereas the 1.9-litre MU-X does really feel lighter on its toes, there’s no disguising how massive it’s once you park it. The entry-level LS-M I primarily drove on the media launch drive solely comes geared up with rear parking sensors and a reversing digicam with enough decision.

Build up velocity is the place issues begin to come undone. In all equity the automotive does nonetheless get alongside fairly solidly, however acceleration slows down much more and the engine actually must be labored.

When the 1.9-litre engine revs above 2500rpm it doesn’t make the nicest sound. For those who’re planning to spend a good bit of time on the freeway you’d be higher positioned to take a look at bigger and extra highly effective 3.0-litre which is barely $2000 extra.

When you attain 80km/h it’s virtually prefer it hits a false ceiling which makes acceleration actually troublesome. Regardless of how a lot throttle you apply the acceleration fee stays the identical.

You do ultimately get to freeway and freeway speeds however I think about for those who’re towing and have individuals onboard the automotive will battle. For those who plan to make use of the automotive for these sorts of functions I’d strongly suggest going for the three.0-litre.

On the freeway the engine will fortunately cruise alongside at round 1800rpm. It’s really fairly quiet inside, although the second the automotive even will get a whiff of an incline the transmission dives again via the gears to keep up velocity.

MU-X variants with the three.0-litre engine are a lot better at sustaining greater speeds and don’t require as many downshifts, making the driving expertise much less frenetic.

On the security entrance adaptive cruise management comes as normal throughout the whole MU-X vary. Whereas it’s a useful characteristic to have when driving alongside monotonous highways, it does amplify how little energy and torque the engine has at greater speeds.

On uphill sections the transmission shuffled between fifth, sixth, and infrequently fourth gears looking for sufficient oomph to keep up velocity. This was a little bit awkward from the driving force’s perspective and considerably ruined the atmosphere.

The adaptive cruise management additionally struggles to maintain to its set velocity. It’s going to drop significantly beneath the set velocity when going up a hill, after which go effectively and actually past it going downhill. I used to be capable of preserve velocity a lot better myself.

The lane-centring system could be a little annoying because it bounces the SUV across the lane and will get confused simply when the lane markings fade. It’s finest suited to clearly marked highways and freeways.

Fortunately you possibly can change all the lane-keeping and lane-centring features off very simply with buttons on the steering wheel.

You’ve waited lengthy sufficient, it’s time to speak off-roading. Unsurprisingly the MU-X with the 1.9-litre engine continues to be actually succesful off-road.

The four-wheel drive dial is simple to find, although it’s price calling out it’s solely a part-time four-wheel drive system, which means 4H and 4L can solely be used on unsealed surfaces. Fortunately you possibly can change between 2H and 4H on the fly at speeds as much as 100km/h.

I discovered with the obstacles that we needed to face throughout our off-road-focused launch drive the 1.9-litre MU-X was capable of them simply as simply as a 3.0-litre-equipped instance. It’s virtually unstoppable in 4L with the rear differential locked.

The MU-X nonetheless comes with a Tough Terrain mode which makes use of ABS to brake the wheels that are freely spinning and direct extra torque to the wheels which are really touching the bottom. This mode requires the wheels to slide a bit earlier than activating which might at factors be a little bit jarring.

It might be good to have the Tough Terrain mode work with the rear differential lock to maximise its off-road functionality. Hopefully an replace will likely be coming quickly.

What do you get?

The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is accessible in three completely different trim ranges, although the brand new 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine choice can solely be had within the entry-level LS-M and mid-spec LS-U variants.

Isuzu MU-X LS-M highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• All-terrain tyres
• Computerized LED headlights
• Computerized high-beam
• LED daytime working lights
• LED mixture tail lights
• Darkish gray metallic tail gentle accents
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Black and gunmetal gray grille
• Color-coded entrance bumper
• Black aluminium facet steps
• Black facet mirrors
• Beneath-front metal skid plate
• Metal plate guards (4×4 solely)
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 4-speaker sound system
• 4.2-inch digital multi-function show
• Handbook air-conditioning
• Second and third row air vents
• Polyurethane steering wheel
• Polyurethane gear selector
• Electrical park brake
• Keyless entry
• Push-button begin
• 4×4 choose dial (4×4 solely)
• Rear differential lock button (4×4 solely)
• Carpet flooring
• 7 seats
• Material upholstery
• 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat

LS-U provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Freeway-terrain tyres
• Tungsten silver and chrome grille
• Heated, body-coloured mirrors with built-in indicators
• Magnetite aluminium facet steps
• Magnetite fog gentle surrounds
• Magnetite bumper trim
• Magnetite roof rails
• Arms-free energy tailgate
• Privateness glass
• Entrance parking sensors
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 8-speaker sound system
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Stroll-away door locking
• Tyre-pressure monitoring
• Leather-based steering wheel
• Leather-based gear selector
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Solar visor vainness mirrors
• Driver’s seat energy lumbar help

Is the Isuzu MU-X protected?

The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star security ranking from ANCAP, issued in July 2022 after a redesign to the driving force’s knee airbag and instrument panel.

It obtained an grownup occupant safety rating of 86 per cent, youngster occupant safety rating of 85 per cent, susceptible street consumer safety rating of 69 per cent, and security help rating of 84 per cent.

The 2024 Isuzu MU-X vary comes normal with the next security options:

• 8 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Ahead collision warning
• Put up-collision braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic auto change off (NEW)
• Lane departure warning
• Lane hold help
• Emergency lane-keeping
• Land Assist System change
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Trailer sway management
• Visitors signal recognition
• Flawed pedal braking
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digicam

Isuzu MU-X LS-U variants and above additionally obtain entrance parking sensors and tyre stress monitoring.

How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X price to run?

The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is roofed by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee. Once you service on schedule at an Isuzu seller, as much as seven years of roadside help is obtainable.

Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, aside from a complimentary three-month service. 

Isuzu MU-X service pricing:

CarExpert’s Tackle the Isuzu MU-X

This new 1.9-litre engine choice within the Isuzu MU-X comes at a pivotal time because the Australian Federal Authorities is seeking to introduce the New Car Effectivity Customary (NVES), which means automotive manufacturers need to introduce extra environment friendly powertrains.

The 1.9-litre does tick that field as a extra gasoline environment friendly choice that produces much less CO₂ than the three.0-litre. For a lot of patrons, together with fleet patrons, this can be sufficient to get a sale over the road, particularly as a result of it’s nonetheless received a legitimate five-star ANCAP security ranking.

It’s a pleasant optimistic that variants geared up with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine lighter than ones with the three.0-litre engine, which means a better payload determine, and are extra inexpensive.

Issues aren’t good nevertheless, as 1.9-litre variants are solely $2000 cheaper than 3.0-litre variants. That’s not rather more inexpensive given the remainder of the vary received a worth rise between $500 and $2000, relying on the variant, for 2024 with no specification modifications.

1.9-litre MU-X variants additionally must work a lot tougher to rise up to hurry and preserve it. They’ve a decreased braked towing capability in comparison with 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (3.0 tonnes v 3.5 tonnes). If it’s outright efficiency, particularly towing efficiency, you’re after you’d be finest positioned to think about the three.0-litre as a substitute.

That’s to not name the 1.9-litre engine one thing to miss within the MU-X.

Variants with this engine might agency because the decide of the vary for those who’re budget-oriented and need to spend rather less on gasoline. They’re additionally nonetheless actually succesful off-road for variants geared up with four-wheel drive.

I do want Isuzu Ute Australia would deliver the Euro 6d model of this 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine Down Beneath if the corporate is definitely seeking to scale back fleet emissions given NVES is looming.

Earlier than signing on the dotted line for an MU-X with a 1.9-litre engine I’d suggest buying round and check driving different choices to find out whether or not you really want a body-on-frame SUV. You could be higher suited to a extra road-focused unibody SUV as a substitute.

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