Isuzu MU-X

Isuzu MU-X Overview

Isuzu Malaysia announced the arrival of the new Isuzu MU-X back in 2017. The seven-seater SUV came with upgraded exterior, interior, and safety features. Successor to the Isuzu MU-7, the pickup-based SUV is the result of the collaboration between General Motors and Isuzu. The Isuzu MU-X shares the same body-on-frame chassis as its pick-up equivalent, the Isuzu D-Max, and the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Prices for the facelifted model was quoted at RM 183,000.40 (OTR without insurance) for the 4x4 variant and RM 176,640.40 for the 4x2 variant at launch. Powertrain consist of a 5-speed automatic transmission and paired to the long-proven fuel-efficient 2.5L VGS Turbo Intercooler diesel engine. The Isuzu MU-X is aiming squarely at 7-seater SUV rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Everest

Isuzu MU-X Design

According to Isuzu, the vehicle styling concept is inspired by the American bald eagle, exemplified by the aggressively styled front fascia. The revised look features sharper eye-like LED headlamps design with integrated daytime running light. The massive chromed front grille is borderline ostentatious, and the front bumper has also been redesigned with revised fog lamp housing, again with more chrome bits.

The raised ride height is exaggerated by the massive wheel well spaces within the bulging wheel arches despite the larger 18-inch alloy wheels and the massive 255/60 rubbers. The available underbody protection guards the body panels against rough terrain while exterior utility features such as roof rack and side steps are fitted as standard.

The design of the roof mounted spoiler is more prominent here and the only way to tell the two variants apart are the difference in antenna design- shark-fin type for the 4x4 and bee-sting type for the 4x2. The rear taillight clusters retain the same shape as the predecessor, but now featuring new graphics and LED signatures within, matching the sharper headlamps design up front. Door handles, side mirrors and the tail gate trim are finished in chrome for that added premium touch.

Isuzu MU-X Dimension

Despite sharing the same platform, the Isuzu MU-X is significantly smaller in size compared to the double-cab Isuzu D-MAX pickup truck. The 7-seater SUV is as wide as the pickup equivalent but is a whopping 470 mm shorter in overall length. Wheelbase is shorter too by 250 mm. However, it is marginally larger in dimension compared to the Toyota Fortuner.

Isuzu MU-X Interior

Inside, the cabin is upgraded to provide a plusher feel than before, now featuring soft touch surfaces with wood pattern panel at the door trim and front dashboard. Black quilt-pattern leather upholstered seats replace the previously beige colour ones while lower dashboard and door panels continue to be featured in beige colour.

The electroluminescent (e-LUMAX) instrument cluster with multi-info display provide a clearer and more comprehensive information for the driver. Range topping 4x4 variant features a larger 8-inch touchscreen display while the 4x2 makes do with a double-DIN 7-inch head unit. Buttons and controls on the centre console are logically laid out on a circular panel, highlighted by silver-coloured accents and gloss-black inlays around the transmission panel.

The car’s elevated ride height offers commanding driving position with great forward visibility. Second row seats are 60:40 split and 50:50 for the third row. They fold virtually flat, allowing further extension to the 253-litre boot space. Access to the rear seats can be achieved by manually folding the middle row seat forward.

Isuzu MU-X Features

On the inside, the infotainment system is upgraded to an 8 speakers audio system. The 4x4 variant comes with a larger 8-inch DVD touchscreen and a roof-mounted monitor for back row occupants. The 4x2 version makes do with a smaller 7” DVD unit, with AUX, USB, iPod and Bluetooth input available as standard.

Other standard features include the e-LUMAX multi-info display, automatic climate control with second and third row vents, and keyless entry with push to start. On the safety front, the Isuzu MU-X comes with 6 SRS airbags as standard, along with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) among others.

Isuzu MU-X Driving Performance

Engine

Isuzu’s robust and conservatively tuned engine has always been known to deliver superior fuel efficiency that showed great reliability and durability. That confidence also enables Isuzu to offer a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Transmission

Flicking the dial to 4H mode activates the four-wheel drive system, which sends torque to all four wheels. The lack of centre or rear differential lock means that it is unable to vary torque distribution amongst the four wheels. 4L mode is essentially same as 4H but only uses a low range set of gears

Isuzu MU-X Ride Comfort

While the double-wishbone front suspension and the multi-link suspension at the rear copes reasonably well with everyday driving, the tall ride height sees the Isuzu MU-X leaning and getting out of shape in the corners. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride on the highway, but the 7-seater people mover feels more at home on rugged terrain doing some off roading. 

Isuzu MU-X Fuel Consumption

Isuzu MU-X Conclusion