The Isuzu MU-X, the D-Max's SUV cousin has been in production since 2013 with a facelift introduced in most markets in 2017. While the D-Max has been given a new third-generation which was launched in 2019, Isuzu has been pretty mum on the MU-X.

Well, the team at AutoWeek Netherlands has managed to dig up some patent images while scouring through the Japanese patent office for what appears to be the all-new 2021 MU-X. These patent images were apparently registered by Isuzu.

And it’s not just your usual front, back, and side images but also the front quarter and even the undercarriage. So, what can we tell from these images? For starters, the MU-X could have a very different front compared to the D-Max.

The outgoing MU-X shares a similar front grille design as the previous-gen D-Max. The newer MU-X looks like it’ll get a distinct design that looks almost Mazda-esque especially with the chrome wings that stretches below the headlamps.

Not surprising given that the new Mazda BT-50 is basically a rebadged D-Max.

At the back, the 2021 MU-X reminds me of a Ford Everest with all the badges taken out. Clearly, it’s more on the front that gives the MU-X its personality, a little bit like what BMW has done with the latest M3 and M4.

In terms of powertrain, the new MU-X could be powered by the same engines as the D-Max; a 1.9-litre DDi BluePower turbodiesel (150 PS/ 350 Nm) and a 3.0-litre DDi BluePower turbodiesel (190 PS/ 450 Nm).

Isuzu might be launching the all-new MU-X in 2021. Isuzu Malaysia has previously said that the third-gen D-Max is set to arrive in Malaysia in 2022 but there is a very slim chance for the MU-X to make a return to the Malaysian market.

The MU-X was sold here for a while but it suffered poor sales and eventually pulled out of the market. In the ladder-frame SUV market, only the Toyota Fortuner seems to see decent sales in Malaysia. Do you think this new-look MU-X could usurp the Fortuner’s dominance?