The Isuzu MU-X vary has seen its 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine axed in favour of a extra highly effective and extra environment friendly new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that higher meets the calls for of enormous off-road SUV consumers.
This gruntier new turbo-diesel – an evolution of the earlier base engine – additionally provides a brand new eight-speed Aisin computerized transmission and computerized engine idle begin/cease know-how, and it’s accessible with 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains throughout just a few variants within the MU-X lineup.
Prospects would possibly query whether or not it’s price saving a bit of cash to sacrifice some energy and torque in comparison with the extra lengthy working and extra well-liked 4JJ3 3.0-litre diesel engine, and it may additionally spell decrease resale values in the long term.
However right here’s what you might want to know concerning the new MU-X 2.2L mannequin vary that will help you make up your personal thoughts about whether or not it’s best for you.
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X value?
You may get this new 2.2L in plenty of MU-X variants, and a few even have promotional drive-away offers on supply.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4×2 | $49,900 | $48,990 |
| 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L 4×4 | $55,900 | – |
| 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 2.2L 4×4 | $62,900 | – |
| 2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 2.2L 4×4 | $71,400 | $69,990 |
If these don’t fit your wants, the three.0L engine and six-speed auto with selectable four-wheel drive remains to be provided in LS-M, LS-U and LS-T grades, and stays the only real choice within the top-shelf X-Terrain.
Wanting to learn the way the two.2L compares to the three.0L model by way of prices? Try our detailed pricing story right here.
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
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What’s the Isuzu MU-X like on the within?
Okay, there’s no level doing a re-review of the inside of the MU-X as a result of, frankly, virtually nothing right here has modified since our most up-to-date protection.
Sure, there’s now an idle begin/cease button to disable the fuel-saving tech in the event you don’t prefer it, plus in the event you flick the transmission into handbook mode, the present gear indicator on the motive force’s information display goes as much as ‘8’ as an alternative of ‘6’.
Past that, although, the MU-X cabin stays unchanged. And that also implies that the LS-M and LS-U variations really feel a bit underdone inside.
The fabric trim is okay however a bit conservative, and also you’re nonetheless getting a turn-key ignition within the LS-M, together with the outdated smaller infotainment display and driver information show.
Need extra? Take a look at our earlier MU-X assessment protection for a nitty-gritty breakdown of the inside.
It nonetheless has sensible inside area, although the second-row seat doesn’t slide fore/aft. There’s a easy flip-and-tumble mechanism for the passenger-side second-row seat, permitting quick access to the third row, the place even six-foot adults can match simply.
Mother and father ought to notice, although, that whereas there are air vents within the ceiling and a fan controller in row two, the very again seats don’t supply ISOFIX or top-tether factors for youngster seats.
Cargo area stays 311 litres behind the rear seats (they’re reclinable, too, so you’ll be able to tailor that area considerably), and that expands to 1119L with the third row folded. There’s a bit of additional hidden storage behind the rearmost seats as nicely.
There’s a full-size spare below the physique of the automobile, too. Need a extra detailed inside teardown? Try our earlier assessment protection of the MU-X.
| Dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-T |
|---|---|
| Size | 4860mm |
| Width | 1870mm (together with mirrors) |
| Peak | 1825mm |
| Wheelbase | 2855mm |
| Cargo capability | 311L (third row up) 1119L (third row folded down) 1238L (second row folded down) |
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
This new 2.2-litre engine replaces the outgoing 1.9L, and pumps up the numbers in terms of energy and torque to the measure of 10kW/50Nm. Nonetheless, as Isuzu is considerably conservative and centered on reliability, the numbers aren’t monumental for an engine with this capability.
| Specs | Isuzu MU-X LS-T 2.2L |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 120kW |
| Torque | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive kind | 4-wheel drive |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 6.7L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) | 8.7L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | TBC |
| Gasoline tank | 80L |
| Weight | 2130kg |
| Payload | 670kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 2800kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 5900kg |
In the meantime, gas consumption and emissions have improved significantly – although emissions figures have but to be formally launched. Throughout the launch drive for the brand new MU-X, there was a mixture of city, freeway, open street, and stop-start testing, in addition to a few hours of low-speed off-roading with a number of halting and ready.
Over that point, I noticed a displayed return of 8.7L/100km within the LS-T mannequin I primarily hung out in. That’s little doubt respectable for that sort of driving combine, however it might be even higher in city/commuter driving, with out off-roading.
For many who don’t wish to expertise the beginning/cease system in motion, there’s a swap to show it off, although it defaults again on every time you go for a drive.
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?
There is no such thing as a denying that this can be a huge step in the fitting course in comparison with the 1.9-litre it replaces, which was a superb engine however that is higher than superb. It’s really fairly good, and the addition of the eight-speed auto performs an enormous half in that.
Clearly the engine – with 10kW and 50Nm extra – feels extra pressing in its response, and that has so much to do with the best way the ability band works.
Isuzu Ute Australia claims drivers have entry to 60 per cent extra torque at simply 1000rpm in comparison with the 1.9L, and the height torque band now runs from 1600-2400rpm – which means there’s a meaty quantity of pull accessible. The gearbox helps to maintain the engine in that torque band extra usually, and while you’re on the transfer it’s a reasonably agreeable expertise.
As for the beginning/cease tech, it definitely makes itself recognized, however it’s wanting to restart the engine while you take your foot off the brake, quite than while you hit the accelerator, so which means it has a bit extra urgency than another examples of the tech.
However the shaky diesel engine could make the entire automobile rock on the spot when it refires, which isn’t probably the most refined expertise. And while you step off from a standstill, the powertrain has a little bit of engine lag to cope with.
Additional, engine noise may be very evident within the cabin below medium to sturdy acceleration, with is made extra noticeable by the very fact the transmission has eight ratios at its disposal – which means you’ll be able to hear the ‘field busily managing proceedings. However it’s seemingly extra hushed within the MU-X than within the D-Max ute, which appeared extra raucous once more.
Fortunately, it’s easy with the shifts, and the logic appears on level – each on- and off-road.
Throughout the off-road drive, the engine and transmission had been definitely as much as expectations, although there’s no means to make use of all eight gears in low-range, as seventh and eighth gears are overdrive ratios.
The sensible off-road traction management system – or Tough Terrain Mode – permits the MU-X to go additional off-road with a safer stage of progress than many others within the phase.
Certainly, a few of the eventualities encountered would have been ‘flip round and return’ moments for different seven-seaters, however the MU-X managed rather more than anticipated… particularly the LS-T, with its 20-inch wheels and Bridgestone Dueler freeway terrain rubber (at really helpful tyre pressures).
The coil-sprung rear suspension may be very nicely mannered, and there’s a strong quantity of articulation on supply in the event you get crossed up over obstacles.
The MU-X just lately noticed an overhaul to its suspension when the facelift was launched earlier this 12 months, and there have been no changes to the suspension or steering for the fashions with the brand new powertrain, so it’s nearly similar from a physique management and bump administration perspective – which means it’s higher than you’d anticipate a ute-based SUV to be.
| Off-road dimensions | Isuzu MU-X LS-T |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1570mm |
| Floor clearance | 235mm |
| Strategy angle | 23.9 levels |
| Departure angle | 26.4 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 19.6 levels |
| Wading depth | 800m |
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
Right here’s a rundown of the usual spec and tech ranges for all MU-X variants; there aren’t any specification adjustments in comparison with the earlier 1.9L grades.
2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M gear highlights:
- 17-inch 6-spoke silver alloy wheels
- 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25 all-terrain tyres
- Bi-LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Digital parking brake with auto maintain
- Polyurethane steering wheel and shifter trim
- Carpet flooring
- Material upholstery
- Twin vainness mirrors
- Push-button begin
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- 4-speaker sound system
- 3 x USB-C retailers (2 entrance, 1 in second row)
- USB-A outlet for aftermarket sprint digicam
- Air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents and controls
- Door mirrors and door handles completed in black
- Sidesteps completed in black
- Window trims completed in black
The MU-X LS-U provides:
- 18-inch 12-spoke titanium metallic alloy wheels
- 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
- Sensible entry and begin
- LED fog lights
- Rear privateness glass
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Energy-folding and heated body-colour door mirrors
- Physique-colour door handles
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 8-speaker sound system
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, with electrical adjustable lumbar help
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear passenger air vents and controls
- 4 x USB-C retailers (2 entrance, 2 in second row)
- Tyre strain monitoring
The MU-X LS-T provides:
- 20-inch 6-spoke two-tone machined face alloy wheels
- 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
- Door handles, window trims, entrance fender accents, roof rails, facet steps in gloss black
- Rear privateness glass
- Distant engine begin
- Energy-folding and heated door mirrors w/ facet cameras completed in gloss black
- White ambient inside lighting
- Black headliner
- Heated entrance seats
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with energy lumbar
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Leather-based-accented upholstery with gray stitching and leatherette throughout door trims, centre console
The MU-X X-Terrain provides:
- 20-inch gloss black alloys, coated with a smoked clear coat
- 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
- Up to date LED fog lights with black fog gentle bezels and gloss black surrounds
- Gloss black fender flares
- Decrease physique facet skirt
- Decrease rear underbody spoiler
- Piano black and silver metallic inside trim
- Purple stitching particulars
- Purple LED ambient inside lighting
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display with purple fonts, graphics
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Isuzu MU-X secure?
All variants of the Isuzu MU-X include a 2022 five-star security score from ANCAP.
| Class | Isuzu MU-X |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Susceptible street consumer safety | 69 per cent |
| Security help | 84 per cent |
The 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X vary comes customary with the next security options:
- 8 airbags
- Twin entrance
- Twin seat facet
- Twin full-length curtain
- Entrance knee and centre (far-side)
- Autonomous emergency braking with Flip Help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Mis-acceleration Mitigation
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Clever velocity limiter
- Reversing digicam
- Rear parking sensors
- Visitors Jam Help
- Visitors signal recognition
- Trailer sway management
- Tyre strain monitoring
The LS-U provides entrance parking sensors, whereas the LS-T and X-Terrain additionally get a surround-view digicam.
I actually suppose Isuzu ought to up its sport considerably with the digicam tech. Providing a 360-degree digicam solely on the model that prices $70,000 is sub-par for 2025 and past.
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Isuzu MU-X value to run?
Purchase an MU-X and it’ll be backed by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee.
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| Servicing and Guarantee | Isuzu MU-X |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years or 150,000km |
| Roadside help | As much as 7 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Complete capped-price service value | $2345 ($469 every) |
The model has a five-year/75,000km capped-price service marketing campaign, with intervals pegged at 12 months/15,000km.
Servicing prices for the primary 5 years are capped at $469 per go to – the identical value you’ll pay to take care of the three.0L. Service your MU-X with the model and also you’ll additionally stand up to seven years of roadside help.
To see how the Isuzu MU-X strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Isuzu MU-X
This new powertrain is a pleasant match for the MU-X – arguably a nicer match right here than within the D-Max, the place bragging rights are most likely extra essential, and the place having the big-bore 4JJ3 is a back-patting train.
Right here, nonetheless, it appears the good cash is perhaps spent on a 2.2L model of the MU-X, given its potential for gas value financial savings and its normal usability for household automobile consumers.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Isuzu MU-X. Click on right here to get an awesome deal
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