Is the Isuzu mu-X still worth it

The Isuzu mu-X nameplate is a favorite among SUV buyers for its reliability, feature set, and fuel efficiency. While it may not have the most powerful motor available on the market it has more than enough power to get the vehicle moving to highway speeds in a matter of seconds and overtake when you need it. That being said, with its newest facelift already in the market with a new design and a new look, does Isuzu’s SUV still have what it takes to win over prospective buyers as its previous versions did?

Isuzu mu-X new Chassis

SUVs aren’t exactly known for their ride comfort especially PPV-based SUVs like the mu-X, however, there are a few of them out there that give a compliant and comfortable ride. Isuzu has done well to move into the realm of comfort for the new mu-X by giving it a new chassis to work with. The seven-seater SUV now rides on the brand’s Isuzu Symmetric Mobility Platform which it shares with its pickup truck counterpart the Isuzu D-MAX. This gives the SUV an improved ride over its previous version, losing a bit of the workhorse feel previous generations had. It also helps give it a bit of a boost in performance when it comes to its off-roading capabilities thanks to the changes such as stiffening that Isuzu did to the chassis. With that in mind, this improvement works well for those who still want a rough and tough SUV but one that can also handle well in the city for more day-to-day activities.

Isuzu mu-x engine

Under the hood, the Isuzu mu-X still packs quite a punch. It still has its two engine options ranging from the powerful 3.0-liter to the fuel-efficient 1.9-liter. The 3.0-liter motor now pushes out 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque, while the 1.9-liter motor produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This puts the mu-X on par with its rivals in its segment. While it isn’t class-leading figures, it's a big improvement over its previous iteration which at its most powerful was pushing about 175 horsepower. With its newfound power, the mu-X can now go toe-to-toe with its more powerful competitors that have engines with outputs at the 180 hp and 450 Nm of torque mark.

mu-X Shifter

It's still the old reliable six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions for the Isuzu mu-X. Isuzu found that there was no need to replace these gearbox options as there weren’t any problems with them. So expect the same shifting performance out of the SUV. If it ain't broke don't fix it right? This also means that with the much smaller 1.9-liter engine we can expect similar fuel efficiency figures for this variant even with the new body. This makes it great especially for those who missed their chance to buy the older model and want the newer one as it comes with more tech but much of the same familiar features of the older version.

mu-X Front Seats

Utilitarianism is what the old version of the Isuzu mu-X was geared towards. While its later version did get some more premium materials the design remained the same. This time around for its newest version, Isuzu has upped the ante giving it a better-looking and feeling cabin. The dashboard has been redesigned to be a bit taller but it now comes with a much larger infotainment system to help further its premium look at feel. The seats have also gotten a redesign to give you better support on the sides thanks to more bolstering. It also helps give the vehicle a slightly sportier appearance as well. Overall it's a big step up over its previous version and helps to put it in better contention with its rivals.

Infotainment Screen

Aside from the new cabin, the technology that the mu-X carries has also been upgraded. The vehicle now comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. On top of this, its safety technology has also been upgraded as well. Updated in 2024, Isuzu fitted the mu-X with a host of tech upgrades. These include a 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM) for a comprehensive view of its surroundings and an enhanced blind spot monitoring system to detect nearby vehicles and motorcycles. For added convenience, the mu-X includes a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) that records up to 11 hours of footage from front and rear cameras, eliminating the need for aftermarket dashcams. The infotainment system has also been upgraded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seamlessly integrating smartphones with its 10.1-inch display. Complemented by a wireless charging pad, the mu-X ensures a connected and hassle-free driving experience.

Isuzu mu-X facelift

Isuzu officially unveiled the mid-cycle facelift of the Isuzu mu-X back in July last year. Aside from showcasing a new angular face, a refreshed taillight design plus a few interior changes. In addition, Isuzu revealed a replacement for the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC engine called the Maxforce. 

Isuzu 2.2-liter Maxforce engine

Known officially as the RZ4F-TC, this turbodiesel engine features a 2,164 cc displacement and a 15.9:1 compression ratio. With an advanced electronic variable geometry turbo (E-VGS), it produces 160 hp at 3,600 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is now available, while the six-speed manual remains an option for select variants. If that amount of power isn’t enough, don’t worry—the 3.0-liter 4J3-TCX is also being carried over.

Isuzu mu-X Facelift

Isuzu has confirmed that this new engine and transmission combo will be featured in the facelifted mu-X and D-MAX. However, will it arrive in the Philippines soon? If you've been browsing online, you may have come across news of the facelifted mu-X being transported to the country. While this suggests that the refreshed mu-X will be launched soon, Isuzu has not provided any information regarding a specific launch date or whether the new 2.2-liter diesel will be available.

All things considered, the current Isuzu mu-X is leaps and bounds better than its previous generation and is a force to be reckoned with in the market. It comes with a design that might be a hit or a miss depending on the buyer, but its feature set and upgraded power are something we simply can’t deny. However, these upgrades do come at a price and that price is P2,580,000 for those who want the range-topping 4x4 LS-E model. If the previous version was affordable, this newer one is a tad bit more expensive. But it is justified by the amount of new tech that it has.

Isuzu mu-X

With a facelift on the horizon, many buyers are wondering if it's worth purchasing the current mu-X or waiting for the refreshed version. Overall, the mu-X is a well-rounded SUV that holds its own against rivals, offering excellent value for its price and a solid range of features across the lineup. Even if you forego waiting for the refresh to come,  we believe the mu-X is sure to meet your needs and deliver a satisfying driving experience.

Interested in purchasing a new mu-X? You can check out the mu-X Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph. If you want to explore the rest of Isuzu's passenger vehicles and tough trucks, visit the Isuzu Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph.

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