Isuzu D-MAX, mu-X post standout performance in 2025 DOE Fuel Eco-Run

Isuzu Philippines Corporation has proven once again that fuel efficiency can be achieved alongside power and durability. At the 2025 Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Eco-Run held on September 24, Isuzu delivered another solid showing, underlining the brand’s long-standing reputation for advanced and efficient diesel engineering.

The annual DOE Fuel Eco-Run is designed to test how vehicles perform in real-world conditions, giving Filipino buyers a clearer picture of what they can expect at the pump. For this year’s event, Isuzu brought along two of its best-selling light commercial vehicles: the D-MAX pickup and the mu-X SUV—and both delivered the goods.

Competing in the N1 category, the Isuzu D-MAX LS-A 4x2 automatic posted an impressive fuel efficiency figure of 20.63 km/Lge. That’s a strong result for a work-ready pickup, and a clear reminder of why the D-MAX continues to be a favorite among buyers who want toughness without sacrificing fuel savings. Meanwhile, the Isuzu mu-X LS-A 4x2 automatic took on the M1 mid-size SUV category and returned an equally noteworthy 17.11 km/Lge, showcasing its ability to balance power, comfort, and efficiency in a family-friendly package. As an aside, these trucks weren’t powered by the smaller 1.9-liter RZ4E engine either; the trucks put to the test at the eco run were powered by the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX engines, which develop 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

Note that km/Lge stands for kilometers per liter of gasoline equivalent. It’s a standardized unit for measuring fuel economy for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles, allowing fair comparisons by converting all fuel types, whether it's diesel or electricity, to a common "gasoline equivalent" measure used by the Department of Energy (DOE).

This year’s Eco-Run was conducted entirely on public highways to closely simulate everyday driving. Participating vehicles covered more than 150 kilometers along the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), with the entire activity supervised by the DOE to ensure consistent and transparent testing standards. The goal, as always, is to provide consumers with reliable and comparable fuel economy data for vehicles available in the local market.

Carlos also expressed Isuzu’s appreciation of the program, stating, “We thank the Department of Energy for continuously conducting the Fuel Eco-Run. “This initiative is a valuable service to Filipino consumers, as it promotes transparency, encourages manufacturers to innovate, and supports the country’s broader goals on energy efficiency and sustainability.”

With another strong Eco-Run performance in the books, Isuzu Philippines reinforces its commitment to building vehicles that are not just durable and reliable, but also easy on fuel–an important combination for today’s Filipino motorists.

If you’re in the market for a new diesel-powered SUV or pickup truck, consider taking a look at the Isuzu mu-X and D-MAX. Visit the Isuzu Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph for more information.