The Isuzu mu-X is a midsize 7-seater SUV. The nameplate is an acronym for the phrase “Makes U eXciting.” The mu-X is perfect and practical in the Philippines, as you can use it for a quick out of town trip and as a daily driven car with your family. The vehicle features a pliant ride along with a Terrain command system for 4x4 models. The SUV also gets a number of storage options. Passengers of the vehicle will also get the benefit of a premium touchscreen along with a 10-inch DVD player at the rear, which is standard for all variants in the lineup.
The mu-X is available with a pair of Euro 4-compliant engines. The first is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel power plant that features Blue Power technology increasing its output from the previous 3.0-liter and increasing its fuel efficiency. The other option is a 1.9-liter turbo-diesel power plant which is meant to replace the older 2.5-liter engine.
The 1.9-liter turbo diesel produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel power plant, on the other hand, makes 174 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Only the 3.0-liter variant can be had with a 4x4 variant, while the rest of the lineup retains the 4x2 rear-wheel-drive format.
Launch
Debuted in September 2014, the mu-X was launched in the Philippines with two engine choices both being diesel. The first engine option was a 2.5-liter turbo engine. The next option is a 3.0-liter turbo diesel. The 2.5-liter engine mill would later be replaced by a 1.9-liter engine with increased power output. The 3.0-liter would also later receive an emission and power upgrade.
The mu-X was launched to be the direct replacement to the mu-7 or the Alterra in the Philippines. It was originally available in three trims being the LS, LS-M, and the LS-A. Isuzu would later then remove the LS-M trim in favor of keeping the LS and LS-A variants.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The mu-X is available in two engine choices both being diesel. The first option 1.9-liter with Blue Power technology, which produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The 1.9-liter engine can either be had with a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. The other engine option is a revised 3.0-liter now with Blue Power technology. The engine now makes 174hp and 380 Nm of torque.
The midsize SUV is available in either a 4x4 or 4x2 drivetrain configuration. Only the 3.0-liter powered variants have the option of a 4x4 configuration while the rest of the lineup only comes in 4x2.
For suspension, the mu-X features independent double-wishbone coil springs with stabilizers in the front and five-link coil spring stabilizer bar in the rear. Stopping power comes from ventilated discs in the front and either a choice of sold discs in the rear or drum brakes depending on the variant.
Driving Performance
The Isuzu mu-X, with its high ride height and driving visibility, makes trips easy. The right driving position is also easy to find thanks to its power-adjustable seats and tilt adjusting steering wheel. The driving controls are all within arms reach making it easy to adjust things when needed. There is also ample space in the vehicle. The mu-X does have heavy steering making tight maneuvering and multipoint turns harder. The suspension, while comfortable, can sometimes be jarring when it comes to bumpier roads. Body roll is present but it’s to be expected for a vehicle of its size. There is some hesitation when downshifting is required but once the torque band hits the vehicle will accelerate.
Acceleration from the two diesel mills is linear but enough to push you back into your seat to know that you’re actually going somewhere. Braking is also good and the ABS system helps keep the vehicle in check along with its ESC system.
Technology Features
The mu-X comes with an 8-inch Audio-Video Entertainment with a navigation system, the head unit also comes with Wifi and USB linking. Bluetooth is also standard along with iPod capabilities. Sound is via a 6-speaker sound system consisting of 2 tweeters, 2 speakers located on the front door, and 2 speakers at the rear doors.
Extra features include a 10-inch roof-mounted DVD monitor. The mu-X also gets convenience features such as a power tailgate for the Luxe models and hill descent control. Hill descent control is also available on other models with the exception of the entry-level LS variant.
Exterior
Bi-Xenon LED is standard for all current mu-X variants. Fog Lights are also standard for the LS-A variant the base LS, however, does not get any fog lights. The radiator grille for the LS-A variants is chrome while the LS variant only gets gray. Color-keyed upper bumpers are standard across the lineup while the lower bumpers get a metallic gray color also as standard. Power fold and power side mirrors are standard for the LS-A variants. The LS variants get a manual version and are material black in color. All variants get a rear combination lamp with horizontal type LED positioning lamps. Rear tailgate garnishes can either be chrome or gray depending on the variant.
3Color options for the Isuzu mu-X are as follows: Havana Brown, Obsidian Grey, Titanium Silver, Silky Pearl White, Cosmic Black, and finally Red Spinel for the Luxe variant of the SUV.
Interior
On the inside, the mu-X features a black interior with silver accents across the center console. It also features piano-black accents across the doors as well as blue mood lighting strips for the LS-A variants. 3.0-liter LS-A variants also get the benefit of power seats for the driver. The 1.9-liter equipped cars get fabric as the materials for the seats. The 3.0-liter variants, on the other hand, get leather and new quilt design.
The midsize SUV features seating for seven with two USB ports available in the front and one port in the rear. The vehicle comes standard with a 10-inch DVD monitor in the middle which can mirror what the front infotainment system is displaying.
The Isuzu mu-X’s cooling controls come from a single-zone automatic climate control for the front. Rear passengers get temperature and fan controls at the rear including two extra air vents. Rear passengers also have bottle and cup holders available on either side.
Pros & Cons
What you will like about the mu-X is its impressive fuel economy for both engines available. It also features a comfortable ride for all its occupants. The Bi-Xenon LED headlamps also do a great job of lighting the road.
What you might not like about the vehicle is that the steering is heavy. The cabin acoustics could also be improved. The use of piano black plastics especially on the door sidings and near the gear shifter is easily scratchable.
2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by BDO.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
1. All amounts quoted are in Philippine Peso.
2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by Security Bank.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
6. Security Bank Corporation is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (+632 708-7087 | consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph).
Isuzu mu-X Specifications
Key specifications & features of the Isuzu mu-X. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
SUV
No. of seats
7
Fuel Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Max Output (HP)
134 HP @ 3,400 rpm - 175 HP @ 3,550 rpm
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
16 in - 18 in
Airbags
2
ISOFIX
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Available *Depending on variant
Connectivity
Aux-in, USB, Bluetooth, iPod and Wifi
*Depending on variant
The Isuzu mu-X comes with dual airbags in the front. It also comes equipped with ASB, EBD, and Electronic Stability Control. Added safety features include Hill Start Assist, Traction Control System, and Hill Descent Control. Other passive safety features include side-impact beams in the doors, childproof door locks, and a reverse camera.
The Isuzu mu-X doesn't have a current ASEAN NCAP rating. It does, however, have ANCAP rating, bagging 33.58 out of 37 points for an overall 5-star rating.
