2023 Isuzu MU-X
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.8 - 8.3 / 100km |
|---|---|
| ANCAP Rating | 5-star |
| Warranty | 6 years |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.8 - 8.3 / 100km |
|---|---|
| ANCAP Rating | 5-star |
| Warranty | 6 years |
About the Isuzu MU-X
The Isuzu MU-X has been updated for 2023, receiving a range of tweaks including new features, finishes, and a “darker design aesthetic”.
On sale now, the 2023 MU-X gets new grille designs across the range, new alloy wheels for the base LS-M and top-spec LS-T, revised LED tail light surrounds, and a new auto-off feature for the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems when towing.
These features are in line with the upgrades detailed for the related D-Max ute, though the MU-X doesn’t get the range of new interior upholsteries or as many new exterior paint finishes – though there is a new Galaxy Blue mica.
Pricing for the MU-X remains unchanged with the range starting at $48,900 before on-road costs for the LS-M 4×2, and extending to $67,400 before on-road costs for the LS-T 4×4.
Video Review
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2023 Isuzu MU-X (inc. 0-100 & autonomy test) review
Isuzu has given the MU-X the world's smallest facelift...so we thought we should have another drive of this 7 seat SUV! Paul Maric drives the 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4x4
Isuzu MU-X Photo Gallery
Isuzu MU-X Price
- 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×2: $48,900
- 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4×4: $54,900
- 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×2: $55,400
- 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×4: $61,400
- 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4×2: $61,400
- 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4×4: $67,400 ($65,990 drive-away)
Reviews
News
Isuzu MU-X Range Guide
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X LS-M comes standard with the following features:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- All-terrain tyres
- Automatic LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- LED daytime running lights
- LED combination tail lights
- Dark grey metallic tail light accents (NEW)
- Rain-sensing window wipers
- Black and gunmetal grey grille (NEW)
- Colour-coded front bumper
- Black aluminium side steps
- Black side mirrors
- Under-front steel skid plate
- Steel plate guards (4×4 only)
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Four-speaker sound system
- 4.2-inch digital multi-function display
- Manual air-conditioning
- Second and third row air vents
- Polyurethane steering wheel
- Polyurethane gear selector
- Electric park brake
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- 4×4 select dial (4×4 only)
- Rear differential lock button (4×4 only)
- Carpet flooring
- Seven seats
- Cloth upholstery
- Six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat
The LS-U adds the following:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Highway terrain tyres
- Tungsten silver and chrome grille (NEW)
- Heated, body-coloured mirrors with built-in indicators
- Magnetite aluminium side steps (NEW)
- Magnetite fog light surrounds (NEW)
- Magnetite bumper trim (NEW)
- Magnetite roof rails (NEW)
- Hands-free power tailgate (NEW)
- Privacy glass
- Front parking sensors
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone climate control
- Walk-away door locking
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Leather steering wheel
- Leather gear selector
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Sun visor vanity mirrors
- Driver’s seat power lumbar support
The range-topping LS-T adds:
- 20-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels (NEW)
- Remote engine start
- Ambient interior lighting
- Centre console overhead guide light
- Stitched leatherette door trims and centre console
- Leather-accented upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment with power lumbar support
- Four-way electric front passenger’s seat adjustment
Isuzu MU-X Variants
Interior
As is typical for ute-based 4x4s, the cabin is quite utilitarian and quite similar to the D-Max dual-cab it’s based on. That means there’s a lot of harder plastics dotted around the cabin, though touch points like the leather steering wheel and comfortable, supportive seats feel very upmarket.
Build quality feels pretty darn rock solid, though, and even though it lacks the interior tactility of vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, the cabin is solidly screwed together and built to last whatever life can throw at it. This is an adventure vehicle, after all.
There’s good adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel, though leggy people like myself have to choose between having your hands too far from the wheel or have your legs bent a little more than you’d like. Still, a big improvement.
We prefer the cloth trim of the LS-U compared to the leather-accented trim of the top-spec LS-T, but they may not be as kid-friendly for spills and sticky fingers.
Ergonomically the Isuzu MU-X doesn’t go overboard with switchgear but everything is logically laid out and the feel of the buttons is nicely damped. It again plays to that more premium positioning.
Move into the second row and there’s more than enough space for a couple of adults or adult-sized kids. The wide and flat centre position, as well as the relative lack of a transmission tunnel, means the middle seat is usable as well.
The seats recline and fold with a 60:40 split. Rear air vents are mounted in the roof, there’s map pockets behind each front seat, and there’s two USB charge points to keep mobile devices juiced.
A fold-down centre armrest with cupholders resides in the middle seat, and there are also bottle holders in the rear doors.
ISOFIX anchor points on each outboard pew and top-tether points across all three positions means little ones are catered for, too.
Exterior
The MU-X gets some subtle aesthetic updates for the 2023 model-year.
There’s a new grille for all variants; finished in two-tone black for the LS-M, or Magnetite grey and black chrome for the LS-U and LS-T. Further, the LS-M and LS-T score new alloy wheel designs, illustrated above.
All models also get dark grey metallic accents for the LED tail lights, while the LS-U and LS-T pick up a range of Magnetite grey accents for the fog light surrounds, bumper trim, roof rails and side steps.
The LS-U and LS-T also receive a new hands-free tailgate, which allows a user with the key fob to open the tailgate by walking up to the rear and then taking a step back.
Isuzu MU-X Colours
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X is available in the following exterior paint colours:
- Basalt black mica
- Cobalt blue mica
- Galaxy blue mica (LS-U and LS-T only) (NEW)
- Magnetic red mica
- Mercury silver metallic
- Mineral white
- Moonstone white pearl (LS-U and LS-T only)
- Obsidian grey mica
All premium paints cost an additional $650.
Cost of Ownership
The first eight services are capped at the following prices:
- 3 months/3,000km Free
- 12 months/15,000km $435
- 24 months / 30,000km $445
- 36 months / 45,000km $665
- 48 months / 60,000km $555
- 60 months / 75,000km $335
- 72 months / 90,000km $799
- 84 months / 105,000km $455
How it Drives
Power in the 2023 Isuzu MU-X comes from the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the D-Max and Mazda BT-50 utes, making 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
In 4×2 models, power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively through a six-speed automatic transmission.
4×4 models add a switchable four-wheel drive with high- and low-range, along with a locking rear differential. It’s auto-only, like the 4×2 models.
Isuzu MU-X Safety Rating
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2020 of the related D-Max. It received a design change to the driver’s knee airbag and instrument panel in July 2022 and was re-tested, maintaining its five-star safety rating.
That rating was based on an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent.
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X range comes standard with the following safety features:
- Eight airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Turn assist
- Forward collision warning
- Post-collision braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic auto switch off (NEW)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keeping
- Land Support System switch
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Trailer sway control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Wrong-pedal braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
LS-U variants and above also receive front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.
Isuzu MU-X Options
Isuzu Ute Australia offers a range of genuine accessories across the MU-X range. Here are just a few:
- Polished alloy bull bar: $4649
- Snorkel: $1290
- Headlight protectors: $190.52
- Tow bar kit: $1182.25
- 12 pin flat tow bar wiring harness: $393.25
- Electronic brake controller: $896.05
- Roof rail cross bars: $591.58
- Cargo barrier: $1078
- Wireless charger: $419.43
Isuzu MU-X Warranty
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X is covered by a six-year, 150,000km warranty. There’s also up to seven years of roadside assistance when you service at an Isuzu Ute dealer.
Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, apart from a complimentary three-month service.
Isuzu MU-X Infotainment
The base model gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay but Wired Android Auto. It also comes with a four-speaker stereo system that supports DAB+ digital radio. The driver is treated to a 4.2-inch digital multi-function display.
Step up to the mid-grade LS-U and it gets the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Satellite navigation (which you really don't need with CarPlay or Android Auto) and an eight-speaker sound system.
Isuzu MU-X Boot Space
Boot space is 311 litres with all three rows of seating upright, 1119 litres with the third row folded, and 2138 litres with the third and second rows folded.
Isuzu MU-X Fuel Economy
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X has a claimed combined fuel economy of 7.8 litres per 100km in 4×2 models, and 8.3 litres per 100km in 4×4 models.
The entire range has an 80 litre fuel tank.
Depending on the variant, view the 2023 ISUZU MU-X fuel usage below.
All Highway, City, and Combined figures below are litres per 100km
| Variant | Series | Style | Fuel Type | Highway | City | Combined | E10? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS-M (4x2) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | DIESEL | - | - | 7.8 | - |
| LS-M (4x4) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | DIESEL | - | - | 8.3 | - |
| LS-U (4x2) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | DIESEL | - | - | 7.8 | - |
| LS-T (4x2) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | DIESEL | - | - | 7.8 | - |
| LS-U (4x4) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | DIESEL | - | - | 8.3 | - |
| LS-T (4x4) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | DIESEL | - | - | 8.3 | - |
Isuzu MU-X Dimensions
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X measures in at 4850mm long, 1870mm wide, and up to 1825mm tall, with a 2855mm wheelbase.
The range has the following approach, departure and ramp-over angles:
- Approach angle (degrees): 28.6 (LS-M) 29.2 (LS-U) 29.2 (LS-M)
- Departure angle (degrees): 27.6 (LS-M) 26.9 (LS-U) 26.4 (LS-M)
- Ramp-over angle (degrees): 22.6 (LS-M) 23.1 (LS-U) 23.1 (LS-M)
Wading depth across the range is 800mm.
Braked towing capacity across the range is 3500kg, with payload varying from 615kg and 665kg, depending on the model.
The gross vehicle mass (GVM) for 4×2 models is 2700kg and 4×4 models is 2800kg, whereas the gross combination mass (GVM) across the entire range is 5900kg.
Depending on the variant, the 2023 ISUZU MU-X measures as below.
| Variant | Series | Style | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS-M (4x2) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | 4850 | 1870 | 1815 | 2855 |
| LS-M (4x4) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | 4850 | 1870 | 1815 | 2855 |
| LS-U (4x2) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | 4850 | 1870 | 1825 | 2855 |
| LS-T (4x2) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | 4850 | 1870 | 1825 | 2855 |
| LS-U (4x4) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | 4850 | 1870 | 1825 | 2855 |
| LS-T (4x4) | RJ5 MY23 | 4D WAGON | 4850 | 1870 | 1825 | 2855 |
The 2023 ISUZU MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.
Isuzu MU-X Market Fit
The Isuzu MU-X is categorised as a Large SUV and has a price range of $48,900 to $67,400. There are currently 10 other options in the Large SUV segment, those that fit within a similar price range include: