Which 2022 Isuzu mu-X variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide] 

The next-generation Isuzu mu-X is finally out for the Philippine market. And like the third-generation Isuzu D-Max it is based on, it comes with a whole host of improvements inside and out. 

The all-new Isuzu mu-X

The Isuzu mu-X Philippines however, has five variants in total. These include the LS-E 4x4 AT and LS-E 4x2 AT as the top trims, the LS-A 4x2 AT and the LS-A RZ4E 4x2 MT as the mid-spec trims, and the LS RZ4E 4x2 AT as the entry-level trim. 

So, which of these is the right one for you? How are they different spec-wise? Let’s find out. 

2022 Isuzu mu-X Variants: Exterior 

When it comes to size, the LS-E and LS-A variants are identical. They all have a length of 4,850mm, a width of 1,870mm, and a height of 1,825mm. The odd one out is the entry-level LS as it has a shorter height of 1,815mm as it lacks roof rails. 

Speaking of exterior equipment, all variants of the new mu-X for sale are kitted out with a pair of bi-LED headlamps. These have automatic leveling, except the ones on the entry-level LS. In turn, only the top-spec LS-E has an auto-on/off for its headlamps. 

It has grown a bit in size

All mu-X variants also come standard with LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps. The LS-E and LS-A AT also have front and rear fog lamps, which are then unavailable on the LS-A RZ4E MT and the entry-level LS RZ4E AT. 

The top-spec LS-E also comes with a power-folding side mirror. All trims, however, do get power adjustment for the side mirrors. Then again, the entry-level LS lacks the integrated side turn signal lamps that are present for the rest of the mu-X variant’s side mirrors. 

As mentioned only the LS lacks roof rails. For the ones that do, it can accommodate up to 100 kgs of cargo. Also, only the top-spec LS-E variants come with a power tailgate and rain-sensing wipers. 

Only the top-of-the-line LS-E variants have power tailgates

And lastly in terms of exterior features, the LS-E trims ride on a set of 20-inch alloy wheels. The mid-spec LS-A trims meanwhile have an 18-inch set of wheels, and the entry-level LS has a 17-inch set. 

2022 Isuzu mu-X Variants: Interior 

Inside, all the variants of the 2022 mu-X come with three rows. The third row is bench-type seats with 50:50 split-fold, whereas the second row has 60:40 split-fold. All come with adjustable headrests, but the second gets a center armrest with cup holders. Only the top-spec LS-E gets leather covers for its seats. 

A peek into the mu-X LS-E's front cabin

As for the front seats, the LS-E variant provides an eight-way electronically adjustable driver's seat, as well as a four-way electronically adjustable passenger’s seat. The LS-A then gets a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, while the entry-level LS has a four-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. 

For cooling, the LS-E, and LS-A AT come standard with a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The rest of the variants meanwhile are equipped with manual dial-controlled air-conditioning. 

Moving on to infotainment systems, most trims except the entry-level LS come with a 10.1-inch infotainment system. This head unit has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and aux-in connectivity. In comparison, the entry-level LS has a 3.5-inch monochrome display. For speakers, the LS-E variants get an eight-piece speaker system. The rest meanwhile gets six speakers. 

All trims of the mu-X are equipped with a ten-inch headunit

Regarding driver amenities, the LS-E and LS-A have a seven-inch multi-information display. The entry-level LS then gets a smaller 3.5-inch digital display. The LS also gets a fixed steering wheel column, while the rest has tilt and telescopic adjustment. The steering wheel of the LS also lacks the buttons that are present on the LS-E and LS-A's steering wheel. Furthermore, only the top-spec LS-E trims’ steering wheel is wrapped in leather. 

And lastly, only the mu-X LS-E gets a remote engine start system. Along with the mid-spec LS-A AT, the LS-E's doors can automatically lock themselves when the driver walks away. A push-button ignition system is also available on the LS-E and LS-A AT variants. 

2022 Isuzu mu-X Variants: Engine and Performance 

For the Philippine-spec 2022 mu-X, there are two engine options. The larger one is the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel and it is available on the LS-E variants, and the LS-A AT. At most, it can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.  

The second smaller engine is the 1.9-liter RZ4E inline-4 turbodiesel. It is present on the LS-A MT and the LS, and it can make up to 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. 

For transmissions, the LS-E 4x4 and 4x2 trims use a six-speed automatic transmission. The LS-A AT also uses the same aforementioned gearbox, though the LS-A with the RZ4E 1.8-liter mill uses a six-speed manual transmission. Interestingly enough, the entry-level LS has a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

The 2022 Isuzu mu-X's 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine

For drivetrains, only the top-spec LS-E is available with 4x4. The rest meanwhile gets a 4x2 drivetrain. 

Moving over to suspensions, all variants of the 2022 mu-X use a double-wishbone for the front and a five-link suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by ventilated discs for all four wheels for all variants.  

All variants of the 2022 mu-X also come with an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function. 

2022 Isuzu mu-X Variants: Safety 

Like most modern SUVs, all 2022 mu-X trims come standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, ISOFIX child seat tethers, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. Then again, the entry-level LS lacks the parking sensors and reverse camera that’s available to the rest of the new mu-X's variants. 

The top-spec LS-E trims are then equipped with seven airbags, while the rest only have dual-front airbags. 

Moving on to the driver-assist features, only the top-of-the-line LS-E 4x4 and LS-E 4x2 have autonomous emergency braking, forward collision assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The top-spec LS-E trims along with the mid-spec LS-A trims also have blind-spot monitoring and lane departure alert. 

2022 Isuzu mu-X Variants: Pricing 

>>> Lastest update: Isuzu Philippines price list

2022 Isuzu mu-X Variants: Conclusion 

As one can see, the entry-level LS is the one variant that lacks many of the gadgets and features that were added on the third-gen mu-X. Then again, it is also the most affordable and it can no doubt function just as well as a family vehicle. Curiously enough though, the most affordable LS trim uses an automatic tranny, while the next trim up (LS-A MT) gets a stick shift. If you want to row through gears, then you don’t have other options other than the LS-A MT. 

Then there’s the mid-spec LS-A 4x2 AT. It doesn’t have as much on-board tech and features as the top-spec LS-E, but it has access to the power of the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX. 

Only the LS-E has 4x4, though it lacks a differential lock

For those who want an off-road capable machine though, then look no further than the top-spec LS-E 4x4. But if what you’re after is actually the LS-E's driver-assist features, then maybe the LS-E 4x2 might fit you better. 

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