Which 2020 Isuzu mu-X variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

The Isuzu mu-X was first introduced in the Philippines in September 2014. It succeeded the famous MU-7, or also known as the Alterra. Its name, mu-X, is an acronym that actually means “mystery utility-eXtreme.”

Isuzu Philippines offers only two passenger vehicles – the first one is the 7-seater SUV mu-X while the other is the D-Max pickup. The mu-X is developed by both Isuzu and General Motors, which instantly gives us the impression that the mu-X is a tough, versatile, and powerful SUV.

Isuzu Philippines offers three variants for the 7-seater mu-X, namely the RZ4E LS, RZ4E LS-A, and 3.0L LS-A, with different color and drivetrain options. Read on and find out which mu-X best suits you.

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Isuzu mu-X Variants: Exterior

To start off, the LS variants have measurements that span 4,825 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,825 mm in height. While the LS-A variants are measured 4,825 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,840 mm in height. The LS-A variants are 10 mm higher than the LS variants in terms of ground clearance.

The 2020 Isuzu mu-X

The 2020 Isuzu mu-X is installed with a bi-LED projector headlamp with integrated DRL and auto-headlamp leveling for the front end and horizontal type with LED positioning lamps for the rear end. Chrome and metallic gray are the finishes used in the LS-A variants’ exterior while material black and material gray for the lower-spec LS variants. A rear spoiler is an exclusive feature included only in the top-spec 4x4 3.0-liter LS-A variant.

Isuzu Philippines offers five color options for the mu-X, namely the Titanium Silver, Silky Pearl White/Splash White, Cosmic Black, Havana Brown, and Obsidian Gray.

Isuzu mu-X Variants: Interior

The LS-A variants are equipped with auto climate control with independent rear cooler controls, passive entry and push start/stop system, 3x 12V accessory socket, 3x USB charging port, and glove box with key lock and illumination.

Interior view of the Isuzu mu-X

On the other hand, the LS variants are equipped with two-dial manual control with independent rear cooler controls, 1x 12V accessory socket, 1x USB charging port, and a glove box with a key lock only. All Isuzu mu-X variants come with 19 storage compartments and 12 cup holders.

Isuzu mu-X Variants: Engine & Performance

Under the hood, the RZ4E variants use a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder in-line diesel RZ4E-TC engine that is capable of producing 148 hp at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1,800 to 2,600 rpm. The 3.0L LS-A variants are powered by a 3.0-liter 4-cylinder in-line diesel 4JJ1-TCX engine capable of generating 175 hp at 3,600 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.

Take on the road with the mu-X's powerful diesel engine

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For the MT variants, a 6-speed manual transmission with a gear shift indicator is used. While for the AT variants, a 6-speed AWR6B45-II automatic transmission with a sequential shift is used. Only the top-spec mu-X variant comes with a terrain command select dial. Power is sent to 245/70 R 16 aluminum alloy wheels in the LS variants while 255/60 R 18 aluminum alloy wheels in the LS-A variants.

Isuzu mu-X Variants: Safety

As for safety, all mu-X variants are installed with dual S.R.S airbags, seatbelts in all rows, child seat tethers for the second row, side door impact beams, brake override system (BOS), high mount LED stop lamp, day and night type rearview mirror, and rear defogger.

All variants, except for the base MT variant, are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and brake assist (BA). The LS-A variants come with an anti-theft alarm system, engine immobilizer, reverse camera, and metallic gray two-eye reverse sensing system.

Exclusive in the 3.0L mu-X variants are safety features like the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hill start assist (HSA), and hill descent control (HDC).

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Isuzu mu-X Variants: Pricing

>>> View full price list of Isuzu cars in the Philippines

Isuzu mu-X Variants: Conclusion

The Isuzu mu-X continues to give Filipinos the idea of how a tough and reliable SUV should be. It produces a good amount of power output and Isuzu did a good job with the SUV’s overall design.

You can inquire for an mu-X through video call on its official website

So which mu-X variant is the best option at its given price point? If you are planning to get a large passenger car like the mu-X, then might as well get the option where off-roading features are top-notch.

It can be found in the top-spec Mu-X 3.0L LS-A 4x4 AT variant. This is the only variant that comes with features like traction control system, hill start assist, hill descent control, and terrain command select dial.

If you are on a budget, the Mu-X's base MT variant is still a good variant to start with. However, it comes with plenty of cost-cutting measures. What’s good about the base variant is that the power output is still close to the higher variants and you can save more than half a million pesos.

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