2022 Isuzu mu-X vs Toyota Fortuner Comparo: Spec Sheet Battle

Midsize seven-seater SUVs were always popular in the Philippines from the get-go. Recently however, the competition between brands in this segment has become fiercer than ever. 

For Isuzu Philippines, it just brought in the all-new, second-generation 2022 mu-X. It uses a totally new yet still robust platform that’s based on the new D-Max, while offering more sophistication inside and out. 

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Then there’s the Fortuner from Toyota Philippines, recently updated for the 2022 model year. It now features a lot of on-board tech while maintaining its macho appeal. 

So, which of these two SUVs are better on paper? To answer that question, we’ll be comparing the Toyota Fortuner LTD 2.8 4x4 AT with the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 3.0 4x4 AT. Both are the top-spec variants for each model, and they're priced nearly identically, with the Fortuner LTD's pearl white variant matching the LS-E - Isuzu mu-X price Philippines at Php 2,450,000.

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To start, let’s compare the Toyota Fortuner LTD 4x4 and the Isuzu LS-E 4x4 in terms of size. For the Toyota model, it has a length of 4,795mm, a width of 1,855mm, and a height of 1,835mm. Its wheelbase is 2,750mm long, with a ground clearance of 193mm. 

Compare that to the Isuzu mu-X which is 4,850mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,825mm in height. The SUV’s wheelbase stands at 2,855mm, and it has a ground clearance of 235mm. 

Compare the Isuzu mu-X (left) against the Toyota Fortuner (right) using the slider

In summary, the mu-X LS-E is a bit longer and wider than the Fortuner LTD 4x4. It also has a longer wheelbase and offers a higher ground clearance. On the other hand, the Toyota has the height advantage over the Isuzu. 

For exterior equipment, both top-spec models are equipped with LED headlamps with auto on/off function. These are accompanied by more LED exterior lighting such as daytime running lamps, taillights, and turn signal lights. Power-folding side mirrors with turn signal side repeaters are standard.  

Which do you reckon has the better looking front end?

For wheel sizes, the Isuzu mu-X LS-E sports a larger 20-inch alloy set. The Toyota LTD, in turn, rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, both models come kitted out with roof rails, roof-mounted spoilers, and front fog lamps. Both also have power liftgates, though the Toyota lacks rain-sensing wipers that are available on the Isuzu model. 

Inside, the Isuzu mu-X LS-E and the Toyota Fortuner LTD can comfortably seat up to seven occupants. Their 60:40 split-folding second-row benches each have center armrests, while their third rows can also be folded with a 50:50 split.  

As for upholstery, leather is the default option on these two SUVs. Both the mu-X and the Fortuner also have eight-way power adjustable driver’s seats. Unlike the mu-X, however, the Fortuner offers ventilated front seats. 

For the driver, both models provide a push-to-start button and an analog gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Another thing they have in common is a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment.  

The Toyota does come with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, which the top-spec Isuzu model lacks. But for cooling their occupants, both midsize SUVs feature a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system with rear air vents. 

The mu-X's front cabin (left) vs the Fortuner's (right)

Moving on to infotainment systems, the mu-X LS-E comes with a 10-inch touchsreen head unit straight from the factory. For connectivity, it has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, and an auxiliary jack. An eight-piece speaker system completes the ensemble. 

The mu-X LS-E's 10-inch headunit

On the flip-side, the Toyota Fortuner is kitted out with a smaller eight-inch touchscreen head unit. It also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a USB port for connectivity, while adding Smart Device Link software as well. 

Arguably, the Fortuner LTD also has a better sound system since its head unit is connected to a nine-piece JBL sound system. Furthermore, the Toyota model also comes with a wireless smartphone charger which the mu-X lacks. 

The Fortuner LTD's headunit 

Under the hood of the Isuzu mu-X LS-E is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4 oil burner. At maximum, this engine can churn out 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The said engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. It then uses a 4x4 drivetrain. 

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

For the Fortuner LTD, its 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-banger makes 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It also has a six-speed automatic tranny that can be manually controlled using paddle shifters, as opposed to the Isuzu’s manual mode engaged through the gear lever mounted on the transmission console. 

The Toyota Fortuner LTD also has a 4x4 drivetrain, but edges out the mu-X by including a lockable rear differential. 

The Toyota Fortuner's 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV inline-4 turbodiesel four-banger

Moving on to suspension systems, both models use a double wishbone for the front and a multi-link rear end. Disc brakes are standard for all four wheels. While the Fortuner LTD 4x4 uses a standard parking brake lever, the mu-X LS-E comes standard with an electronic parking brake switch with auto-hold function. 

In comparing safety features, let’s start with their standard equipment. Both the mu-X and Fortuner, come standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child seat tethers, speed-sensing door locks, an engine immobilizer and car alarm, stability control, and traction control. Both also have seven airbags. 

For active safety however, the Isuzu model is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, remote engine starting, and walk-away auto locking, all of which are not present on the Toyota. In turn, the Toyota Fortuner LTD gets a 360-degree view camera, which the top-spec Isuzu mu-X omits. 

Other than that, both models offer adaptive cruise control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, lane keeping systems, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, rear-cross traffic alert, and parking sensors.

If you’re concerned with all-out performance and off-road capability, then it is quite apparent that the Toyota Fortuner LTD offers more than the Isuzu mu-X. As mentioned above, the Toyota has more in the way of horsepower and torque, and it also has a locking differential which the mu-X lacks. And yes, a locking differential can mean the difference between powering through harsh terrain and getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. 

Check out the Isuzu mu-X's rear end

In terms of comfort and practicality though, both top-spec variants seem to promise outstanding value to customers, and they both have great potential as family cars. Beyond that though, a paranoid driver might appreciate the emergency braking on the mu-X. In turn, a driver who isn’t that skilled in parking will appreciate the Fortuner’s 360-degree view camera. 

Do you prefer the look of the Fortuner's rear?

As for styling, we’ll leave that up to you. You might want to give these two a test drive first before making your final choice. It’s your money, after all. 

For more articles that compare the specs of competing car models in the Philippine market, keep it here on Philkotse.