Isuzu has officially launched a facelift version of the current-generation 2023 mu-X in Thailand.
2023 Isuzu mu-X in Glacier Blue Mica
The news might appear like the Japanese automaker is hastening the updates on its midsize SUV. But the current-gen model actually came out in 2020 in the Land of Smiles, whereas the Philippine market welcomed it only in September last year. That said, a mid-life refresh can keep the model afloat in its respective segment.
Exterior-wise, the 2023 Isuzu mu-X comes with minor revamps including the front grille which gets a black chrome finish. A new set of 20-inch wheels is also part of the update, now with a different yet similar rotor blade-like design. Perhaps the biggest change is the new Glacier Blue Mica, which adds a bright paint option to the mix.
The new Macchiato Brown color for the interior
Moving to the interior, the cabin layout is pretty much untouched. But the automaker did introduce a new upholstery color called Macchiato Brown, providing a premium-looking two-tone finish. Moreover, a Smart Tailgate feature is introduced, allowing the tailgate to automatically open or close whenever the key holder moves nearer to or farther away from the SUV.
The powertrain options for the mu-X remain the same: a 1.9-liter RZ4E turbodiesel engine with 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, and a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine with 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. That said, we can still expect the facelifted version to offer the same fuel efficiency. In a fuel test run with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the SUV clocked 1,675 km in one full tank.
The SUV is now even more stylish for the 2023 model year
In terms of safety, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) offers adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, among others. It is also equipped with six SRS airbags for the front, side, and curtain areas.
The 2023 Isuzu mu-X facelift could take a while before it reaches our shores as the current PH-spec model only arrived last year. But considering the updates, particularly the new exterior and interior colors, we cannot wait to see it roam around Philippine roads.
Be first with the latest car updates at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Isuzu mu-X 2024
The Isuzu mu-X Philippines 2024 is the Japanese marque's entry to the 7-seater midsize SUV based on its pickup truck sibling, the Isuzu D-Max. It is offered in four variants with a price that ranges from Php 1,675,000 to Php 2,580,000. For the Philippines market, the Isuzu-made SUV has two available engine options. The smaller one is a 1.9-liter RZ4E Bluepower turbodiesel capable of making up to 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. It can either come with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the larger engine option for the mu-X is a 3.0-liter inline-4 turbodiesel. At most, this mill can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Only a six-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine.
Dimensions-wise, the mu-X is 4,850 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,825 mm high, with a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,855 mm and 235 mm, respectively. Locally, this midsize SUV is competing against the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Terra, and Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
>>> New and used Isuzu mu-X 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Isuzu Mu-X Launch
The Isuzu mu-X for the Philippines market was initially launched in September 2014 as a replacement for the seven-seater Isuzu Alterra SUV. During its launch, it was available with a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. In 2019, the said 2.5-liter was later replaced by the 1.9-liter RZ4E Bluepower turbodiesel engine. Later in 2021, Isuzu Philippines brought in the second-generation Isuzu mu-X and it now gets the updated 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel mill. The smaller 1.9-liter RZ4E is also retained.
In 2023, Isuzu Philippines gave the mu-X an update. This update comes with new color options, a black-colored grille, a new set of wheels, and a new smart power tailgate.
Currently, the mu-X 2024 is one of the two Isuzu passenger car models available in the Philippines together with the Isuzu D-Max.
Isuzu mu-X Exterior
On the outside, the Isuzu mu-X for the Philippines market is equipped with front fog lamps, Bi-LED headlamps with auto-leveling, turn signal side repeaters, LED daytime running lamps, and LED taillights. Most of the mu-X's variants also come equipped with roof rails. The base-model uses a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The mid-spec gets 18-inch alloy wheels, and the top-spec variants have 20-inch alloy wheels.
Isuzu mu-X Interior
Inside, the 2024 mu-X can fit a total of seven occupants including the driver. The LS-A AT and LS-E variants have an automatic climate control system to keep their occupants comfortable. The rest meanwhile gets manual air-conditioning.
For the driver, the top variants of the Isuzu-made SUV provide a tilt-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, and an electronically adjustable front seat. Only the top-spec LS-E gets leather seats, whereas the rest uses fabric seats.
Technology & Safety Features
Standard on all mu-X trims is a ten-inch touchscreen, which is capable of connecting via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, aux-in, and Bluetooth. For the driver, the Isuzu-made model provides an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip computer, a reverse camera, and offline navigation. The top variants also get rain-sensing wipers.
For safety, the top-spec LS-E gets seven airbags while the rest gets dual front airbags. Standard on all trims is anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, and hill descent control. Only the LS-E trim gets adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. Both LS-E trims and the LS-A AT are also equipped with blind-spot monitoring and a rear-cross traffic alert.
Isuzu mu-X Platform & Chassis
The mu-X Philippines 2024 is a five-door midsize SUV with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive layout. In terms of dimensions, it is 4,850mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,825mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,855mm in length, and it has a ground clearance of 235mm for the higher-spec variants and 230mm for the entry-level variant.
For suspensions, the mu-X uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear end. Braking is handled by disc brakes for the front and rear. The Isuzu-made SUV also comes standard with an electronic parking brake. Lastly, the top-spec mu-X LS-A can either be rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive.
Engine & Drivetrain
For the Philippine-spec mu-X, two engine options are available. The smaller engine option is the 1.9-liter inline-4 RZ4E Bluepower turbodiesel. This mill can produce up to 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. For the 1.9-liter engine, available transmissions include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both variants that use the 1.9-liter engine only come with rear-wheel-drive.
The larger engine option is a 3.0-litre inline-4 turbodiesel. At most, this four-banger can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. On the LS-E and LS-A variants that use this engine, only a six-speed automatic transmission is available.
Available colors for the Isuzu mu-X are Marrakesh Brown, Satin Pearl White, Onyx Black, Mercury Silver, Splash White, and Norweigan Blue.
The Isuzu mu-X is a fine choice in the local midsize SUV market. However, it doesn't come with a rear differential lock, a feature that the SUV's rivals offer such as the Nissan Terra and Toyota Fortuner.
Isuzu mu-X 2024 Price List
Let's check out the Isuzu mu-X 2024 price in September in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS 4x2 AT | ₱1,675,000 |
| Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT | ₱1,999,000 |
| Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-E 4x2 AT | ₱2,230,000 |
| Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-E 4x4 AT | ₱2,580,000 |
Isuzu mu-X Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable powertrain options
- Premium-looking design
- Impressive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
Cons
- Odd antenna placement
- Relatively expensive flagship variant
- No rear differential lock
Isuzu mu-X FAQs
1. What does Mu-X mean?
The nameplate Mu-X stands for “Mysterious Utility eXtreme."
2. How many seats does the Isuzu Mu-X have?
The Mu-X is a 7-seater, midsize SUV.
3. Is the Isuzu Mu-X diesel or gasoline?
All Mu-X variants offered for the Philippine market are diesel.
4. Is the Isuzu Mu-X offered with a 4x4 option?
Only the Isuzu mu-X's top-spec LS-E variant may come with a 4x4 drivetrain.
₱ 1,650,000 - ₱ 2,505,000
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