9 reasons why Isuzu MU-X is one of the most favorite SUVs in the Philippines

Updated Jun 05, 2021 | Same topic: Car Owners Speak Up

These might be small details yet we believe they are significant enough to make the Isuzu MU-X be one of the best-selling vehicles in the Philippines.

Let’s find out what Filipino drivers love about this 7-seat SUV from Isuzu.

1. Fuel economy

It goes without saying that one of the most outstanding features of the Isuzu MU-X is its fuel efficiency. According to some test runs, it can travel 9km per liter in city with an average speed of 16km/h and 15km per liter when driven on highway conditions. These numbers are quite impressive for a mid-size SUV which is able to fit up to 7 people and carry a considerable amount of luggage at the back.


2016 Isuzu MU-X Review | CarAdvice
>>> Related:

2. Comfortable seats

Interior of the Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X seats remain comfy even after a couple of hours on the road

We know you can’t agree more with this pleasing feature. Unlike its aggressive and sporty appearance, the Isuzu MU-X offers comfortable seats which still remains comfy to both driver and passengers even after a couple of hours on the road. The second row can fit three adults comfortably while the third row isn’t as big but it’s still good for two adults or three kids. Fancy one of these mid-size SUVs? Here on Philkotse, we have Isuzu Mu-X 2014 for sale at a very reasonable price. 

3. Generous cargo space

When it comes to cargo flexibility, the 7-seater allows the third row seats to be folded flat when not in use so that it can release more space. This feature is particularly useful for weekend adventure or long range holiday travel which usually requires a decent room for luggage.

Cargo space of the Isuzu MU-X when the third row folded flat
The Isuzu MU-X offers generous and flexible cargo space

>>> Related: 2021 Isuzu mu-X Old vs New: Spot the differences

4. Smooth everyday ride

Isuzu MU-X plying on street
In spite of its big size, the vehicle is still able to pilot through traffic easily

The replacement of a ute’s leaf springs by a multilink coil suspension has added more improvements to the ride of the vehicle. It is quite a pleasant surprise that such car supposed to handle tough terrain can bring really smooth daily driving experience.

Poor road conditions such as potholes and cracked surface are no big problem to the MU-X. In spite of its big size, the vehicle is still able to pilot through traffic easily. This is why the Isuzu MU-X SUV is definitely an ideal choice for a driver who is looking for a reliable car that not only can accompany him or her through rough roads but also bring relaxing everyday ride.

5. Easy parking

Shorter wheelbase has made it a lot easier to drive the MU-X in small spots or parking lots, not to mention its big mirrors, reverse sensors and standard rear-view camera. In comparison with Trailblazer, the Isuzu MU-X has a lower nose, which also helps deliver more comfortable parking experiences to driver.

>>> Related: Check out Isuzu Elf 2010 for sale here. 

6. Respectable off-road performance

Isuzu MU-X running through water
Isuzu MU-X is a capable off-roader

Although the engine is a bit noisy (which comes as no surprise for a diesel) and vibrational, it is still a capable off-roader. Powered by a 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, high-clearance and rear-wheel drive, the Isuzu MU-X is truly a robust partner, particularly for difficult roads with obstacles such as big rocks or large humps. Its body is based on a ladder frame chassis supported by four-wheel driving fans, which plays as a steel skeleton allowing a good level of rigidity and torsional strength for the vehicle. Drive can be converted from two to four wheels with a high and low range.

7. Beautifully and smartly designed gauges

If you own or ever drive an Isuzu MU-X and happen to be a detail-oriented person, you would agree with us that the manufacturer has equipped it with beautifully and smartly designed gauges.

This is partly thanks to the LED backlight effect but mainly it is the spotlight shining on them at night that creates the illusion that the digits are carved in metal. It is also worth mentioning here the nice shade of red released from all the control lights when driven at nighttime.


Gauge of the Isuzu MU-X
The manufacturer has equipped MU-X with beautifully and smartly designed gauges

>>> Related: List of new & used Isuzu Mu-X for sale on Philkotse

8. Entertaining overhead-mounted 10-inch screen

a 10-inch screen mounted on the ceiling of the Isuzu MU-x
A 10-inch screen mounted on the ceiling and a sound system two speakers in the roof are available as standard for the top-of-the-line variants

A 10-inch screen mounted on the ceiling and a great sound system two speakers in the roof (available as standard for the top-of-the-line variants) have given both the second and the third-row passengers a cinematic experience. Riders will find this feature especially entertaining during long trip or traffic congestion.

9. Reasonable price

Isuzu MU-X on road
The 7-seat SUV of Isuzu comes with a four wheel drive while most competitors can only offer a two wheel drive

Priced from P1,268,000 to P1,838,000, the brand-new Isuzu MU-X offers a lot more than what most of its rivals could do. At this price range, the 7-seat SUV of Isuzu comes with a four wheel drive while most competitors can only offer a two wheel drive. Not to mention those plus points listed above, the MU-X is indeed an appealing purchase to Filipinos motorists who are in search of a powerfully built vehicle to take them to places that only a serious off-road partner could handle.

Please check the table below for the latest prices of the Isuzu MU-X 2017 in the Philippines:    

Variants Fuel Type Transmission Price
Isuzu mu-X 2.5 LS 4X2 MT Diesel Manual ₱1,268,000
Isuzu mu-X 2.5 LS 4X2 MT (Silky Pearl White) Diesel Manual ₱1,278,000
Isuzu mu-X 2.5 LS-A 4x2 MT Diesel Manual ₱1,378,000
Isuzu mu-X 2.5 LS-A 4x2 MT (Silky Pearl White) Diesel Manual ₱1,388,000
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT Diesel Automatic ₱1,508,000
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT (Silky Pearl White) Diesel Automatic ₱1,518,000
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT (Black Series) Diesel Automatic ₱1,548,000
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT Diesel Automatic ₱1,788,000
Isuzu mu-X 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT (Silky Pearl White) Diesel Automatic ₱1,798,000
Isuzu mu-X 2.5 LS-A 4x4 AT Diesel Automatic ₱1,828,000
Isuzu mu-X 2.5 LS-A 4x4 AT (Silky Pearly White) Diesel Automatic ₱1,838,000

>>> See full price list of Isuzu Philippines

Know more about Isuzu mu-X 2024

Isuzu mu-X

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

Explore