Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 2018 & Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 2018 officially launched

Updated Sep 20, 2022 | Same topic: Leading-Edge Tech Trends

Isuzu Philippines launches new 1.9L RZ4E engine for the D-Max and MU-X.

Isuzu has introduced the all-new 3.0L 4JJ1-TCX Blue Power for its hot SUV and pickup - the Isuzu MU-X 2018 and Isuzu D-Max 2018 for months before. The engine is highly appreciated since it is expected to produce cleaner emissions, greater fuel efficiency and more power.

The Japanese brand seems to continue pampering these vehicles as it has recently launched another fresh engine option for the MU-X and the D-Max: A smaller 1.9 L turbo-diesel powertrain dubbed “RZ4E”.

Isuzu 1.9 L turbo-diesel RZ4E engine launching event

Isuzu has recently launched another fresh engine for the MU-X and the D-Max - a smaller 1.9 L turbo-diesel powertrain dubbed “RZ4E”

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Mr. Hajime Koso - President of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) said that the all-new RZ4E Blue Power motor is built carefully to offer more torque and power. This engine is efficient, environment-friendly, quiet, less vibrational and easy to maintain.

Like the 3.0 L engine - the 4JK1-TC, the new mill also comes standard with Euro 4 compliant Blue Power tech. It consumes 1898cc and produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The RZ4E is also equipped with some new features of technology including DLC fuel injector needles, fracture-split design linking rods and Diamond-like Coated. All of these features contribute to reducing engine friction, making exhaust emissions clearer and performing greater fuel economy.

The 1.9 L turbo-diesel RZ4E engine

Like the 3.0 L engine - the 4JK1-TC, the new mill also comes standard with Euro 4 compliant Blue Power tech

Besides, IPC also revealed the updated Isuzu D-Max 2018 which is now powered by the fresh RZ4E mill. The Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 2018 receives redesigned alloy wheels, new headlamps and a fresher-looking front fascia. If you think the price of the 2018 variant is a bit expensive for you, you can also take a look at the used Isuzu D-Max 2011 for sale at affordable prices. 

Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 2018 angular front

The Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 2018 receives redesigned alloy wheels, new headlamps and a fresher-looking front fascia

Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 2018 taillight

The all-new Isuzu D-Max is now equipped with the all-new 1.9 L turbo-diesel RZ4E engine

Additionally, the RZ4E is also armed with a water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger system which helps the engine get a great throttle reaction even at low speed.

Speaking of the new Isuzu MU-X, stepping inside its cabin and you will e welcomed by glossy black plastic trim, automatic climate control system, LED ambient lighting, multi-info display, fabric seats and touchscreen infotainment system.

The RZ4E MU-X comes in with 5 cues consisting of Silky Pearl White, Titanium Silver, Obsidian Gray, Havana Brown and Cosmic Black. Especially, the Silky Pearl White will be offered only on the LS-A version with an addition of P10,000.

Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 2018 front view

The RZ4E MU-X comes available with 5 cues consisting of Silky Pearl White, Titanium Silver, Obsidian Gray, Havana Brown and Cosmic Black

According to latest car news, the Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 2018’s price tag has been officially announced while the price of the Isuzu D-Max RZ4E 2018 will be notified at a later date.

Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 2018 prices in the Philippines
Model  Prices
Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 4x2 LS M/T  P1,395,000 
Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 4x2 LS-A M/T  P1,570,000 
Isuzu MU-X RZ4E 4x2 LS-A A/T P1,595,000

>>> Click for full Isuzu's car price list in the Philippines

Know more about Isuzu mu-X 2024

Isuzu mu-X

The Isuzu mu-X Philippines 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Price List

Let's check out the Isuzu mu-X 2025 price 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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