Isuzu mu-X shows off rugged look with Arctic Trucks kit

Updated Jul 15, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It joins the D-Max in Arctic Trucks’ portfolio.

Arctic Trucks is an off-road tuning specialist that has been pushing the envelope on what vehicles can look like with its off-road modifications. The latest project of the company is the 2022 Isuzu mu-X, which comes out looking like it is ready to conquer the most challenging terrains with ease.

Isuzu mu-X front view

Arctic Trucks' version of the Isuzu mu-X

Right off the bat, the body-colored snorkel demands attention. Not only does it enhance the rugged appeal of the midsize SUV but also improves the wading depth. This is complemented by the increase in departure and approach angles to 36.2 degrees (from 30.9) and 29.2 degrees (from 26.9), respectively.

The modified Isuzu mu-X is fitted with a set of 35-inch all-terrain tires (315/70 R17), enhancing the vehicle’s aesthetics and off-road performance. These massive tires are surrounded by large wheel fenders and Arctic Trucks-badged mud flaps. In addition, the SUV gets a new heavy-duty suspension and increased ground clearance from 235 mm to 278 mm.

Isuzu mu-X side view

It returns to showcasing a rugged look

While those changes look incredible, no tweaks were made in the powertrain department. This means that the SUV still uses a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine good for 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift and a 4x4 drivetrain system.

The Isuzu mu-X joins its pickup truck sibling, the D-Max, in Arctic Trucks’ Isuzu roster. Last year, the company rolled out the D-Max with the AT35 Kit, which also featured off-road upgrades. Among the modifications are a larger set of all-terrain tires, a Bilstein Performance suspension setup, and wider fender flares.

Isuzu mu-X rear view

Locked and loaded

As of this writing, the more rugged-looking Isuzu mu-X is exclusively offered by Arctic Trucks’ Russian subsidiary. But you can get the same model in its stock form in our local market with a price of Php 2,450,000. With this, you can freely modify the Japanese SUV to your liking.

See more exciting modified cars at Philkotse.com.

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

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rexsanchez09

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