These mu-X upgrades should tell you how to dress up your Isuzu SUV

Updated Dec 02, 2020 | Same topic: Tuning & Mods

Doug’s mu-X is still a favorite to many.

The Isuzu mu-X was first introduced in 2013 as a 7-seater mid-size SUV and it succeeded the Isuzu MU-7. For the local specs, the mu-X is powered by either a 1.9-liter diesel engine that produces 148 hp and 350 Nm of torque or a larger 3.0-liter diesel engine that generates 175 hp and 380 Nm of torque.

The Isuzu mu-X has a measurement that spans 4,825 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,825 mm (1,840 mm for the higher variants) in height.

It possesses a massive and muscular body which makes the Isuzu mu-X a thrilling car to customize with off-roading upgrades. In fact, the acronym of its name is derived from the assertion that the car Makes U eXciting.

Isuzu mu-Xs spelled their beloved club, mu-X OP

Isuzu mu-Xs spelled their beloved club, mu-X OP [Source: Isuzu Philippines]

Filipinos really love the mu-X. It is reliable, versatile, and powerful – ideal for the flood-prone and heavy traffic roads of the Philippines. In case you haven’t heard, there is an Mu-X car club in the Philippines called the Isuzu mu-X Owners of the Philippines or the muxOP led by Ed de Jesus, muxOP president.

This club is the biggest Isuzu Mu-X group and is recognized by Isuzu Philippines Corporation itself. It is shared by people who share the same passion towards the mu-X. If you are interested to see more of the SUV, then you might want to give them a visit.

With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the upgraded Isuzu mu-X in the Philippines and see how the 7-seater SUV looks with aftermarket kits.

>>> Related: Which 2020 Isuzu mu-X should you buy? [Philkotse Guide]

An mu-X with Doug Kramer

[Source: Team Kramer]

This is a really renowned Isuzu Mu- X car in the Philippines owned by Doug Kramer. Its black exterior finish and massive off-roading wheels gave the car a distinct look on the road.

>>> Related: Isuzu Mu-X for sale at good prices on Philkotse

A white customized mu-X

[Source: Isuzu mu-X Fans and Owners Philippines]

If black is not your ideal color, then you might want to check out this matte white body paint.

An mu-X with a red Isuzu badge

[Source: Mu-X Owners Philippines]

>>> Related: 2021 Mazda BT-50 debuts CX-9 looks on an Isuzu truck platform

Do you think that the red “Isuzu” badge should be a current trend here in the Philippines?

An mu-X with many customized kits

[Source: mu-X Owners Philippines]

The addition of a fog lamp really complements the off-roading nature of the mu-X.

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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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