The mu-X serves as Isuzu’s SUV contender in its key markets, but recent offerings from its Japanese, American, and even Chinese rivals have left it feeling a little long in the tooth, despite several facelifts and minor interior tweaks.
Isuzu is definitely going big with the 2021 mu-X SUV
Now, Isuzu steps up its SUV game by launching the new-generation mu-X in Thailand. Although it still rides on the same platform used by the D-Max pickup, the new mu-X is taking steps to distance itself from its pickup sibling and shine on its own.
2021 Isuzu mu-X: Exterior
The Isuzu mu-X goes beyond being a D-Max with an extended roofline and extra seats. It sports a slimmer grille flanked by smaller, revamped bi-LED headlamps that make it visually distinct.
The LED daytime running lights feature a simplified yet sportier design, appealing to those looking for a more aggressive look. The fog lamps are now nestled within revised housings, located farther down the front bumper.
The restyled fascia carries more than a hint of elegance
Prominent character lines run across the slab-sided profile, topped by a high beltline. The rear quarter windows now emanate from the C-pillar, with a contour that reminds one of a certain Japanese compact crossover.
Sleeker rear lamps flank the new tailgate that proudly sports the Isuzu branding right below the rear glass. The new mu-X rides on alloy wheels ranging from 18- to 20-inches, housed within rounder fenders.
2021 Isuzu mu-X: Interior
Opening the doors welcomes up to seven occupants to an interior that’s now roomier than ever. The new mu-X borrows heavily from the Isuzu D-Max with a few changes, such as leather upholstery and gloss black trim on the transmission tunnel.
The front seats feature power adjustment with memory settings, while the multi-function steering wheel can be tweaked for reach and rake to find the perfect driving position. Headroom and legroom have been improved over the outgoing model, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
The 2021 mu-X gets its workhorse twin's interior with added premium bits
There’s ample room for cargo space behind the rear seats, easily expandable if you don’t have two extra passengers to carry. For bulkier loads, the middle seats can be collapsed as well. Various storage bins can be found within the cabin for convenience, while the ergonomic layout keeps everything within easy reach.
>>> Related: Next-gen 2021 Isuzu mu-X could look like this, based on leaked patents
2021 Isuzu mu-X: Tech & Safety
Drivers take command of a new multi-information display nestled between the analog gauges, while a 9-inch touchscreen head unit in the middle of the dashboard packs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, patched to an 8-speaker audio system.
Bluetooth hands-free, USB, and AUX IN connectivity enable more opportunities to stream multimedia, while wireless charging lets your compatible devices top up on juice anytime. The automatic climate control foregoes the old control dial in favor of switches.
No more twisting around for the perfect temperature
Safety features on the 2021 mu-X include six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, hill-start assist, and hill descent control.
The SUV even comes with the Isuzu Driver Assist System (IDAS) which features adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive high-beam, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, turn assist, traffic sign recognition, and forward-collision warning.
2021 Isuzu mu-X: Engine & Drivetrain
The new mu-X retains its predecessor’s two turbodiesel options, with a 1.9L RZ4E base engine kicking up 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
Upper-spec trims get a more powerful 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TCX BluePower turbodiesel power plant, with the output bumped up to 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, with the top-spec trims getting paddle shifters.
The top-spec mu-X boasts a switchable four-wheel drivetrain with low range, actuated through the Terrain Command Select Dial. Independent double wishbones for the front and five-link coils with stabilizer at the rear ensure that the 2021 Isuzu mu-X can handle both pavement and trails with ease.
2021 Isuzu mu-X: Pricing
The Thai-spec 2021 Isuzu mu-X comes in seven variants, with the base 1.9L Active 4x2 M/T priced at THB 1,109,000 (Php 1,716,661 at current exchange rates), while the range-topping 3.0L Ultimate 4WD A/T commands a price of THB 1,579,000 (Php 2,444,190).
There's no word yet as to its Philippine debut, but in all likelihood, Isuzu Philippines will release the 2021 Isuzu D-Max first by next year. That means a late-2021 to early 2022 local arrival for the new mu-X. But judging by what it has to offer, hopefully it will be worth the wait.
We take the mystery out of new model releases only 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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