Isuzu fans get an early Christmas gift from the Japanese carmaker. The new mu-X midsize SUV finally comes to our shores barely a year after debuting in Thailand, a much-needed reinforcement to help Isuzu Philippines turn the tide in the midsize SUV war.
2022 Isuzu mu-X: Going upmarket? (Old vs New) | Philkotse Quick Look
This second-generation model shares its platform with the current D-Max midsize pickup (and by extension, the new BT-50 from Mazda). The buzz generated by the overseas version has fueled anticipation among loyal Isuzu customers, so we lay down the 2022 mu-X’s details to see if it’s worth the hype.
Exterior
According to Isuzu Philippines, the 2022 mu-X evokes a solid and emotional design aimed at capturing the delight of owning an SUV. This is underpinned by the engineering concepts of robustness and exclusivity, echoing the ruggedness of its D-Max sibling while providing a unique ownership experience.
The new mu-X gets a tighter-looking front end, putting its new fascia in the spotlight. Its Bi-LED headlamps now get a distinct arrowhead design that’s more streamlined than what the outgoing model has. These surround a new World Cross grille radiating an elegant yet powerful presence, with smaller and more powerful LED fog lamps sitting on the front corners.
The mu-X gets a sleeker design
Large fenders frame the profile and beltline to form a brawny impression, while a power tailgate on the top-spec LS-E trim makes loading cargo easy despite the SUV's ground clearance, accompanied by new LED rear wraparound lamps. The midrange LS-A and LS-E variants sport roof rails up top, while down below, available alloy wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches, with the biggest sporting a two-tone color scheme.
Interior
The cabin on the 2022 mu-X echoes that on the D-Max, with drivers benefitting from 8-way power-adjustable seats. Accommodations are sufficient for up to seven occupants, and the second-row seats can be split-fold 60/40 while the rearmost seats tuck away 50/50 to free up more space for cargo.
The interior now looks more plush than before
Materials range from black cloth to black leather for the upholstery, while a multi-function steering wheel comes with controls for audio and communications as well as voice commands.
Tech & Safety
A choice of manual and automatic climate controls is available depending on the trim level, both with pollen filters to block out allergens. In addition to front and rear USB ports, the new Isuzu mu-X also comes with a 220-volt power outlet on the second row.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported on the 10.1-inch touchscreen
For infotainment, it packs a 10.1-inch full touchscreen display featuring navigation, Bluetooth, and AUX IN connectivity, as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Up to eight speakers are on hand to surround the interior with your favorite tunes. A remote start function allows users to activate the climate control even before boarding the vehicle, perfect for hot summer days.
The midsize SUV also comes with a maximum of seven airbags on the top-spec LS-E, along with a Subaru-derived Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) which includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Multi-collision Brake System.
The Advanced Driver Assist System uses tech found on Subaru's EyeSight
Other standard features for the rest of the range Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control, Stability Control, and a Brake Override System. With regard to impact protection, the 2022 mu-X managed to score a perfect five stars in crash tests conducted by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Engine & Drivetrain
As with the outgoing version, the new mu-X offers a selection of two diesel engines. A base 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC turbocharged mill generates 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, and IPC claims that the diesel mill now has a new control module and fuel injection system, resulting in improved performance and reduced emissions while increasing engine reliability and fuel economy. Meanwhile, the more powerful 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX power plant is an upgrade from the previous 4JJ1-TCX power unit, kicking up 187 horsepower along with 450 Nm of twist.
Transmission options remain the same, with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
An upgraded power unit provides more grunt
A Terrain Command Select Dial with Rough Terrain Mode Switch can be used to engage the range-topping LS-E’s four-wheel drivetrain. Front double wishbone and rear stabilizer bar suspension work with coil springs to deliver versatile capability whether on highway drives or off-road explorations. These complement the more rigid chassis utilizing eight cross-members, featuring steel underbody protection to shield drivetrain components against damage.
2022 Isuzu mu-X
Pricing
The 2022 Isuzu mu-X is available in three trim levels with the following prices:
- 1.9 LS 4x2 AT – Php 1,590,000
- 1.9 LS-A 4x2 MT – Php 1,770,000
- 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT – Php 1,900,000
- 3.0 LS-E 4x2 AT – Php 2,100,000
- 3.0 LS-E 4x4 AT – Php 2,450,000
All brand-new mu-X variants are warranted for three years or 100,000 kilometers right off the dealership. If you’ve been holding out for the new mu-X, now’s your chance to visit the nearest Isuzu dealer.
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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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