Isuzu MU-X 2018 Review: Price, Specs, Updated engine, New features, & Performance

Isuzu MU-X has always been one of the most favourite SUVs in the Philippines. And without a doubt, it is a serious rival to other vehicles in its class. The Isuzu MU-X has created a reputation for itself as a reliable and forceful SUV since its very first arrival to the Philippines by the end of 2013.

Built as a midsize SUV, the Isuzu MU-X 2018 Philippines offers a tough stance that is sure to make itself outstanding on every road. The car promises to bring you and your family a lot of great on- and off-road trips with a smooth ride thanks to its Terrain Command System (4x4 model) with a high reliability under chassis.

Built as a midsize SUV, the new Isuzu MU-X offers a tough stance that is sure to make itself outstanding on every road

Following the facelift of the Isuzu D-Max last year, the Isuzu MU-X 2018 Philippines also gets a refresh with a handful of changes both inside and out.

Look through our Isuzu MU-X 2018 review and see what this newly-updated SUV has to offer.

>>> See related posts:

• 9 reasons why Isuzu MU-X is one of the most favorite SUVs in the Philippines
• Isuzu D-Max & Isuzu MU-X now meet the Euro 4 emissions standard
• 2017 Isuzu MU-X facelift rolled out in Malaysia

The changes in the exterior design of the upgraded MU-X might be minor yet quite cool. At the front, the vehicle is redesigned with a new bumper with more mantles at the lower half. The headlights are also modernized to incorporate daytime running lights and a light signature. The 2018 version owns a new grille creating more creases nearby the headlights while the fog lights are also decorated with more chrome detailing.

The Isuzu MU-X 2018 exterior changes are quite small but worthy

In addition, the tail light system is now rearranged with a proud LED strip. A highlight of the new MUX is a set of 18-inch alloy wheels which are upgraded from the current 17-inch wheels.

2.1. Cabin & Seating

It is interesting to notice that the new Isuzu SUV now features better outward visibility and more soft-touch components to enhance cabin ambience. The MU-X 2018’s dual-tone cabin decorations are now more attractive thanks to better plastics and multiple soft-touch contact points, not to mention the artificial wood trim and the redesigned seats.

The Isuzu MU-X 2017 impresses us with its aggressive and dynamic appearance but it makes us more satisfied with comfortable seats 

The Isuzu MU-X 2018 is surely impressive with its aggressive and dynamic appearance but it makes us more satisfied with comfortable seats which remain pleasant even after a long run. The second row provides three seats for adults comfortably while the third row, although a bit less roomy, is still able to hold three kids or two grownups.  

2.2. Cargo capacity

Cabin space is always a strong point of almost all Isuzu vehicles and the Isuzu MU-X 2018 is not an exception.

The large squarish body of the MU-X makes it become a genuine seven-seater, which distinguishes itself from other Mitsubishi counterparts. The MU-X 2018 has a great cargo flexibility thanks to its folding seat mechanism which can open up to more room by folding the third-row seats when not in use. How cool it is when you no longer have to worry about leaving some of your luggage when you go for a weekend trip or long vacation! 

The MU-X 2018 has a great cargo flexibility thanks to its folding seat mechanism

However, there are still some disadvantages of the Isuzu MU-X 2018. 

Firstly, although the MU-X third row seats can be folded when not in use to release more space, it is still not great enough when it is in use. Secondly, the fascia layout is more stylish than before but it seems that the Isuzu MU-X still can’t fight back its rivals on this matter. And finally, the lack of telescopic adjustment in steering column could make some feel uncomfortable.

2.3. Infotainment system & Accessories

The 2018 MU-X features a restyled instrument cluster with 8.0 inch screen with with USB link and text-to-speech navigation. Similarly to previous generation models, the 2018 version also includes 6 airbags, 3 USB points, 3 12V outlets, ISOFIX anchors and a full-sized spare wheel.

The 2018 MU-X features a restyled instrument cluster with 8.0 inch screen

Although known as one of the most affordable cars in SUV segment, the MU-X still comes equipped with fundamental safety features and more.

It is furnished with a '4WD Terrain Command Select Dial' on the center panel, which can turn MU-X into a 4x4 on the run. It also features automatic sequential shift transmissions and electronic stability control to adapt power supply correspondingly.

Although known as one of the most affordable cars in SUV segment, the MU-X still has fundamental safety features and more

It is such good news that Isuzu has made some revolutionary changes in the MU-X 2018. Accordingly, some convenient driver-support features are improved including hill descent control, hill start assist and auto-leveling headlights.

Now, let’s take a look at the list of safety features that Isuzu has equipped inside this hot model:

• Seatbelts
• Child seat tethers for second-row seats
• Side door impact beams
• Brake system
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Hill start assist (HSA)
• Under-front skid plate
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Engine Immobilizer
• Child-proof rear door locks
• High mount stop lamp
• Reverse camera
• Rear view mirror
• Rear defogger
• Reverse sensing system
• Front and read wipers

4.1. Updated Engine: Blue Power Technology

On the ocasion of the company’s 20th anniversary, Isuzu Philippines (IPC) held an exclusive event and revealed 20 cars that would be updated with all-new engines. Not falling out of the list, the Isuzu MU-X 2018 has been announced to be refreshed with new advanced engines which not only meet the Euro 4 emissions standard but also is able to supply maximum engine power, excellent fuel economy, cleaner emissions and better engine longevity as well.

The new engines, dubbed as the Blue Power Technology, can produce a considerable bump to 177 PS, which is obviously more impressive than the 166 PS found in the previous engines, while still remains 380Nm of torque.

The Isuzu MU-X boasts to be equipped with the new advanced engines which meet the Euro 4 emissions standard

The updated Isuzu MU-X now works in conjunction with a 7-speed transmission for both its automatic and manual versions.

All variants of the MU-X are armed with a plastic fuel tank with roll over valve (65-liter capacity), a modern fuel system with common rail direct injection and a standard turbocharger with variable geometry system (VGS).

4.2. Off-road Performance

Being a diesel, the MU-X engine doesn’t surprise us as it is a little bit noisy and vibrational. But, it is undeniable that the Isuzu MU-X is still a capable off-road SUV. Running with a 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, rear-wheel drive and high-clearance, the MU-X is truly a hero in every road condition especially rough and bumpy terrain.

The MU-X is truly a hero in every road condition especially rough and bumpy terrain

The car’s body is based on a ladder frame chassis assisted by four-wheel driving fans, which is considered as a steel skeleton allowing a good level of torsional strength and rigidity for the model. 

The new Isuzu MU-X brings car buyers a lot of options in both variants and colors. The SUV is available in 8 following variants:

• Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT
• Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT
• Isuzu MU-X 2.5 LS 4X2 MT
• Isuzu MU-X 2.5 LS-A 4x2 MT
• Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS-A 4x2 AT
• Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS-A 4x4 AT
• Isuzu MU-X 2.5 LS-A 4x4 AT
• Isuzu MU-X 2.5 LS-A 4x4 AT

The new Isuzu MU-X brings car buyers a lot of options in both variants and colors

For these versions, Isuzu makes its palette colorful with 6 color options. However, not all variants are available in all colors. The list of the MU-X color options are as follows:

• Cosmic Black
• Fjord Blue
• Outback Bronze
• Silky White Pearl
• Splash White
• Titanium Silver

Available for sale from P1,268,000 to P1,838,000, the Isuzu MU-X offers a lot more than what most of its competitors could do, for example, the Isuzu 7-seater comes with a four wheel drive while most competitors can only offer a two wheel drive in this price range. 

>>> Latest changes in Isuzu MU-X price in the Philippines are regularly updated here

One of the fierce rivals of the MU-X is the Toyota Fortuner. Making its first appearance in the Philippines more than a decade ago, the Fortuner has quickly become a sales success of the Japanese auto maker on the local market. If both of these two vehicle fall into your shortlist, take a look at our comparison review for Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota Fortuner.

Are these enough to convince you to own an MU-X 2018 in your garage? Philkotse believes that with the new engine updates, the MU-X will continue to be one of the most hot-selling SUV in the Philippines and in the global market as well.

Philkotse.com also hopes that this Isuzu MU-X 2018 review could be a great help for those who has been falling in love with this 7-seat SUV, either long before or just after reading our article.

The MU-X is also one of the best 7-seaters for Filipino families