New Isuzu MU-X follows D-MAX upmarket

Full specs and pricing for the 2021 Isuzu MU-X have been announced before the all-new seven-seat off-road SUV officially goes on sale next Monday (August 2).

And the big news is the new Isuzu MU-X, like the latest Isuzu D-MAX ute on which it’s based, will head dramatically upmarket in terms of both pricing and equipment.

Despite a base price hike of $5000 and increases of up to $10,800 further up the range, however, Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) expects the new MU-X to almost double in popularity by finding at least 1000 customers a month – up from an average of less than 590 a month last year.

That would see the MU-X easily maintain its predecessor’s position as the nation’s top-selling ute-based SUV for the past seven years, as well as overtake the Toyota Kluger and edge closer to the dominant Toyota Prado in the sub-$70K large SUV segment, which IUA predicts will grow from about 90,000 units in 2020 to 115,000 in 2021.

Australia is the largest export market for the MU-X, which will be key to IUA permanently becoming a top 10 auto brand Down Under, where its other direct rivals are the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, LDV D90, Haval H9 and SsangYong Rexton.

Among its key advances are a class-leading safety and a class-leading 3500kg towing capacity (up from 3000kg), potentially allowing the MU-X to steal some Toyota LandCruiser customers, and IUA insists traditional MU-X buyers won’t be alienated by the higher pricing.

Like its predecessor, the new Isuzu MU-X is an all-diesel, all-auto model available in six variants including three equipment grades in either rear-drive 4x2 or four-wheel drive 4x4 configuration.

The entry-level LS-M 4x2 opens the line-up at $47,900 plus on-road costs (up $5000), making it now the only sub-$50K MU-X variant, while the mid-range LS-U 4x2 costs $6000 more at $53,900 plus ORCs (up $8600) and the flagship LS-T 4x2 is priced a further $6000 upstream at $59,900 plus ORCs, representing the biggest price hike of $10,800.

Another $6000 buys you a 4x4 version of each model grade, spelling price rises of between $3700 (LS-M) and $9500 for the top-shelf LS-T 4x4 ($65,900 plus ORCs). However, the LS-T 4x4 is available for an introductory drive-away price of $63,990 (including on-road costs), for now.

Like the D-MAX, the second-generation MU-X is powered exclusively by Isuzu’s upgraded 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel now producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm (up 10kW and 20Nm), matched with an improved Aisin AWE6B45 II six-speed automatic transmission with beefier dual-range transfer case.

Fuel capacity increases by 15 litres to 80L via an Australian-exclusive polyurethane tank with aluminium shielding. Combined-cycle fuel consumption is now 7.8L/100km (4x2; down 0.1L/100km) and 8.3L/100km (4x4; up 0.2L/100km), offering a touring range of up to 1000km.

The 2021 MU-X also borrows its new ladder frame with improved double-wishbone front suspension from the D-MAX, but again adds a five-door wagon body with seven seats across three rows, coil rather than leaf sprung rear suspension with stiffer and stronger geometry, plus increased axle load capacities at both ends.

Isuzu says that apart from improved overall vehicle refinement and handling, this increases braked towing capacity to 3.5 tonnes, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) to 2700kg (4x2) and 2800kg (4x4; both up 50kg) and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) to 5900kg (up 250kg).

Tow ball download mass also rises to 350kg (up 50kg), roof payload to 100kg (up 40kg) and cargo payload to between 615kg (LS-T 4x2) and 665kg (LS-M 4x2). But combined with slightly higher kerb weights (see below), at its full towing capacity the MU-X leaves 225 to 365kg of remaining payload.

Included in an expanded range of genuine accessories is an Australian-specific snorkel and a tow kit with either a seven-pin or 12-pin plug, two ClearView extendable towing mirrors with power-fold function and integrated Blind Spot Monitoring alert lights and LED indicators, plus an electronic brake controller, and weight distribution hitch for the first time.

New MU-X 4x4 models benefit from a stronger and more efficient 4x4 drivetrain now with an electromagnetic rear differential lock and a new electronic Rough Terrain Mode, plus 2WD-High Range, 4WD-High Range and 4WD-Low Range via a 4x4 Terrain Command dial, allowing 2WD/4WD shifting on the fly up to 100km/h.

Wading depth increases to 800mm and ground clearance is a class-leading 230mm (up 10mm) for the base LS-M and 235mm (up 5mm) for LS-U and LS-T variants, which offer improved approach, departure and ramp-over angles of 29.2, 26.4 and 23.1 degrees respectively, thanks to 10mm shorter front overhang and despite a 25mm longer rear overhang. Wheel tracks remain unchanged at 1570mm.

The new MU-X rides on a 10mm-longer wheelbase (2855mm) and is 25mm longer overall (4850mm) as well as 10mm wider (1870mm) and up to 35mm lower (1825mm). Kerb weights start at 2035kg (up 43kg) for the LS-M 4x2, with 4x4 adding 100kg and the LS-T 4x4 topping the range at 2175kg (up 18kg).

Isuzu says the beefier ladder frame improves longitudinal and torsional rigidity by 25 and 23 per cent respectively thanks to more extensive use of high-strength steel, while the body is 10 per cent stronger thanks to 157 extra spot welds. Underbody protection comprises 1.5mm-thick steel and 5mm-thick poly-composite.

Larger ventilated brake discs measure 320mm (up 20mm) up front and 318mm (up 18mm) at the rear, a 34mm anti-roll bar joins the D-MAX’s new front suspension and an increased rear coil spring rate (2.56kgf/mm) and 23mm anti-roll bar join the all-new five-link IRS.

More sound deadening material is claimed to make the new MU-X quieter while new electric power steering reduces the turning circle by 200mm to 11.4m and wider wheels wear 10mm-wider 18-inch and 20-inch tyres on LS-U and LS-T models respectively.

There’s also a larger interior with class-leading cargo space of 311 litres behind the third row, 1119L behind the second row and 2138L behind the front seats (SAE), plus improved cabin materials, dual glove boxes, a total of 12 drink holders and roof-mounted air-conditioning vents for all three rows.

The new Isuzu MU-X was not physically tested in Australia but IUA managing director Hiroyasu Sato said the local-spec version was developed with feedback from Aussies.

“By focusing on this feedback, we’ve finetuned the Australian specification, refined the areas that traditional large SUV drivers need, introduced new features that motorists want and improved the overall formula to broaden the appeal and capability with all buyer types, particularly amongst families and travellers,” he said.

“After all, not only did the first-generation MU-X prove exceptionally popular with families, it was a favourite with motorists travelling vast distances, often with something in tow. And we’re confident that the improvements in design and engineering instilled in the second-generation MU-X will meet and exceed the expectations of Australian motorists.”

Isuzu says the new MU-X is its most advanced model ever thanks to a class-leading list of new technologies led by its Hitachi 3D Stereo Camera-based Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) active and passive safety suite as standard across the range. The new MU-X is currently being assessed by ANCAP and is expected to gain a five-star safety rating, just as the D-MAX did under the more stringent testing protocol introduced in 2020.

Included is driver assist tech like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with day/night pedestrian and cyclist detection and Turn Assist at intersections, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Lane Keep Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop/go functionality, Trailer Sway Control, Misacceleration Mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, manual speed limiter, Driver Attention Assist and Post-Collision Braking, plus a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and eight airbags including a driver’s knee and centre front airbag.

Other new standard tech includes bi-LED headlights with auto-levelling, automatic high-beam and LED daytime running lights, an electric park brake with auto hold, auto wipers and a touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, voice recognition and DAB+ digital radio.

All models also come standard with side steps, a reach/rake-adjustable steering wheel and a 4.2-inch info display with digital speedo for the first time.

Isuzu claims class-leading second- and third-row legroom, improved comfort for all seven seats and increased third-row foot room, while all three rows of seat backs recline, there are rear USB ports and a new fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) tailgate opens wider and saves 5kg.

The new MU-X is available in carryover Mineral White, Obsidian Grey mica and Magnetic Red mica paint colours, plus new hues including Basalt Black mica, Mercury Silver metallic, Cobalt Blue mica and, for LS-U and LS-T variants, Jasper Brown mica and Moonstone White pearl.

Like the D-MAX, the MU-X is covered by IUA’s six-year, 150,000km warranty and seven-year roadside assistance program (when serviced at one of IUA’s 160-plus outlets).

Service intervals remain 15,000km/12-month and capped-price service costs are $389 for the first service and $3373 over seven years or 105,000km – about 12 per cent less than the original MU-X released here in November 2013.

2021 Isuzu MU-X LS-M standard features:

17-inch silver alloy wheels
255/65R17 Dunlop AT25 tyres
Black door mirrors and door handles
Black and gunmetal grey grille
Polyurethane steering wheel and gear selector
Cloth seat upholstery
Push-button start with remote keyless entry
7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen
Four-speaker audio
Air-conditioning with rear air vents and control
LED combination tail-lights
Rear parking sensors

2021 Isuzu MU-X LS-U additional features:

18-inch tungsten silver ‘turbine’ alloy wheels
265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
Body-coloured door mirrors and door handles
Tungsten silver and chrome front grille
Premium leather steering wheel and gear selector
Electric driver’s lumbar support
Driver and passenger vanity mirror with LED
Piano black, chrome and silver highlights
Embossed bronze, chrome and 3D crystal-like dials
Smart Entry and Start proximity key
Walk Away Door Lock
9.0-inch infotainment touch-screen with sat-nav
Eight-speaker surround sound audio
Dual-zone climate control with rear control
LED fog lights
Flat rear wiper blade design
Front parking sensors
Power tailgate with remote entry
Roof rails
Rear privacy glass with chrome window trim

2021 Isuzu MU-X LS-T additional features:

20-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels
265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
Quilted leather-accented seat upholstery
Quilted leatherette door trims and centre console
Heated front seats
Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat
LED ambient interior lighting
Gear shifter with embedded ambient lighting
Interior leatherette trim
Remote engine start
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Tyre pressure monitoring

How much does the 2021 Isuzu MU-X cost?
LS-M 4x2 – $47,900 (+$5000)
LS-U 4x2 – $53,900 (+$8600)
LS-T 4x2 – $59,900 (+$10,800)
LS-M 4x4 – $53,900 (+$3700)
LS-U 4x4 – $59,900 (+$7300)
LS-T 4x4 – $65,900 (+$9500)

Watch this space for our first drive of the 2021 Isuzu MU-X on August 6.