2025 Isuzu MU-X review

One of Australia’s most popular seven-seat off-road SUVs now looks, drives and infotains even better.

The Isuzu MU-X has come in for a comprehensive mid-life makeover for 2025, bringing a series of cosmetic, equipment, multimedia and chassis upgrades, plus a new X-Terrain flagship (as tested here).

Finding more than 100,000 Australian homes since 2013, the D-Max ute-based wagon entered its second generation in mid-2021 and became the nation’s second best-selling large SUV behind the Ford Everest in 2024, when almost 18,000 examples were sold locally – up almost 30 per cent on 2023 – helping Isuzu Ute Australia to remain a top-10 auto brand with just two models.

On sale from March 1, the facelifted MU-X brings carryover four-cylinder turbo-diesel powertrains, but now adds more standard features, an enhanced safety suite, upgraded infotainment and improvements to the way it drives both on-road and off.

The broadest MU-X range ever now includes four equipment grades for a total of 10 model variants – more than its seven-seat ladder-frame SUV rivals including the Ford Everest, Toyota Prado and Fortuner, LDV D90, SsangYong Rexton and the soon-to-depart Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. And there’s a hardcore Blade flagship version to come.

Bringing it into line with the facelifted D-Max, revised exterior styling across the range includes sleeker bi-LED headlights that still incorporate LED daytime running lights, but along with the new lower foglight surrounds they’re more aggressively angled towards a new take on Isuzu’s ‘Hexa Pod’ grille.

A new bonnet with full-length creases completes the taller and squarer new front-end design, which is complemented by gloss black fender accents, sidesteps, rood rails and mirror caps on LS-T and XT variants (magnetite, material black or chrome on LS-M and LS-U).

At the rear, a new full-width trim piece links the now all-LED tail-lights and there’s a new integrated spoiler below the glass.

The base LS-M retains the same 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres from 2024, but the rest of the range features new alloys with highway terrain tyres. The LS-U wears 18-inch 12-spoke alloys finished in titanium metallic, while the LS-T gets 20-inch six-spoke machined-face alloys with a 3D texture.

Available in an exclusive new hero Slate Grey metallic hue, the new black-themed ‘XT’ hero variant is distinguished by a unique take on Isuzu’s signature double horizontal-bar grille, and features fog light surrounds, 20-inch alloy wheels and fender flares all finished in gloss black.

Lower rear and side body skirts complete the sportier aesthetic, alongside embossed ‘XT’ badges on the fenders, grille and tailgate.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Isuzu MU-X compare?

View a detailed breakdown of the Isuzu MU-X against similarly sized vehicles.

Isuzu

MU-X

GWM

Tank 300

Deal Available!

Mitsubishi

Pajero Sport

Deal Available!

Audi

SQ7

Deal Available!

Polestar

Polestar 3

Deal Available!

Skoda

Kodiaq

Deal Available!

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How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost?

The updated MU-X has received price hikes ranging from $1000 and $2000 over the pre-update model.

Pricing now ranges between $46,990 drive-away for the entry-level 1.9-litre LS-M 4×2, and $73,990 drive-away for the range-topping 3.0-litre X-Terrain 4×4, which replaces the Tour Mate as the top-shelf MU-X.

All pricing excludes on-road costs unless noted otherwise.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Isuzu MU-X like on the inside?

Changes inside are less extensive, but also as per the D-Max the headline act here is a new touchscreen infotainment display now with tuning and volume dials, which are vastly more intuitive and easier to use than the push buttons they replace, addressing a major criticism of the previous MU-X.

It’s a bigger unit (8.0-inch, up from 7.0-inch) and is paired with a four-speaker sound system in the entry-level LS-M, but it still measures 9.0 inches from LS-U variants and upwards, which come with an eight-speaker sound system. Both new touchscreens offer higher-resolution clarity and faster-reacting processing speed.

All models now also come with both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, and displays for the Terrain Command 4×4 drive modes, ADAS, inclinometer and electrical systems.

The MU-X’s interior has always been better appointed than that of its D-Max sister model, with more soft materials applied to common touch points like the arm rests, centre console and also the front and top of the dashboard, all with white stitching.

Making it a nicer place to sit in than its ute sibling, this material is matched on the door cards and centre tunnel, where the inboard knees of front occupants rest.

For MY25, all variants now also receive new interior seat upholstery and cabin accents. LS-M and LS-U grades gain updated cloth trim with a vertical wave pattern, and LS-T and XT grades receive perforated leather-accented seat trim (plus seat heating and power adjustment up front).

In response to feedback, all models also receive a new-look steering wheel with ‘Hexa Pod’ centre boss (plus leather trim in LS-U, LS-T and XT grades).

And like the MY25 D-Max, there’s an updated 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen for the LS-M, with LS-U, LS-T and XT variants scoring a high-definition 7.0-inch screen that adds navigation prompts, tyre pressure monitoring and other information.

There’s more hard plastic surrounding the smaller central multimedia screen in the entry-level LS-M, which also lacks dual-zone climate control, piano black centre stack highlights and partial leather seat trim, but its cloth-trimmed seats are still comfortable and supportive enough.

But all MU-X variants get seven seats, with overhead air-conditioning vents and twin cupholders for all three rows, including handy pop-out units at each end of the dash, as seen in premium versions of the Ranger.

Access to the third row is via a simple one-touch tumble-fold mechanism for the middle-row bench, making ingress/egress relatively easy, and all three rows fold down to create a long and fully flat load space.

But while head and shoulder room is okay, the third row is very much a knees-up proposition for adults and there’s no USB-A or USB-C back there (as there are in the front two rows), and no child seat anchors as seen in the middle row, where there are two ISOFIX and two top-tether points.

The new X-Terrain flagship goes one step further than the rest of the range and takes interior design cues from the D-Max XT by adding double red stitching across the dashboard, centre console and the leather-accented seat trim, plus red ambient lighting for the dash, all four doors and footwells (instead of white as in the LS-T).

In addition, the X-Terrain gains a unique red theme for the new 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen, plus dark grey and piano black cabin appointments in lieu of the chrome, silver, black and grey accents seen across the rest of the range.

There’s not a lot of difference, but it does lift the interior ambience a little for the most expensive MU-X ever sold.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The MU-X range continues to be available with two four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, including Isuzu’s trusty big-bore ‘4J’ 3.0-litre oil-burner producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, and the newer downsized 1.9-litre turbo-diesel offering 30kW and 100Nm less.

While the bigger 3.0-litre engine is available across the range with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains (excluding the 4×4-only X-Terrain), the smaller 1.9-litre engine can be had in just 4×2 and 4×4 versions of the base LS-M, and the LS-U 4×4.

There’s potential for a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with eight-speed auto to join the range in future, along with a range of electrified powertrains including mild-hybrid and full-electric versions to meet Australia’s tightening CO2 emissions regulations.

However, the cheapest and most efficient rear-wheel drive versions of the MU-X will eventually be axed to avoid penalties from the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, because they don’t meet the lower CO2 limits for passengers cars, which they are classed as since they lack four-wheel drive.

4×4 models have a switchable 4WD system with high- and low-range gearing and a locking rear differential.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?

This thorough midlife makeover extends to a fresh locally tested and validated suspension tune bringing new dampers with 6.6 per cent larger diameter pistons and revised valving, which is claimed to improve body control and stability at mid-to-high speeds and on corrugations.

We didn’t notice much difference on the launch, but that’s because the MU-X was already a very solid highway, backroad and outback tourer, with a relatively quiet cabin, solid refinement and great stability at speed making this seven-seat wagon well suited to anything from eastern seaboard holidays to cross-country treks.

No, it’s not as nimble, dynamic or efficient as any car-based (monocoque) large SUV, and if you don’t plan to head off-road you should really look elsewhere.

But for adventurous families, weekend warriors or grey nomads doing the Big Lap, this split-personality SUV’s trumpcard is its off-road ability, which was reinforced by some seriously challenging rocky hill climbs at Queensland’s recently reopened Black Duck Valley 4×4 park that formed part of our launch drive.

Nothing stopped progress of the large convoy of press vehicles, all of which completed the Blue-graded course (tougher than the Yellow boundary and Orange intermediate tracks, but easier than the Red-graded tracks reserved only for modified off-roaders) without any damage, despite various levels of off-road driving experience.

Even on its highway-terrain tyres (albeit in 4L and with a lower 24psi of pressure), the X-Terrain crawled slowly and purposefully up the steepest, loosest sections littered with large rocks and ruts, demonstrating the worth of the recalibrated Rough Terrain Mode, which as in related D-Max 4×4 vehicles now works in tandem with the rear differential locked.

It’s a very effective low-speed traction control system for the front axle and it works by sending torque to the tyre with the most traction. It comes in especially handy when one of them is cocked high in the air, working faithfully even when you’re asking so much from the one on the ground that air is puffing out past the bead.

Despite its even greater off-road capability, it doesn’t come at the expense of on-road friendliness. It might lack the Everest’s ultimate panache and V6 availability (something the Prado doesn’t offer either), but the MU-X delivers plenty of punch despite its lower engine outputs, plus the benchmark 3500kg towing capacity, or 3000kg for 1.9L versions.

The lack of a factory wireless phone charger is about its only shortcoming when it comes to technology, and the new reversing and 360-degree cameras are a big step forward, especially the latter with its clever under-vehicle view.

But there’s no lane centring so the MU-X still ping-pongs between lane markings, and its upgraded active cruise control system slowed down dramatically on the highway a couple of times after sensing mystery vehicles ahead.

To its advantage, however, it still offers a very analogue driving experience that’s largely devoid of annoying safety nannies.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X comes with a host of standard equipment additions, headlined by new infotainment touchscreens now with tuning and volume dials rather than push buttons.

2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights:

• 17-inch six-spoke silver alloy wheels with 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain tyres
• Bi-LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Electronic park brake with auto hold
• Polyurethane steering wheel and shifter
• Carpet flooring
• Cloth upholstery
• Dual vanity mirrors
• Push-button start
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto (NEW)
• 4-speaker sound system
• 3 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 1 in second row) (NEW)
• USB-A outlet for aftermarket dash camera (NEW)
• Air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents and controls
• Door mirrors and door handles finished in black
• Sidesteps finished in black
• Window trims finished in black

MU-X LS-U adds:

• 18-inch 12-spoke titanium metallic alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres (NEW)
• Smart Entry and Start
• LED fog lights
• Rear privacy glass
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding and heated body-colour door mirrors
• Body-colour door handles
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen (NEW)
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• 8-speaker sound system
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support
• Dual-zone climate control with rear passenger air vents and controls
• 4 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 2 in second row) (NEW)
• Tyre pressure monitoring

MU-X LS-T adds:

• 20-inch six-spoke two-tone machined face alloy wheels with 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Door handles, window trims, front fender accents, roof rails, side steps in gloss black (NEW)
• Rear privacy glass
• Remote engine start
• Power-folding and heated door mirrors w/ side cameras finished in gloss black (NEW)
• White ambient interior lighting
• Black headliner
• Heated front seats
• 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Leather-accented upholstery with grey stitching and leatherette across door trims, centre console

MU-X X-Terrain adds:

• 20-inch gloss black alloys, coated with a smoked clear coat with 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Updated LED fog lights with black fog light bezels and gloss black surrounds
• Gloss black fender flares
• Lower body side skirt
• Lower rear underbody spoiler
• Piano black and silver metallic interior trim
• Red interior stitching details
• Red LED ambient interior lighting
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen with red fonts, graphics

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Colours

There is a wide range of colours available. The flagship X-Terrain is also offered with a unique finish.

The LS-M, LS-U and LS-T are available in the following finishes:

• Mineral White
• Mercury Silver metallic
• Obsidian Grey metallic
• Neptune Blue mica (NEW)
• Basalt Black mica
• Magnetic Red mica
• Moonstone White pearl (LS-U and LS-T only)

The X-Terrain is offered exclusively in the following finishes:

• Moonstone White pearl
• Mercury Silver metallic
• Basalt Black mica
• Slate Grey metallic (NEW)

All premium paints (pearl, metallic and mica; or anything other than standard Mineral White) cost an additional $695 (up from $650).

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Isuzu MU-X safe?

The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, issued in July 2022 after a redesign to the driver’s knee airbag and instrument panel.

It received an adult occupant protection score of 86 per cent, child occupant protection score of 85 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 69 per cent, and safety assist score of 84 per cent.

For MY25, the MU-X’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) safety suite gains new hardware, features and refinements, including a new ‘Gen4’ stereo camera that detects pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy.

This improves its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system thanks to increased peripheral vision and depth perception, with a field of view (FOV) increase of 200 per cent and from 40 to 120 degrees, while vehicle detection range increases by 25 per cent, from 120 to 150m.

The new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) works with traffic sign recognition to read temporary roadwork speed signs and overhead digital gantry signs to assist the driver in matching the posted speed limit.

The new Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) function is an extension of IACC and maintains vehicle speed and distance with the vehicle ahead at speeds below 60km/h.

There’s also updated lane-keep assist, said to provide smoother steering correction inputs and to actively maintain the vehicle’s position in the centre of the lane, rather than reacting to the outer lane markings, across a wider range of vehicle speeds from standstill up to 140km/h.

Also in response to customer feedback is a new digital reversing camera for all models, which enhances image quality and low-light performance, increases the field of view, includes revised dynamic guidelines with a hitch guide, and has a hydrophobic coating to prevent water and dirt build-up, providing better visibility especially off-road.

Other new MY25 safety features include Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) a rear AEB system that detects and reacts to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing.

A surround-view camera is standard on the LS-T and X-Terrain, giving you bird’s eye, hitch, and under-body views that automatically engage during specific scenarios such as reversing or driving at low speeds near potential obstacles.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 8 airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and centre (far-side)
• Autonomous emergency braking with Turn Assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Mis-acceleration Mitigation
• Rear cross-traffic assist (NEW)
• Intelligent speed limiter
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Trailer sway control
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost to run?

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X is covered by a six-year, 150,000km warranty. When you service on schedule at an Isuzu dealer, up to seven years of roadside assistance is offered.

Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, apart from a complimentary three-month service. 

Each of the first five scheduled services are capped at $469, which is $20 more than before.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Isuzu MU-X

As evidenced by its popularity, the current generation MU-X has long been one of the best large off-road SUVs available, offering benchmark safety equipment and competitive multimedia, refinement, performance and capability, both on road and off.

Now, less than four years after its release, a thorough midlife upgrade addresses the few complaints levelled at it by customers and the media, and adds a classier new X-Terrain flagship that takes this model line to new heights in terms of pricing and market positioning.

Indeed, the MU-X has never been the cheapest in its class, but it’s a better vehicle than the cheaper D90, Rexton, Fortuner and Pajero Sport, so the minor price rises are well worth the improvements to its exterior design, infotainment ergonomics and technology suite, especially in light of the new Prado’s starting price, which is around the same as the Isuzu’s finishing price.

If you’re in the market for an accomplished go-anywhere seven-seater with a long warranty, you’d now be even sillier not to consider this one before you sign up for an Everest or Prado.

Interested in buying an Isuzu MU-X? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

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