Jack Quick
Isuzu MU-X to receive cheaper, more efficient engine in 2024
Isuzu Ute Australia will introduce its smaller and more efficient 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine in the MU-X SUV during 2024.
1 Year Ago
About the Isuzu MU-X
Last updated Dec 18, 2024The Isuzu MU-X has been updated for 2023, receiving a range of tweaks including new features, finishes, and a “darker design aesthetic”.
On sale now, the 2023 MU-X gets new grille designs across the range, new alloy wheels for the base LS-M and top-spec LS-T, revised LED tail light surrounds, and a new auto-off feature for the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems when towing.
These features are in line with the upgrades detailed for the related D-Max ute, though the MU-X doesn’t get the range of new interior upholsteries or as many new exterior paint finishes – though there is a new Galaxy Blue mica.
Pricing for the MU-X remains unchanged with the range starting at $48,900 before on-road costs for the LS-M 4×2, and extending to $67,400 before on-road costs for the LS-T 4×4.
Pros
Cons
Isuzu MU-X Rating
Isuzu MU-X News
2023 Isuzu MU-X Reviews
2023 Isuzu MU-X Price
LS-T
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD 5d Suv | $61,400 |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 5d Suv | $67,400 |
LS-M
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD 5d Suv | $48,900 |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 5d Suv | $54,900 |
LS-U
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD 5d Suv | $55,400 |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 5d Suv | $61,400 |
*excl. on-roads
All Isuzu MU-X Pricing
2023 Isuzu MU-X Dimensions
1815mm
1870mm
4850mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2023 Isuzu MU-X Dimensions2023 Isuzu MU-X Boot Space
Boot space is 311 litres with all three rows of seating upright, 1119 litres with the third row folded, and 2138 litres with the third and second rows folded.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Isuzu MU-X
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2023 Isuzu MU-X Exterior
The MU-X gets some subtle aesthetic updates for the 2023 model-year.
There’s a new grille for all variants; finished in two-tone black for the LS-M, or Magnetite grey and black chrome for the LS-U and LS-T. Further, the LS-M and LS-T score new alloy wheel designs, illustrated above.
All models also get dark grey metallic accents for the LED tail lights, while the LS-U and LS-T pick up a range of Magnetite grey accents for the fog light surrounds, bumper trim, roof rails and side steps.
The LS-U and LS-T also receive a new hands-free tailgate, which allows a user with the key fob to open the tailgate by walking up to the rear and then taking a step back.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Interior
As is typical for ute-based 4x4s, the cabin is quite utilitarian and quite similar to the D-Max dual-cab it’s based on. That means there’s a lot of harder plastics dotted around the cabin, though touch points like the leather steering wheel and comfortable, supportive seats feel very upmarket.
Build quality feels pretty darn rock solid, though, and even though it lacks the interior tactility of vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, the cabin is solidly screwed together and built to last whatever life can throw at it. This is an adventure vehicle, after all.
There’s good adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel, though leggy people like myself have to choose between having your hands too far from the wheel or have your legs bent a little more than you’d like. Still, a big improvement.
We prefer the cloth trim of the LS-U compared to the leather-accented trim of the top-spec LS-T, but they may not be as kid-friendly for spills and sticky fingers.
Ergonomically the Isuzu MU-X doesn’t go overboard with switchgear but everything is logically laid out and the feel of the buttons is nicely damped. It again plays to that more premium positioning.
Move into the second row and there’s more than enough space for a couple of adults or adult-sized kids. The wide and flat centre position, as well as the relative lack of a transmission tunnel, means the middle seat is usable as well.
The seats recline and fold with a 60:40 split. Rear air vents are mounted in the roof, there’s map pockets behind each front seat, and there’s two USB charge points to keep mobile devices juiced.
A fold-down centre armrest with cupholders resides in the middle seat, and there are also bottle holders in the rear doors.
ISOFIX anchor points on each outboard pew and top-tether points across all three positions means little ones are catered for, too.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Infotainment
The base model gets a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Apple CarPlay but Wired Android Auto. It also comes with a four-speaker stereo system that supports DAB+ digital radio. The driver is treated to a 4.2-inch digital multi-function display.
Step up to the mid-grade LS-U and it gets the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Satellite navigation (which you really don't need with CarPlay or Android Auto) and an eight-speaker sound system.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Safety Rating
The Isuzu MU-X has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2020 of the related D-Max. It received a design change to the driver’s knee airbag and instrument panel in July 2022 and was re-tested, maintaining its five-star safety rating.
That rating was based on 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.
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X range comes standard with the following safety features:
- Eight airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Turn assist
- Forward collision warning
- Post-collision braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic auto switch off (NEW)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Emergency lane-keeping
- Land Support System switch
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Trailer sway control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Wrong-pedal braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
LS-U variants and above also receive front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Fuel Economy
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X has a claimed combined fuel economy of 7.8 litres per 100km in 4×2 models, and 8.3 litres per 100km in 4×4 models.
The entire range has an 80 litre fuel tank.
| Isuzu MU-X | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel RWD 5d Suv | Diesel | 7.8 L/100km |
| 3.0L, 6 sp automatic Diesel 4x4 5d Suv | Diesel | 8.3 L/100km |
Cost of ownership
What are the running and servicing costs of a Isuzu MU-X?
The first eight services are capped at the following prices:
- 3 months/3,000km Free
- 12 months/15,000km $435
- 24 months / 30,000km $445
- 36 months / 45,000km $665
- 48 months / 60,000km $555
- 60 months / 75,000km $335
- 72 months / 90,000km $799
- 84 months / 105,000km $455
How does the 2023 Isuzu MU-X drive?
Our expert take on Isuzu MU-X drivability.
Power in the 2023 Isuzu MU-X comes from the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the D-Max and Mazda BT-50 utes, making 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
In 4×2 models, power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively through a six-speed automatic transmission.
4×4 models add a switchable four-wheel drive with high- and low-range, along with a locking rear differential. It’s auto-only, like the 4×2 models.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Colours
What colours are available for the Isuzu MU-X
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X is available in the following exterior paint colours:
- Basalt black mica
- Cobalt blue mica
- Galaxy blue mica (LS-U and LS-T only) (NEW)
- Magnetic red mica
- Mercury silver metallic
- Mineral white
- Moonstone white pearl (LS-U and LS-T only)
- Obsidian grey mica
All premium paints cost an additional $650.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Warranty
The 2023 Isuzu MU-X is covered by a six-year, 150,000km warranty. There’s also up to seven years of roadside assistance when you service at an Isuzu Ute dealer.
Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, apart from a complimentary three-month service.
2023 Isuzu MU-X vs other SUVs to consider
Should you buy the 2023 Isuzu MU-X
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
Isuzu MU-X FAQs
The cheapest Isuzu MU-X is the LS-M (4x2) that starts from $43,500.
The most expensive Isuzu MU-X is the LS-T (4x4) that starts from $63,500.
The best towing capacity of a Isuzu MU-X is 3500 kg offered by the following variants: LS-M (4x2), LS-M (4x4), LS-U (4x2), LS-U (4x4), LS-T (4x2) and LS-T (4x4).
The largest Isuzu MU-X is the LS-U (4x2) which measures 1870mm wide, 4850mm in length and sits 1825mm tall.
The most powerful Isuzu MU-X is the LS-U (4x2) which has 140kW of power from its 3.0L TURBO CDI engine.
The Isuzu MU-X is built in Japan and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Isuzu MU-X is the LS-U (4x4) which weighs 2800 kg (kerb weight).
The Isuzu MU-X uses Diesel.