Overview
In late 2013, the Isuzu MU-X made its global debut in Thailand; it was launched in the Philippine market in September 2014. This new generation pickup-based mid-size SUV was the successor of the Alterra aka MU-7. The first gen MU-X was not only more modern and more stylish than the utilitarian model it replaced; it was also a more refined sports utility vehicle.
In September 2021, Isuzu Philippines finally released the all-new MU-X. The latest generation takes everything a notch higher for the Japanese SUV. Like the D-Max it's based on, the new MU-X is curvier and more stylish while still recognizable as an Isuzu. For 2023, the MU-X gets some minor updates. The LS-E variants get a new black chrome grille and new 20-inch rotor blade alloy wheels, the LS-A variants get the new black chrome grille, while the base LS variant gets new 17-inch alloys. The LS-E 4x2 variant is now available in "Onyx Black". The LS-E variants' exclusive "Marrakesh Brown" has been replaced by the new "Norwegian Blue" paint color.
The all-new MU-X is offered with two engines, the small displacement 1.9-liter RZ4E turbodiesel which produces 148hp and 350Nm of torque, and the larger 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel which puts out 187hp and 450Nm of torque. The 3.0L variants come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.9 RZ4E-equipped variants can be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic tranny.
Like before, the MU-X’s ladder chassis shares its front portion with the D-Max pickup; its rear is unique to the SUV. Up front it has independent double wishbone front suspension; at the back it has a five-link live axle coil spring rear suspension. Stabilizer bars are standard at the front and rear. All variants now have four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.
On the safety department, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-start Assist, and Hill Decent Control are standard on all variants. LS-E variants get seven airbags, while the rest of the variants get two airbags.
