The midsize-SUV segment has long been dominated by three nameplates: the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Ford Everest. That, however, doesn’t mean there aren’t any other worthy competitors outside of the ‘big three.’
Isuzu, for one, has had a solid offering that goes up against those in the MU-X. Since its arrival in the mid-2010s, the MU-X has maintained its footing in the segment, from the first-generation model to this current iteration.
Recently, the MU-X received a facelift. A proper one, not some slight tweaks courtesy of the 2023 update. I was given the chance to test it out, and seeing as I’ve had my fair share of seat time with this version of Isuzu’s SUV, I took it. Are the latest changes worthwhile? Read on to find out.
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Styling
Prior to this facelift, the MU-X didn’t really look dated. Actually, some might even prefer the original front fascia better than this, because this new version looks a bit more aggressive. As for me, I think I slightly like this one better.
The headlamps feature a new DRL pattern, and they’re now separate from the grille. Speaking of which, the grille now features less chrome, a wider opening, and overall a sharper look. The panels housing the fog lamps are now bigger as well. Like I said: It looks more aggressive.
Out back, the SUV boasts a new blacked-out trim connecting the taillights. Isuzu could’ve put a whole lightbar here on the tailgate instead, but it would’ve probably come out tacky, so this execution is much appreciated.
The 2025 MU-X gets new shoes, which I also prefer over the two previous wheel designs. It’s cleaner and matches that front clip quite nicely.
Interior
There aren’t any significant changes to the interior apart from the tech upgrades, so there’s really not much to discuss here. For this 4x2 variant, there’s still plenty of leather and soft-touch materials all around, so the cabin feels just right for the price.
There’s also still an abundance of legroom and headroom here for all seven passengers. I wouldn’t say the third row is best in its class—I actually find the third row of the old MU-X more comfortable—but it’s decent. There’s also plenty of cargo space to go around, whether or not the sixth and seventh seats are folded down, and loading stuff in the back is easy with the available power tailgate.
Engine performance
The last facelift didn’t really come with any major mechanical changes, so the variant I’m driving still packs a familiar 3.0-liter turbodiesel pushing 187hp and 450Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. It performs exactly as you need a midsize SUV powertrain to perform.
There’s lots of power down low, and if you need the extra oomph, you’ll get it when you slam the pedal. There’s some turbo lag, though, which I’ve always felt more noticeable in the MU-X than in its rivals. Still not a deal-breaker, as the tried-and-tested 4JJ3-TCX engine offers decent fuel economy—I clocked in 9-10km/L in mixed city and highway driving. I got highs of about 14km/L on the expressway, which is also pretty good for a good, old oil-burner.
Ride and handling
Isuzu made no tweaks to the underchassis, which also isn’t a problem at all. The MU-X has always ridden soft, especially compared with the other pickup-based passenger vehicles it goes up against. It can be a bit wallowy at times, but for the most part, it eats up road imperfections, which is a plus when you’re driving mostly in the city. On the better-paved highways, it cruises comfortably.
There’s some body roll through corners, which is to be expected for a vehicle this size, but the driver’s seat is still pleasant to be in. The proper driving position is easy to find thanks to tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel and power-adjustable seats up front, and all the controls are within reach from behind the wheel.
It’s easy to maneuver as well even through tight spaces, as steering is relatively light. It’s not that truckish anymore, which is a good thing considering the vehicle might be too big for the more congested parts of the city.
Extra features
In this department, the facelifted MU-X has also improved a bit. It now gets a new and improved infotainment system that’s paired with the new digital instrument cluster. It just adds to the more modern feel of the cabin. All that is complemented by the built-in digital video recorder (DVR) that was introduced in the previous update.
There’s also a wireless charging pad with one USB-C and USB-A port up front. Second-row passengers, meanwhile, have a small cubby behind the center console to go along with two USB-C charging ports. There’s also a bag hook behind the driver’s seat—a small addition that I found quite nifty on multiple occasions.
Since this is the top 4x2 variant in the lineup, the unit I drove also came complete with advanced driver-assist systems including forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also gets a 360-degree-view camera with front and rear parking sensors.
Verdict
The 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-E 4x2 AT stickers at P2.32 million, which is on a par with its competitors. The thing about it is that it’s always been a good and solid offering, but admittedly, it just doesn’t stand out as a ‘spectacular’ SUV in its segment. Not with its styling, interior, or overall performance. It’s also gotten a bit pricey over the years, although considering what the rest of the segment has to offer, it’s still good value for money. All this is why I’d still give this one a decent score out of 10.
That being said, if I were looking at this specific variant and not going for a 4x4 anyway, I’d probably just put my money on the more affordable LS-A 4x2 AT. For about P250,000 less, you get the same engine and drivetrain, the same comfort and performance, and a similar interior and entertainment system.
It’ll come at the expense of ADAS, two speakers, and a few convenience features like rain-sensing wipers, the automatic liftgate, and power-adjustable seats, but it still feels like the better bang-for-your-buck option. I’m an advocate for advanced safety tech, but the significant monetary savings are hard to ignore, especially for those drivers who aren’t too keen on those kinds of features.
SPECS: 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-E 4x2 AT
Price: P2,320,000
Engine: 3.0-liter turbodiesel I4
Power: 187hp
Torque: 450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Layout: RWD
Seating: 7
Score: 8.5/10
More photos of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X LS-E 4x2 AT:
