If you’ve been paying attention to the local auto industry for the past couple of months, it should be apparent to you that the country’s midsize-SUV battle is once again heating up.
For this round, Isuzu Philippines has brought in the all-new MU-X. At first glance, there’s no question that its much angrier design warrants attention from competing brands—but does the vehicle pack enough of a punch to have them sweating bullets?
Under the hood, the top-spec 2022 MU-X is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine capable of 187hp and 450Nm of torque. That’s up by a noticeable amount from the last one’s 175hp and 380Nm. The carmaker has also brought the model up to speed on the design front, both inside and out.
The exterior looks considerably nicer now, with sharper headlights, bolder lines, and a more modern overall appearance. Inside, there’s a much more premium vibe that features an improved application of plastic, more soft-touch materials, and a proper touchscreen infotainment setup on the dashboard. There’s very little to complain about in terms of polish here—something that could not be said of the previous-generation MU-X.
With a more powerful engine and a much better fit and finish, it’s safe to say the MU-X is once again one of the top dogs in the segment. Want to learn more about Isuzu’s all-new midsize SUV, including our first impressions? Press play on the video above.