“This is how you do a facelift,” one of the commenters said about the 2025 Isuzu MU-X. Indeed, it was one of the biggest surprise launched of the year so far given that it was just refreshed recently.
So far, we’ve seen glamorous photos of the two top-spec variants. In Thailand, these are called the Ultimate and the new trim level, the RS. Locally, it’s equivalent to the LS-E and, well, the RS is the first of its kind.
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But what about the, um, lesser variants? Do these still look good without the embellishments of its higher-grade counterparts? Let’s take a look at the Thai-spec entry-level models, the Active and the Elegant.
If we were to put these in local context, the Active and Elegant are much like the LS and LS-A. Both only come with two-wheel drive, but the latter comes with the punchier 3.0-liter turbodiesel. The LS, on the other hand, only packs the frugal 1.9-liter engine.
In terms of looks, the Active isn’t half bad. It still has the LED daytime running lights, although it does lose the foglights. At least it keeps the sharp-looking front end from the Ultimate and RS. Roof rails are deleted from this variant, and it comes with the smallest wheel option available at 17 inches.
Inside, it sheds leather for fabric seats, and there is what appears to be acres of hard plastic inside. There is some contrast stitching present, but we do see analog gauges inside, as well as manual climate control switches. If it’s a basic midsize SUV you’re looking for, then the Active, potentially the LS here, could fit the bill.
Moving on to the Elegant, it spruces up the MU-X’s exterior. For starters, there are a few more chrome and chrome-effect trims on the outside. Unpainted parts of the exterior also get color-keyed this time around. New for the lower-mid model are the 18-inch alloy wheels that boast a new design.
Other differences? The side mirrors get turn signal lights. It also gets a chrome trim piece on the window sill. Lastly, there’s the inclusion of roof rails, along with rear sonar sensors on the bumper.
Hopping inside, the lower-mid models get a big boost over the base variant. This variant comes with heat-rejecting leather seats, something we wish makes its way to the Philippine model. It’s a two-tone theme that also livens up the cabin. One will also notice the larger infotainment screen and the automatic climate control panel. More buttons on the steering wheel means this variant comes with cruise control. Also, this model benefits from the Ultimate and RS’ digital instrument panel.
In terms of equipment, the Isuzu MU-X Active and Elegant lose a couple of key features. Both don’t get advanced driver assist systems from the higher trim levels. Secondly, these two stick to a hydraulic power steering arrangement instead of the lighter electric system in its more expensive counterparts.
That said, the Elegant gets a big boost in safety equipment. There’s side and curtain airbags, as well as rear cross traffic alert. Blind spot warning is also included, all of which are currently unavailable in the local LS-A variant. Fingers crossed we see all the improvements from the Thai-spec model in the Philippines.
