Yes, we know—it’s yet another midsize SUV matchup between two Japanese heavyweights. But the segment has been so busy and chock-full of new, worthwhile offerings that it’s just impossible to ignore.
Besides, we have yet to pit Isuzu’s new 1.9-liter RZ4E engine against the king of local SUVs, the Toyota Fortuner.
Let’s take a look at the MU-X 1.9 RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT and the Toyota Fortuner 2.4G 4x2 MT. Don’t let the Isuzu’s smaller-displacement and more humble looks fool you—this SUV packs a ton of value for money. But does it offer a good-enough package to push it past the country’s best-selling SUV?
The MU-X carries a slightly more expensive P1,605,000 price tag. With it, you get a 1.9-liter turbodiesel mill capable of 148hp and 350Nm, a six-speed automatic transmission, 230mm of ground clearance, and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels.
Meanwhile, the Fortuner goes for P1,592,000. With 147hp and 400Nm, its 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine produces a tiny bit less horsepower but considerably more torque. There’s a little less ground clearance, but like the MU-X, the Fortuner gets ventilated discs.
This is a tough one. Which midsize SUV do you think has a better overall package? Check out their specs in the table below and let us know in the poll.
| Isuzu MU-X 1.9 RZ4E LS-A 4x2 AT | Toyota Fortuner 2.4G 4x2 MT | |
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 1,605,000 | 1,592,000 |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Engine | 1.9-liter turbodiesel | 2.4-liter turbodiesel |
| Power | 148hp @ 3,600rpm | 147hp @ 3,400rpm |
| Torque | 350Nm @ 1,800-2,600rpm | 400Nm @ 1,600-2,000rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 65 | 80 |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic | Six-speed manual |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Ventilated discs | Ventilated discs |
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer | Double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Five-link with stabilizer bar | Four-link with coil springs, stabilizer, and lateral rod |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy | 17-inch alloy |
| Tires | 255/60 R18 | 265/65 R17 |
| Seats | Fabric | Fabric |
| Audio system | 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers | 6.5-inch touchscreen, six speakers |
| Climate control | Automatic | Manual |
| Airbags | Driver/passenger | Driver/passenger |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,825 x 1,860 x 1,840 | 4,795 x 1,855 x 1,835 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 230 | 225 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,845 | 2,745 |
