Isuzu Philippines recently unveiled the refreshed 2025 Isuzu MU-X. For this spec-sheet brawl, we’ll be pitting the top-spec MU-X 3.0 LS-E against the top-spec version of the Fortuner, the GR-S. Let the battle of the loaded four-wheel-drive seven-seater midsize SUVs begin!
Under the hood, the refreshed MU-X 3.0 LS-E keeps Isuzu’s familiar 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-liter Blue Power turbodiesel mill that produces 187hp and 450Nm torque. The Fortuner GR-S, on the other hand, was upgraded for 2024 with a more powerful engine, and now packs the same high-output 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbodiesel unit also found in the rugged Hilux GR-S. This powerplant puts out 221hp and 550Nm of torque, giving the Toyota a 34hp and 100Nm advantage over the Isuzu. Both these four-wheel-drive SUVs come with six-speed automatic transmissions with sequential-shift function. Unlike the MU-X, the Fortuner gets paddle shifters, a feature available on most Fortuner variants with an auto tranny.
The MU-X LS-E is equipped with huge two-tone 20-inch alloys on low-profile 265/50 rubber, while the Fortuner GR-S gets black 18-inch alloy wheels shod with thicker-sidewall 265/60 tires. Both SUVs come with ventilated disc brakes on all corners. As with most vehicles in this class, they have an independent coil-sprung double-wishbone suspension up front and a coil-sprung five-link rigid axle setup at the rear.
Like most modern vehicles in this price range, our featured SUVs are equipped with a suite of driver-assistance and safety tech features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, a 360-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MU-X goes a step further by adding rear cross-traffic braking.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Isuzu releases full specs of the first-ever D-Max EV
First (extended) drive: You shouldn’t sleep on the new Kia Sorento HEV
In the convenience side of things, both SUVs get power tailgates. The MU-X uses a step sensor for its hands-free function, while the Fortuner has the more traditional kick sensor.
How much do they cost? Closer than you probably think. The top-of-the-line MU-X 3.0 LS-E 4x4 is priced at P2,670,000, while the range-topping Fortuner GR-S 4x4 stickers in at P2,656,000. The Isuzu SUV is available in two paint colors, Eiger Gray and Satin Pearl White, while the Toyota SUV is only available with a two-tone Platinum White Pearl Mica and Attitude Black Mica paint scheme. Note that as of this writing, the sporty gloss-black-trimmed MU-X RS variant is not available on the local market.
Which of these SUVs would you go for? If you’re still feeling unsure, take a look at the spec sheet we’ve prepared and let us know which of these 4x4s you’d like to take on your next adventure.
Isuzu MU-X 3.0 LS-E 4x4 |
Toyota Fortuner GR-S |
|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 2,670,000 | 2,646,000 |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine Type | 3.0-liter turbodiesel in-line-four | 2.8-liter turbodiesel in-line-four |
| Power (hp) | 187 | 221 |
| Torque (Nm) | 450 | 550 |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 80 | 80 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic with sequential shift function | 6-speed automatic with sequential shift function |
| Paddle shifters | no | yes |
| Brakes (front/rear) | disc/ disc | disc/ disc |
| Wheels | 20-inch alloy | 18-inch alloy |
| Tires | 265/50 R20 | 265/60 R18 |
| Front suspension | independent double-wishbone with coil springs | independent double-wishbone with coil springs |
| Rear suspension | multilink rigid-axle with coil springs | multilink rigid-axle with coil springs |
| Seating capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Seat material | leather | suede + leather |
| Infotainment system | 10.1-inch touchscreen | 9-inch touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wireless Apple Carplay + Android Auto | Wireless Apple Carplay + Android Auto |
| Speakers | 8 | 9 |
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| ABS | yes | yes |
| Electronic stability control | yes | yes |
| Hill-start assist | yes | yes |
| Adaptive cruise control | yes | yes |
| Collision mitigation system | yes | yes |
| Blind-spot monitoring | yes | yes |
| Lane-departure warning | yes | yes |
| Rear cross-traffic alert | yes | yes |
| Rear cross-traffic braking | yes | no |
| Camera | 360-view | 360-view |
| Parking sensors | front + rear | front + rear |
| Headlights | LED | LED |
| Power tailgate | LED | LED |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,850 x 1,870 x 1,825 | 4,795 x 1,855 x 1,835 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,855 | 2,745 |
