Less than a week after its teaser was shown, the extensively facelifted Isuzu MU-X has made its world premiere. Following a minor facelift in 2022, the MU-X for the 2025 model year gets a far more extensive update this time around.
Aside from dramatic changes on the outside, the new Isuzu MU-X gets much-needed enhancements on the inside as well. There are also additions to tech, as well one a major change to the chassis.
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The entire front of the MU-X has been completely redesigned, something rather uncommon for a ‘minor model change.’ For 2025, it gets new headlights and a reshaped bumper. Isuzu says the bumper design is inspired by fighter jets with its rakish and aggressive appearance. It isn’t just for aesthetics, either, as it also includes air curtains behind it for improved aerodynamic efficiency.
New wheels are also part of the 2025 update, along with a redesigned tailgate that incorporates a new set of taillights. But the most significant thing here is the addition of the RS variant. It’s a notch above the LS-E variants and gives the SUV a sportier look with gloss-black highlights and a unique set of alloys.
Also, for those who want four-wheel drive, the RS is the only way to go.
Inside, the general look is still the same. However, drivers will notice the new instrument cluster, now fully-digital in this case. It’s worth pointing out that the cluster looks different from that of the D-Max, giving it a little more distinction. A new infotainment system has also been fitted to the 2025 MU-X, as well as new seat cushions.
Go for the RS model and it gains black leather seats with a black headliner. It then gets green stitches on the dash, the seats, and the door panels. Further differentiating the RS from lesser variants are the red ambient lights on the doors.
Mechanically, the 2025 MU-X is unchanged. There’s still a choice of either 1.9-liter or 3.0-liter turbodiesel. Outputs are carried over, with the base engine making 148hp and 350Nm, and the larger 3.0-liter mill putting out 189hp and 450Nm. Manual transmissions are no more.
So, what’s the big tech change here? The 2025 model now comes with electric power steering, replacing the old hydraulic unit. With that, we’re expecting lighter steering effort from this model, but that’s not the only benefit it offers. The move to an EPS also allows Isuzu to enhance its advanced driver-assist system (ADAS).
The 2025 models equipped with ADAS now gain a lane keep assist system. Also added to the SUV is traffic jam assist, something previously unavailable in the MU-X. Lastly, there’s something called emergency lane keeping that lessens the risk of lane change accidents on the highway.
