Marking product success with D-Max and V-Cross in India, Isuzu tried offering models in the SUV category as well. Back in 2017, Isuzu came up with MU-X SUV as a replacement for MU-7 SUV that was launched in early 2013. Just one year later in 2018, Isuzu updated the MU-X SUV. The facelifted MU-X offers redesigned headlamps, bumpers, and 18-inch large wheels, along with added interior features. The company had to do this serious facelift as the segment is already dominated by some better players like Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, and Mahindra Alturas G4.
Spacious cabin
Sporty design layout
Good ride comfort
Premium interior features
Noisy engine
Heavy steering
The 2020 MU-X SUV comes with a single 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine powered variants with two drivetrain options: Rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. The RWD version is priced at INR 27,34,834 (ex-showroom, Delhi) whereas the four-wheel-drive MU-X is priced at INR 29,31,534. All the features in both the options remain similar.
Trims | MU-X 4*2 AT | MU-X 4*4 AT |
Engine | 3.0-Litre turbo diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve | 3.0-Litre turbo diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve |
Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs. 27,34,834 | Rs.29,31,534 |
Features | Bi-LED Auto-levelling projector headlamps with DRLs | Bi-LED Auto-levelling projector headlamps with DRLs |
18 inch multi spoke diamond cut alloy wheel | 18 inch multi spoke diamond cut alloy wheel | |
7 inch touch screen infotainment system | 7 inch touch screen infotainment system | |
10 inch roof mounted entertainment screen | 10 inch roof mounted entertainment screen | |
Anti skid brake system( ABS) with EBD | Anti skid brake system( ABS) with EBD | |
Six airbags | Six airbags | |
Passive Entry and start System | Passive Entry and start System | |
6-way Power adjustable driver seat | 6-way Power adjustable driver seat | |
3D Electra-luminescent Meter with MID | 3D Electra-luminescent Meter with MID | |
Cabin cooling vents for all three rows | Cabin cooling vents for all three rows | |
Steering mounted Audio and Cruise control | Steering mounted Audio and Cruise control | |
Roof-mounted Sound system with ‘Live Surround Sound’ | Roof-mounted Sound system with ‘Live Surround Sound’ |
The Isuzu MU-X is available in single diesel engine option. All you get is a choice between rear wheel drive and four wheel drive versions. Both the trims get similar features and come loaded with six airbags, ESC and hill-start assist. Compared to its costlier rivals, the MU-X misses on some features like automatic headlights and wipers.
In terms of engine displacement, the Isuzu MU-X holds the largest one with 2999 cc, followed by Fortuner’s 2.8-litre. Being having the highest displacement, The MU-X engine is at par with Fortuner’s engine. The MU-X delivers a power output of 177 PS and a peak torque of 380 Nm. The torque offered by the MU-X is least here and no matter rivals offer better torque figures. The transmission duties are carried out by a five-speed automatic gearbox. The transmission is smooth for maintaining city commuting duty.
Models | Isuzu MU-X | Mahindra Alturas G4 4WD | ||
Price | Rs.29,31,534 | Rs. 33,25,000 | Rs. 33,95,000 | Rs. 30,70,000 |
Engine (Diesel) | 3.0-Litre turbo diesel, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC | 2.2L 4-cylinder | 2.8L 4-cylinder | 2.2L 4-cylinder |
Power(PS) | [email protected] 3600 RPM | [email protected] 3200 RPM | ||
Torque(Nm) | ||||
Transmission | 5-speed AT | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT | 7-speed AT |
Comparatively, the Fortuner’s engine is not so strong. The 2.8-litre engine is a bit noisy even at an idle state. However, the SUV comes with paddle shifters that somehow make the overall driving experience smooth and pleasant.
The MU-X SUV performed quite well in the performance test. It is capable of sprint 0 to 100 kmph in 12.57 seconds. As far as in-gear acceleration is concerned, the SUV takes 7.51 second to cover 20-80kmph. The acceleration figures are decent compared to rivals with slightly lighter engines.
Models | Isuzu MU-X | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 |
Diesel | 3.0L | 2.2L | 2.8L | 2.2L |
0-100 kmph (seconds) | 12.57 Secs | 11.22 Secs | 12.02 Secs | 11.24 Secs |
Petrol | N/A | N/A | 2.7L | N/A |
0-100kmph (seconds) | N/A | N/A | 13 Secs | N/A |
As far as the ride and handling is concerned, the MU-X SUV is made to encounter any kind of road. With the fat tyres, ladder frame and suspension, the SUC absorbs incoming bumps from potholes and uneven roads. Provided its 2.1-tonne mass, the Isuzu goes well around corner but isn’t accurate for sudden direction changes. The steering is heavy and makes you feel cumbersome while traversing around the city.
The MU-X SUV offers good bite from its brakes. The rubber is wide enough to provide a good grip. The SUV stands tall on 18-inch wheels that offer good traction while cornering or sudden direction change. The braking is also backed by features like ABS and EBD.
Models | Isuzu MU-X | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 | ||
Front Brakes | Disc | Disc | Disc | Disc | ||
Rear Brakes | Disc | Disc | Disc | Disc |
The 3.0-litre turbocharged engine still feels old school but the 5-speed automatic transmission offers quick gearshifts. As you push the throttle, the engine goes eager to engage itself in the highest gear possible at the particular rpm. The MU-X SUV returns a decent 7.8 kmpl in the city and 12.31 kmpl on the highway. With a fuel tank capacity of 65 litres, the driving range is also well settled.
Models | Isuzu MU-X | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 |
Mileage (kmpl) | 13.8 | 12.6 | 15.04 | 12.35 |
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) | 65 | 80 | 80 | 70 |
Range (km) | N/A | 1008 | 1120 | 864 |
In the MU-X facelift, you get to see the sharp front fascia, thanks to LEd headlamps and repositioned daytime running light. The major change has been made to the wheels as the SUV stands tall on razor-cut style 18-inch alloy wheels, making the SUVs stance more aggressive. At the rear, you get redesigned taillights, shark-fin antenna, and a dual-tone spoiler. All in all, the MU-X exterior has retained its large SUV ethics.
Models | Isuzu MU-X | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 |
Kerb Weight (kg) | 2750 | 2390 | 1855-2110 | N/A |
Length (mm) | 4825 | 4903 | 4795 | 4850 |
Width (mm) | 1860 | 1869 | 1855 | 1960 |
Height (mm) | 1840 | 1837 | 1835 | 1845 |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 220 | 225 | 220 | N/A |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2845 | 2850 | 2745 | 2865 |
Comparatively, the MU-X does not possess muscular stance like the Endeavour but it has improved with its larger 18-inch wheels consistently. The 2018 update has surely brought more character to Isuzu’s design. The brand has ensured that the MU-X reflects a neat design among its rivals.
Eagle-inspired sharp & muscular exterior design
Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling
LED rear position lamps
Sharp & sleek headlamp & taillamp design
Recessed front fog lamps with chrome garnish
LED Day-time Running Lights (DRL) & light guide integrated in headlamps
Two-tone metallic grey-body coloured front & rear bumpers
Multi-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels
Double slat chrome radiator grille
Chrome door handles
Chrome tailgate garnish
Chrome fold-in power door mirrors with integrated turn indicators
Aluminium side steps
Shark-fin antenna with gun-metal finish
Wrap-around rear glass - quarter glass & rear windshield
Roof rails (max. load capacity 60 kg)
Dual-tone rear spoiler
The all-black interior hasn’t changed much although there are some more features added as standard. The dashboard gets soft-touch padding that makes it look more premium. However, the silver add-ons around the centre console aren’t pleasing to the eyes at all. No matter the plastic used is durable but it fails to add balance to the Isuzu’s cabin, keeping the price range in mind.
Moving to the second-row seats, you’ll be happy with the space offered across knee and head. The seats are comfortable and offer good cushioning. As for the third-row seats, it is certainly not made to accommodate adults. For storage, you get a bottle holder on all the doors, two glove boxes, and lots of cup holders.
Model | Isuzu MU-X | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Similar to the Alturas, Isuzu MUx’s middle row seats don’t slide back and fail to make extra room. Still, looking at the proportion, the interior is spacious but not class-best. The Fortuner makes few points here with a firm touch middle-row seating that actually feels good. Also, the seats can be pushed back to make extra room for 6ft tall occupants.
Twin-cockpit ergonomic interior design
Sporty lava black interior with silver highlights
Luxurious quilted soft leather seats
Soft pad on all side door armrests, door trims & front floor console armrest
Premium finish dashboard with soft-touch panels
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Piano black finish on gear shift bezel
Chrome finish on side doors inner levers, gear shift bezel, front console cup holders & air vent knobs
Bright silver finish on shift-on-the-fly 4x4 knob*, steering, auto AC console & IP center console
Premium Barleycorn Guilloche finish on door inserts
Front anatomically designed bucket seats
6-way power adjustable driver seat
60:40 split 2nd row seats with fold away centre arm rest
One-touch fold & tumble 2nd row seats
50:50 split-fold 3rd row seats
One-touch fold 3rd row seats
Flat-fold 2nd & 3rd row seats
Adjustable headrests for all seats, including centre seat
The MU-X gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is slow to user inputs and outdated. The infotainment misses on some tech areas like smartphone mirroring. However, the 8-speaker setup is good for generating a good amount of sound inside the cabin.
Integrated 17.8 cm (7 inch) touchscreen entertainment system with DVD/CD/USB/MP3/FM/AM/AUX compatibility, with iPod, Bluetooth phone & audio streaming
“Live Surround Sound” roof-mounted sound system with 8 speakers (front dash, front doors, rear doors and roof)
The middle seat can be folded in a 60:40 split, making it convenient for more space. The MU-X SUV offers a boot space of 235 litres behind the third-row seat. Both the second and third-row seating can be folded for extra space. Although, the cabin is spacious and airy enough to keep your extra stuff in several storage spaces and cup-holders across the cabin.
Models | Isuzu MU-X | Ford Endeavour | Toyota Fortuner | Mahindra Alturas G4 |
Boot Capacity (litres) | 235 | 450 | 296 | 240 |
When it comes to safety, the Isuzu MU-X is not an SUV to forget. The SUV offers safety features like ABS, Electronic stability control, hill start assist, and traction control as standard. Also, six airbags across the cabin ensure all-round protection to the driver and occupants. The cabin also gets grab-handles mounted on the driver and third-row seats as well, obviously for off-roading purpose.
4-Channel 4-Sensor Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
300 mm Front Ventilated Disc Brakes with Twin-pot Calipers
318 mm Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
6 Airbags : Driver, front passenger, front side and full length curtain
Pre-tensioners with load limiters for front seat belts
3-point retractable seat belts for all seating positions
Emergency locking retractor (ELR) for all seat belts
3 ISOFIX childseat anchorage for 2nd row seats
Automatic door lock release on airbag deployment
High tensile steel body construction with tailor-welded blanks
Anti-intrusion bars inside side doors
Child-proof rear door locks
Rear parking assist camera
Engine immobilizer
Anti-theft alarm system
Driver & passenger seat belt warning
Audible & visual headlight-ON & parking light-ON warning
Toyota Fortuner has been doing well in the market for a while. The flagship Toyota has been growing in the Indian market with time. It has successfully made an impact on SUV buyers in India. The Fortuner is gifted with a muscular stance and a reliable engine. Meanwhile, the MU-X looks rather simple and clean, compared to the smart Fortuner. The 3.0-litre in the MU-X produces firepower almost similar to the 2.8-litre of the Fortuner but offers five-speed AT instead of six-speed in the latter. The MU-X again scores brownie points for its attractive pricing against Fortuner’s price tag. Moreover, the Fortuner is in need of upgrade since it has been two years now.
Having a closer look at all the factors of Isuzu MU-X, we found that the facelift has more appeal than the pre-facelift model. The SUV offers good value for money in the segment, as it still comes at a lesser price than the Fortuner and the mighty Endeavour. Although, Isuzu still needs to attend to some engine-related issues in order to attract buyers attention. All said, the Isuzu MU-X is the cheapest of the lot and offers a decent ride quality along with a spacious cabin.