2021 Isuzu MU-X

This is the new Isuzu model I have been hanging out for.  The thought of a new SUV-styled 2021 D-Max was too good to be true, and then, what do you know, Isuzu have followed up the tough D-Max ute with the MU-X SUV, and I love it!  2021 Isuzu MU-X and D-Max models have a slightly leaner and meaner edge to their appearance.  The edgier 2021 lines are more aggressive and sportier, and I like that.  This great family SUV looks the part with its strong, no-nonsense attitude, great rugged off-roading underpinnings, and its roomy and modern interior.

2021 Isuzu MU-X

Let’s start with what lies under the bonnet.  Isuzu uses a sweet 3.0-litre Turbo-Diesel motor to power the new MU-X.  At full power you get a strong 140 kW, and there is a nice flow of torquey thrust, even from low down in the engine revs.  There is as much as 450 Nm of torque on tap from the grunty 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, making it all-the-more suited for the MU-X’s 3.5 tonne towing capacity.  Compared with the outgoing model, maximum power is up by 10 kW to 140 kW, and it arrives at 3600 rpm.  The torque is up by 20 Nm, and there is already 300 Nm of twist at just 1000 rpm, 400 Nm is locked in at 1400 rpm and this amount of torque doesn’t fall below that figure until 3250 rpm.  Peak torque of 450 Nm is available from 1600 to 2600 rpm.  I told you this was a rugged SUV!

Isuzu’s new MU-X seven-seat off-roading SUV comes in 3 spec levels (LS-M, LS-U and the range-topping LS-T), each coming standard with the superb six-speed automatic transmission.  The 3 specification levels in the new MU-X range are all offered with a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.  The 4×4 Isuzu MU-X models now feature a locking rear differential for superior traction in the mud, complementing the switchable 4WD system and dual-range transfer case.  A 6-year warranty is part of the 2021 Isuzu MU-X deal when you buy one of these excellent SUVs new, and you are also supported by a 7-year roadside assistance package.

Right up-to-date, the 2021 Isuzu MU-X comes with a range of new features and technology, including bi-LED headlights, an enlarged central touch-screen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto all as standard kit.  The RWD LS-M, which is the base model, kicks off at around $53k.  The LS-U models add a lot more goodies and come in at around the $60k mark.  Top of the range 4WD MU-X LS-T models have all the bells and whistles and can be bought for around $64k.  LS-T versions have features like an electronic driver’s seat, leather seats, an integrated navigation system, ambient interior lighting, central locking with key proximity, front and rear parking distance control, a powered tailgate, chrome finished door handles and exterior mirrors, an 8-speaker stereo, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and extra dark rear windows.

To be fair, though, the LS-U models come with most of the LS-T kit anyway.  On the LS-U you get 18-inch wheels, a 9.0-inch media screen, LED interior lighting, a leather steering wheel and leather shifter, durable cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry and start, remote start, satellite navigation, auto-levelling bi-LED headlights with auto high beam, auto wipers and a powered tailgate.  The gap between the LS-U and LS-T is $6k, so are a few other features, the leather seats, and 20-inch rims worth the extra outlay?

The ANCAP crash testing team hasn’t yet aimed the new 2021 MU-X at a wall, but with the five-star safety result for the 2021 D-Max an already given, I’d say that the 2021 MU-X will be a safe SUV.  I’ve heard the little birds saying that the D-Max is the safest ute out there?  I can stand to be corrected.  Isuzu calls their safety pack the Isuzu Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS).  Eight airbags include curtain airbags that reach all the way back to the third row.  Active safety features like the stability and traction controls are standard, so too is AEB with turn assist, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane departure prevention, driver attention detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, hill descent control, trailer sway control, rollover mitigation, reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring.  A pretty convincing list!

Out on the road you’ll find that the latest Isuzu MU-X sits well on the tarmac.  It makes long journeys a complete doddle and even back roads are an effortless affair.  The front end’s double wishbone suspension has had some tweaks, which is clear by the way the car rides, and it is much better at quick changes in direction compared with the older models.  The stiffer springs and general few extra changes are a big player in the better ride and agility.  The new MU-X is more responsive to steer, and the decrease in body roll means that it is safer in the wet.  The bigger front brakes also work very nicely at hauling the big SUV quickly in from higher speeds.

Add 4×4 traction to an MU-X, and you can go anywhere in one of these.  You can also fit the car with a snorkel that feeds into a pre-fabbed induction pathway.  Off-road lovers will like the off-roading stats, where the LS-T uses its 285 mm of ground clearance, 29.2-degree approach angle, 23.1 ramp over angle, and 26.9 departure angle very well.  The 4×4 models offer 2H, 4H and 4L, a rear diff lock and rough terrain mode.  Underneath you’ll find 1.5 mm of thick steel and 5 mm of thick poly composite underbody armour, and the fuel tank is wrapped in aluminium shielding.

The seats are firm but comfortable and there is plenty of space for tall adults, especially in the front and second rows.  The third row is a bit less spacious; it will take people under six feet tall in reasonable space and comfort, however if you are getting up to six feet or over then you best get in early to bag one of the front five.  Even the third row seats, which can accommodate two people, offer cup holders and space for bottles.  When it comes to carrying luggage, the new MU-X is a beast.  There are 311 litres behind the third row seats; flip these down, and you create a flat floor with 1119 litres available.  Second row seats also fold down flat, and then you boast 2138 litres.

You are handing over a few more green backs on purchasing a new model MU-X, but with all that extra safety gear, improved cabin credentials and awesome toughness, it’s a compelling large SUV proposition for both family and work purposes.

2021 Isuzu MU-X

The 2021 Isuzu MU-X models include the:

• Isuzu MU-X LS-M
• Isuzu MU-X LS-U
• Isuzu MU-X LS-T

For any more information on the new Isuzu MU-X models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Isuzu dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!