Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD LSE (2022) Review

Towards the end of 2021, Isuzu introduced a new generation of its D-Max-based SUV, the mu-X to the local market. The brand claims that the latest model has been improved upon in just about every conceivable way. Isuzu dropped off one of the newcomers in LSE guise for us to evaluate.

Styling

The mu-X, anecdotally, at least, throughout our week with the vehicle appeared to be well received by colleagues at the office, friends and family as well as other members of the general public that we came across. While it is difficult to make a seven-seat, off-road-ready SUV genuinely great to look at, there is certainly nothing wrong with the latest mu-X, which manages to look far more modern than the product it replaces, while maintaining an aesthetic that is unmistakably Isuzu in its execution.

Unfortunately, the polarising metallic brown hue of the car could not fully be appreciated as the press unit's paintwork has been badly neglected with what looks like poor washing practices and general scratches and dents found around the body. It was a similar case with the grey alloy wheels which despite being paired with 265/60 R18 tyres, still managed to have excessive kerb damage. We have compiled the review objectively and have put aside the condition of the car and focussed on the package as a whole, but feel as though this has to be pointed out.

 

Interior and space

Inside the latest mu-X is a refreshing departure from the plastic-laden, rather dreary space of the older model. There's now a marked improvement in material quality, an emphasis on design but with a slant towards functionality that manages to strike a great balance for a vehicle such as this.

The LSE model comes with creature comforts such as dual-zone climate control, rear climate control, front and rear USB ports, keyless entry/start, leather seats, front and rear PDC, a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry/start, 7 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, LED headlights and fog lights and cruise control. The 9.0-inch infotainment system works nicely and boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and reverse camera functionality along with an 8-speaker sound system.  

 

From a practical perspective, the mu-X really shines, with ample head and shoulder room for occupants, while the third row, as with many products in this segment, is best left for children and smaller adults, is still commendable. There's 311-litres of boot space with all three rows of seats in place, which expands to 1 119-litres with the third row folded flat. There's enough luggage space for a variety of items, we managed to get our three large suitcases and our 29er mountain bike with relative ease during testing. Towing capacity is impressive too, with a braked figure of 3 500kg, while other key figures include 235m of ground clearance, 800mm of wading depth and approach, break-over and departure angles of  30, 24 and 26 degrees respectively.

Performance and driving impression

Driving the mu-X was where we were most impressed, with a marked improvement in refinement and far less road and engine noise intrusion inside the cabin than in previous Isuzu products. Couple the increased refinement with a well-sored ride and you have an adventure SUV that works very well on the road. The engine and gearbox were another surprise, and despite the agricultural sound of the 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, its 140kW and 450Nm of torque appear to provide ample overtaking power, with very little perceivable lag for a diesel, a byproduct of a six-speed automatic gearbox that has been wonderfully programmed to work with the diesel engine, no doubt.

Despite the LSE model being rear-wheel drive, we did take it on some gravel roads and a mild off-road route. On higher-speed gravel roads, the mu-X feels stable, with a well-controlled rear-end and solid ride comfort. On the intermediate off-road course, we made use of the rear differential lock through some of the tougher obstacles, but generally speaking, the car has enough clearance and capability to handle mild off-road scenarios with ease.

In 2021, the mu-X was crash-tested by the ANCAP vehicle safety programme. It achieved a 5-Star rating, with a score of 87% for adult occupant safety, 85% for child occupant safety, 69% for pedestrian safety and 84% for its safety assist systems. 

Fuel consumption

Isuzu claims that the mu-X will consume diesel at a rate of 7.6 L/100km, however, our week with the vehicle resulted in a figure of 8.3 L/100km, which is impressive for a 3.0-litre diesel paired with a torque converter automatic.

Pricing

The mu-X, in LSE guise retails for R795 000, which is comparable to the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX and the outgoing Ford Everest 2.0Bi-Turbo 4WD XLT. The model comes with a 9-service/90 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.

Verdict

A week with the latest mu-X left us impressed with the new package, which is now more refined, better made and features improved styling both inside and out. There is also immense practicality within this package, while the lingering sense that the product is built to last stays with you. Despite the responsive powertrain, the engine is still noisy considering what it is up against while the pricing is just about acceptable, leaving us with an impression that this is a consummate family adventure SUV that works in a variety of driving environments. The problem is that The Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport are also impressive, while the next-generation Ford Everest looks as if it will move the goal posts, leaving rivals in need of catching up.