In this article:
The market for 7-seater SUVs is and has been dominated by three brands for a number of years. Toyota has the top spot sewn up with the Fortuner, Ford takes a solid second with the Everest and Isuzu brings up the rear with the mu-X. The mu-X may not be as refined as its contemporaries but it still delivers outstanding performance where it counts.
Related: Isuzu mu-X - First Drive Impression
It's safe to say that our roads here in South Africa are not the best a lot of the time and having a vehicle that can conquer all surfaces or lack thereof is a very important buying aspect for many consumers and this is where the mu-X shines brightest. We spent a week with the ONYX derivative of this overly capable family transporter and this is what we found.
Styling
At first glance, it does not appear that much has changed with the new mu-X but closer inspection will reveal new aggressive body lines, smaller sharper headlights, taillights, and a body that is longer, wider, and higher.
New bumpers finish off the pointy ends and each model gets derivative-specific wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches. As an overall package, the new mu-X is rather attractive and fit for duty on our harsh SA roads.
To many, it may seem a little bland as it fades in with the rest of the large SUV offerings in South Africa and although it doesn't exactly stand out, its fit-for-purpose build will make one a little less likely to pamper it while tackling the rough trails and roads that we encounter daily.
New Isuzu mu-X upgrade and facelift for 2020 - What's different?
Space & Interior
Seven-seater SUVs are renowned for their interior space. The mu-X is no different with ample legroom and shoulder room for all occupants. The third row is naturally smaller but if these seats rent needed can be stowed flat in the rear floor expanding the already large luggage compartment to cavernous dimensions. Rear luggage space ranges from 311l to a massive 3568l ensuring that you can take everything and the kitchen sink on your next adventure should you need to.
Isuzu has ensured that passengers have plenty of access to storage compartments and charging points as well as a safe environment to sit back and relax while being ferried along. The interior fitment ranges from a premium touch and feel in places to hard plastics on the traffic surfaces which may confuse buyers.
Everything you need to know about the Isuzu mu-X
Comfort & Convenience
The interior presents something of a quandary being trimmed in soft plush leather in places and hard plastics in others. Despite the finish, the vehicle is very well equipped with climate control, USB, and 12v charging points as well as a modern infotainment system that features Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Rear passengers can also enjoy the 3 zone climate to heat or cool themselves.
The driver gets electrically adjustable seating as well as control over the infotainment with steering wheel controls, keyless entry, and push-button start are also welcome additions to the ONYX level trim.
Top 5 Isuzu mu-X features that stand out from the competition
Performance
Powered by an updated 4JJ3 3.0l 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine, the new mill delivers 140kW and 450Nm and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power is available from as low as 1500rpm, making offroad driving a cinch. Power is delivered to the rear wheels but can be redirected to all four through the transfer case and the locking rear differential from the Drive selector switch on the centre console.
Fuel Economy
Isuzu claims combined cycle consumption figures of 7.6l/100km and our overall drive figures for the test days came back at 8.8l/100km.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace vs Ford Everest vs Isuzu mu-X: which one has the lowest running costs?
Safety
The new mu-X benefits from a host of new safety and driver assistance systems such as Rough Terrain Mode which when engaged from a separate button on the console, further stabilises the vehicle on uneven surfaces. Along with 8 airbags and the 5 Star ANCAP rating, the mu-X gets the new IDAS safety system which makes use of a forward-facing stereo camera setup that relays information to the numerous onboard safety systems such as Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The system is also incorporated into other driver assistance arrangements such as Turn Assist, Pedal Misaaplication Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Top 5 safety features on an Isuzu mu-X
Price
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x2 LS A/T | R 693 800 |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x4 LS A/T | R 771 600 |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x2 LSE A/T | R 763 300 |
| 3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x4 ONYX A/T | R 860 500 |
Consumers are also able to unbundle the included 5-year / 90 000km service plan
Competitors
As mentioned earlier the mu-X takes on a tough lineup of competitors in the form of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Mitsubishi Pajero.
Seven-seater SUV safety shootout! Toyota Fortuner vs. Isuzu mu-X vs. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Verdict
The mu-X is an excellent vehicle for those that wish to enjoy the great outdoors but don't want to pamper or baby their SUV when out and about, The mu-X is a bit rough and tumble and despite not having the level of refinement as some of its peers, will do equally as well on road and trail.
