Fast facts
Pros:
Robust, proven powertrain with impressive performance
Improved interior quality and premium features
Excellent off-road capability
Comprehensive safety suite
Distinctive and modern exterior styling
Cons:
Infotainment is underwhelming at this price point
Semi-autonomous safety systems are overly intrusive
The ride can feel slightly firm compared to the Ford Everest
Engine and gearbox can feel agricultural at times
Styling
The 2025 Isuzu mu-X Onyx XT immediately stands out with a sportier design. Based on the updated mu-X, the front end features a larger, more aggressive grille and redesigned LED headlights with revised Daytime Running Light signatures. The Onyx XT adds gloss-black elements on the grille, roof rails, mirror housings, and new 20-inch alloy wheels. In my opinion, the result is one of the best-looking off-road-ready seven-seat SUVs you can currently buy in SA.
Interior
The mu-X's interior has received a welcome upgrade. It feels more luxurious, especially in the Onyx XT trim, which features premium soft-touch materials, piano-black trim, and red ambient lighting. There's a new 7.0-inch semi-digital instrument cluster which is an imprivment, but not exactly class-leading, while the 9.0-inch infotainment system, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has poor resolution and feels dated now in 2025.
The cabin is spacious and comfortable for a seven-seater SUV, with ample legroom in the second row, but predictably cramped third-row occupant space best left for childern or smaller adults over shorter journeys. While boot space with all seats up is a modest 136 litres, it expands to a very usable 560 litres with the third row folded down. Towing is a strong suit for the mu-X, with a braked capacity of 3 500kg.
Drivetrain
The venerable and reliable 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine(4JJ3-TCX) powers the mu-X. It produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. While these figures fall short of its chief rivals, the engine performs well and is known for its durability. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (Aisin AWR6B45 II ), the drivetrain can sometimes sound agricultural, but acceleration is strong, as is the mid-range torque.
Driving Impression
On the road, the Onyx XT feels more refined, with subtle improvements to the suspension, improving comfort, but still not quite as comfortable or refined as a Ford Everest, primarily thanks to the drivetrain, which does provide more cabin intrusion than you'd ideally want. Then there are the semi-autonomous driving aids, which are hit and miss, if you'll pardon the pun. The blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise control work nicely. Still, the forward collision alert is oversensitive, constantly beeping and warning you of an impending collision, when there is no impending danger, while the lane keep assist sometimes struggles with consistancy.
Off-road, the mu-X truly shines. With its 235 mm ground clearance, a locking rear differential, and dedicated 4x4 system, it tackles most off-road obstacles with relative ease. The 360-degree camera is a handy feature, especially when navigating tight trails or obstacles; however, the large 20.0-inch wheels and lower-profile tyres make serious off-roading a challenge.
Fuel Economy
Isuzu's 3.0-litre engine is renowned for its frugality. While the claimed fuel consumption is 7.6 L/100km, our real-world testing indicated figures closer to 9.6 L/100km in a mixed-driving cycle. This is a respectable number for a large, heavy, seven-seater SUV, making the mu-X a relatively economical choice for family travel.
Safety
The Isuzu mu-X holds a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The Onyx XT model is equipped with Isuzu's Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS). This includes eight airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and a 360-degree camera.
Pricing
With a price tag of R 1 026 800, the Isuzu mu-X Onyx XT positions itself right in the thick of the premium seven-seater SUV market. It is priced very closely to its main rivals, the Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo Sport (R 1 029 000) and the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport (R 999 000). This new model is the first Isuzu in the passenger car segment to be sold for over R1.0-million, a daunting number for consumers, who may find more value lower down in the range.
Competitors
Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 GR-Sport (R 999 000): The Fortuner is arguably the mu-X's most direct competitor. The GR-Sport model offers a sportier ride and a more powerful engine (165 kW/550 Nm), appealing to those who desire more performance. It also boasts Toyota's bulletproof reputation for reliability and strong resale values. However, its interior is not as modern or refined as the Isuzu's, and being nearly 10 years old, the Fortuner's replacement is imminent.
Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo Sport (R 1 029 000): The Everest is the most advanced and car-like of the three. Its 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and 10-speed gearbox are the most advanced in the segment, while the model's ride and comfort are also very impressive. In terms of technology, the large infotainment screen and well-calibrated driver aids make it the best in terms of interior, too. The Everest's reputation for robustness and reliability can't quite match Toyota and Isuzu, with the Japanese products having more proven mechanicals.
Verdict
The Isuzu mu-X Onyx XT is a compelling and well-rounded package. While it may not boast the most power or refinement, it counters with a blend of proven reliability, strong power delivery, capability, and much-needed upgrades with the facelift. The mu-X is an honest and dependable family hauler that offers high safety and an unpretentious, all-around ownership experience. It is worth test-driving during your deliberations if you're shopping in this segment.
