Isuzu MU-X - Mountain Mover

It’s more expensive, but is the 2021 Isuzu Mu-X a better 4X4 than the model it replaces?

- Evan Spence

The Isuzu MU-X has long been an endearing vehicle in the Australian 4WD landscape. Simple, reliable and fairly affordable for larger families needing extra seats as well as those who enjoy towing small houses on wheels. And while some have described the MU-X as agricultural, with a loud diesel engine and few modern luxuries, there is an argument from the other camp that a simple four-wheel drive is a good four-wheel drive. Hence its popularity with families and nomads.

Well, we are now saying goodbye to an old friend, and hello to an all-new generation of MU-X in 2021. And when I say all-new, I really mean it. This vehicle has been redesigned from the chassis up, with every major component being upgraded along the way. We’re talking more safety, more power, more off-road ability and a stronger driveline. And while that’s all well and good on paper, the big question is, what is it actually like to drive?

We set out on a mixed loop of highway, urban, rural and off-road conditions to really put this mid-sped LS-U MU-X through its paces over the space of two weeks, and the verdict? C’mon now, I’m not going to give that away so early in the piece.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE

THE powertrain in this 2021 model has been borrowed from the current model Isuzu D-MAX and you won’t hear me complain about that. The 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX engine is revered around campsites for its strong work ethic and reliability. It pulls well too, despite only having 450Nm and 140kW to its name. Don’t get too bogged down with those numbers though, as the way this engine makes power is low down and rock solid. It feels like it could tow a mountain up another mountain.