2026 Isuzu MU-X review

The Isuzu MU-X range has seen its 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine axed in favour of a more powerful and more efficient new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that better meets the demands of large off-road SUV buyers.

This gruntier new turbo-diesel – an evolution of the previous base engine – also adds a new eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission and automatic engine idle start/stop technology, and it’s available with 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains across a few variants in the MU-X lineup.

Customers might question whether it’s worth saving a bit of money to sacrifice some power and torque compared to the more long running and more popular 4JJ3 3.0-litre diesel engine, and it could also spell lower resale values in the long run.

But here’s what you need to know about the new MU-X 2.2L model range to help you make up your own mind about whether it’s right for you.

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost?

You can get this new 2.2L in a number of MU-X variants, and some even have promotional drive-away deals on offer.

If those don’t suit your needs, the 3.0L engine and six-speed auto with selectable four-wheel drive is still offered in LS-M, LS-U and LS-T grades, and remains the sole option in the top-shelf X-Terrain.

Eager to find out how the 2.2L compares to the 3.0L version in terms of costs? Check out our detailed pricing story here.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Isuzu MU-X like on the inside?

Okay, there’s no point doing a re-review of the interior of the MU-X because, frankly, almost nothing here has changed since our most recent coverage. 

Yes, there’s now an idle start/stop button to disable the fuel-saving tech if you don’t like it, plus if you flick the transmission into manual mode, the current gear indicator on the driver’s info screen goes up to ‘8’ instead of ‘6’.

Beyond that, though, the MU-X cabin remains unchanged. And that still means that the LS-M and LS-U versions feel a little underdone inside.

The cloth trim is fine but a bit conservative, and you’re still getting a turn-key ignition in the LS-M, along with the outdated smaller infotainment screen and driver info display.

Want more? Have a look at our previous MU-X review coverage for a nitty-gritty breakdown of the interior.

It still has practical interior space, though the second-row seat doesn’t slide fore/aft. There’s a simple flip-and-tumble mechanism for the passenger-side second-row seat, allowing easy access to the third row, where even six-foot adults can fit easily.

Parents should note, though, that while there are air vents in the ceiling and a fan controller in row two, the very back seats don’t offer ISOFIX or top-tether points for child seats. 

Cargo space remains 311 litres behind the rear seats (they’re reclinable, too, so you can tailor that space somewhat), and that expands to 1119L with the third row folded. There’s a bit of extra hidden storage behind the rearmost seats as well.

There’s a full-size spare under the body of the vehicle, too. Want a more detailed interior teardown? Check out our previous review coverage of the MU-X.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

This new 2.2-litre engine replaces the outgoing 1.9L, and pumps up the numbers when it comes to power and torque to the measure of 10kW/50Nm. However, as Isuzu is somewhat conservative and focused on reliability, the numbers aren’t enormous for an engine with this capacity. 

Meanwhile, fuel consumption and emissions have improved considerably – though emissions figures have yet to be officially released. During the launch drive for the new MU-X, there was a mix of urban, highway, open road, and stop-start testing, as well as a couple of hours of low-speed off-roading with lots of halting and waiting. 

Over that time, I saw a displayed return of 8.7L/100km in the LS-T model I primarily spent time in. That’s no doubt decent for that kind of driving mix, but it would be even better in urban/commuter driving, without off-roading.

For those who don’t want to experience the start/stop system in action, there is a switch to turn it off, though it defaults back on each time you go for a drive. 

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Isuzu MU-X drive?

There is no denying that this is a big step in the right direction compared to the 1.9-litre it replaces, which was a fine engine but this is better than fine. It’s actually pretty good, and the addition of the eight-speed auto plays a big part in that.

Obviously the engine – with 10kW and 50Nm more – feels more urgent in its response, and that has a lot to do with the way the power band works.

Isuzu Ute Australia claims drivers have access to 60 per cent more torque at just 1000rpm compared to the 1.9L, and the peak torque band now runs from 1600-2400rpm – meaning there’s a meaty amount of pull available. The gearbox helps to keep the engine in that torque band more often, and when you’re on the move it’s a pretty agreeable experience.

As for the start/stop tech, it certainly makes itself known, but it is eager to restart the engine when you take your foot off the brake, rather than when you hit the accelerator, so that means it has a bit more urgency than some other examples of the tech.

But the shaky diesel engine can make the whole car rock on the spot when it refires, which isn’t the most refined experience. And when you step off from a standstill, the powertrain has a bit of engine lag to contend with.

Further, engine noise is very evident in the cabin under medium to strong acceleration, with is made more noticeable by the fact the transmission has eight ratios at its disposal – that means you can hear the ‘box busily managing proceedings. But it is seemingly more hushed in the MU-X than in the D-Max ute, which seemed more raucous again. 

Thankfully, it’s smooth with the shifts, and the logic seems on point – both on- and off-road.

During the off-road drive, the engine and transmission were certainly up to expectations, though there’s no way to use all eight gears in low-range, as seventh and eighth gears are overdrive ratios. 

The brilliant off-road traction control system – or Rough Terrain Mode – allows the MU-X to go further off-road with a safer level of progress than many others in the segment.

Indeed, some of the scenarios encountered would have been ‘turn around and go back’ moments for other seven-seaters, but the MU-X managed much more than expected… especially the LS-T, with its 20-inch wheels and Bridgestone Dueler highway terrain rubber (at recommended tyre pressures).

The coil-sprung rear suspension is very well mannered, and there’s a solid amount of articulation on offer if you get crossed up over obstacles.

The MU-X recently saw an overhaul to its suspension when the facelift was launched earlier this year, and there have been no adjustments to the suspension or steering for the models with the new powertrain, so it’s virtually identical from a body control and bump management perspective – meaning it’s better than you’d expect a ute-based SUV to be.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

Here’s a rundown of the standard spec and tech levels for all MU-X variants; there are no specification changes compared to the previous 1.9L grades.

2026 Isuzu MU-X LS-M equipment highlights:

• 17-inch 6-spoke silver alloy wheels
• 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25 all-terrain tyres
• Bi-LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Polyurethane steering wheel and shifter trim
• Carpet flooring
• Cloth upholstery
• Dual vanity mirrors
• Push-button start
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• 4-speaker sound system
• 3 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 1 in second row)
• USB-A outlet for aftermarket dash camera
• Air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents and controls
• Door mirrors and door handles finished in black
• Sidesteps finished in black
• Window trims finished in black

The MU-X LS-U adds:

• 18-inch 12-spoke titanium metallic alloy wheels
• 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Smart entry and start
• LED fog lights
• Rear privacy glass
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding and heated body-colour door mirrors
• Body-colour door handles
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• 8-speaker sound system
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support
• Dual-zone climate control with rear passenger air vents and controls
• 4 x USB-C outlets (2 front, 2 in second row)
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The MU-X LS-T adds:

• 20-inch 6-spoke two-tone machined face alloy wheels
• 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Door handles, window trims, front fender accents, roof rails, side steps in gloss black
• Rear privacy glass
• Remote engine start
• Power-folding and heated door mirrors w/ side cameras finished in gloss black
• White ambient interior lighting
• Black headliner
• Heated front seats
• 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Leather-accented upholstery with grey stitching and leatherette across door trims, centre console

The MU-X X-Terrain adds:

• 20-inch gloss black alloys, coated with a smoked clear coat
• 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Updated LED fog lights with black fog light bezels and gloss black surrounds
• Gloss black fender flares
• Lower body side skirt
• Lower rear underbody spoiler
• Piano black and silver metallic interior trim
• Red stitching details
• Red LED ambient interior lighting
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen with red fonts, graphics

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Isuzu MU-X safe?

All variants of the Isuzu MU-X come with a 2022 five-star safety rating from ANCAP.

The 25.5MY Isuzu MU-X range comes standard with the following safety features:

• 8 airbags
  • Dual front
  • Dual seat side
  • Dual full-length curtain
  • Front knee and centre (far-side)
• Autonomous emergency braking with Turn Assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Mis-acceleration Mitigation
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Intelligent speed limiter
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Trailer sway control
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The LS-U adds front parking sensors, while the LS-T and X-Terrain also get a surround-view camera.

I really think Isuzu should up its game somewhat with the camera tech. Offering a 360-degree camera only on the version that costs $70,000 is sub-par for 2025 and beyond.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost to run?

Buy an MU-X and it’ll be backed by a six-year, 150,000km warranty.

The brand has a five-year/75,000km capped-price service campaign, with intervals pegged at 12 months/15,000km. 

Servicing costs for the first five years are capped at $469 per visit – the same price you’ll pay to maintain the 3.0L. Service your MU-X with the brand and you’ll also get up to seven years of roadside assistance.

To see how the Isuzu MU-X lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Isuzu MU-X

This new powertrain is a nice fit for the MU-X – arguably a nicer fit here than in the D-Max, where bragging rights are probably more important, and where having the big-bore 4JJ3 is a back-patting exercise.

Here, however, it seems the smart money might be spent on a 2.2L version of the MU-X, given its potential for fuel cost savings and its general usability for family car buyers.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Isuzu MU-X. Click here to get a great deal

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MORE: Explore the Isuzu MU-X showroom