The surging demand for family-friendly 4×4 vehicles has prompted manufacturers to actively solicit customer feedback and the 2025 Isuzu MU-X range is no exception, with the new model reflecting requested changes and improvements from buyers and media alike.
Addressing some of the shortcomings of its predecessor, there’s not only an array of updates, but a new top-tier variant, with the X-Terrain offering making its way across from the D-MAX.
A completely revamped exterior features across the range, with the new variant the standout, boasting a more aggressive front end, side skirts, and a rear bumper design that draws inspiration from European rivals.
With a price point just under $74,000 before on-road costs, it offers impressive value compared to competitors like the Toyota Prado, which starts at $72,500 for the base model. Offered in four achromatic colours, it’s sure to stand out.
Buyers can choose from Moonstone White Pearl, Mercury Silver, Basalt Black Mica and the distinctive Slate Grey Metallic, as well as a selection of base colours. The newly redesigned Bi-LED headlights are sleeker and sport a bold new look, enhancing its aggressive stance.
The X-Terrain also showcases a unique twist on Isuzu’s traditional double horizontal grille design, featuring a gloss black finish that highlights the hexagonal design elements. This treatment extends to the fog light surrounds, the 20-inch wheels, roof rails and side steps.
Fender flares get the same touches, while X-Terrain badging is prominently displayed on the front grille, side fenders, and rear. At the rear, a continuous LED light bar and a subtle rear diffuser contribute to the aeronautical theme Isuzu aims to portray.
Inside, the X-Terrain features subtle yet stylish enhancements that elevate its sporty appeal. You’ll find an array of red accents, including ambient lighting and red stitching on the dashboard, door trims, and seats.
Replacing chrome or silver aluminium with piano black surfaces further emphasises the vehicle’s tough stature, but not everyone will be a fan of the easily marked surface. Throughout the cabin, the hex pod design language from outside is evident too.
Soft touch materials on the dashboard adds a luxurious feel, but hard plastics can be found on the door cards. While this is not a drawback, it’s an off road capable SUV after all, it’s a little jarring (even if it does make perfect sense).
A new 9.0-inch infotainment screen, which made its debut in the new version of the D-MAX, comes on the back of customer feedback, and is joined by a 7.0-inch driver information display. There’s even a real volume and tune knob.
As the screen comes to life, it becomes evident that the MU-X is tailored for off-road enthusiasts, incorporating an inclinometer and various terrain command 4×4 drive modes. With just a simple swipe of the screen, you can access essential off-roading data.
Among our favourite features is a 360-degree camera, a first for the MU-X, which includes an underbody mode. This is invaluable when navigating off-road obstacles, as it provides a clear view of what’s directly beneath the vehicle.
Another standout is the updated tyre pressure monitoring system, which shows real-time individual tyre pressures and temperatures on screen. The MU-X will flash its turn signals and beep three times to confirm you’ve got the right pressure when re-inflating too.
The MU-X also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has dual zone climate control (again with real buttons and switches). Both front seats are electronically adjustable, clad in leather and feature heating. The steering wheel is adjustable in both height and length.
There’s ample storage options too, including large door bins, a spacious centre console, a versatile glove box, two cupholders, and a sunglass holder conveniently integrated into the roof. For charging convenience, there is a 12-volt socket and two USB-C ports up front.
A lack of wireless phone charging is a bit of a miss by Isuzu though. In row two and three, thanks to some design tweaks, you can accommodate an adult up to about 180cm tall, which is super impressive. That means there’s plenty of headroom and legroom.
For added comfort, the second row can be adjusted with a tilt and slide mechanism, and the climate control can be easily managed via a wheel located on the ceiling. ISOFIX anchors and top tether points are conveniently available on both outboard seats in row two.
Rear door bins offer ample storage space, and the second row centre armrest houses two cupholders and two USB-C charging ports, plus a handy little storage pocket. Accessing the third row is effortless, thanks to a simple lever folds the second row away neatly.
The boot offers just under 2,200-litres with both the second and third rows down, or a minimum of 311-litres with all three rows up. The new Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain is equipped with an extensive array of advanced safety features too.
These include autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, updated adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic braking and a generation-4 stereo camera that significantly enhances collision prevention.
Lane keep assist, driver attention assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic jam assist and trailer sway control are all included. The inclusion of the Welcome headlight feature further improves night time driving.
Beneath the hood is a dependable 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine (4JJ3-TCX), generating a commendable 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This is transmitted through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a 4×4 drivetrain.
When it comes to on-road performance, the MU-X surprises with its comfortable ride, despite being built on a ladder frame chassis. That’s thanks to new dampers with 6.6 per cent larger diameter pistons and revised valving, which improves body control and stability.
Locally tested and fine-tuned, the MU-X excelled at absorbing bumps during our drive to Black Duck Valley – the host venue for some serious off road testing (more on that in a moment).
On the road, the updated intelligent cruise control makes highway driving a dream, and while the engine isn’t the most powerful in its class, it is capable, and good for 8.3-litres to 9.8-litres/100km, depending on how hard you push it.
That should mean you get around 850-900km from a single tank. Towing capacity is 3,500kg braked. It’s off road where the X-Terrain truly shines though. For this writer, there was a twinge of nerves too, as yours truly is not a serious off-roader.
Thanks to impressive gear ratios, including 4H and 4L, a rear locking diff, outstanding hill descent control and the new rough terrain mode, I quickly gained confidence. The latter ensures that even novice drivers feel capable.
It does this by adjusting brake pressure at each wheel during slippage and redistributing torque to the wheels with better grip. The update enhances this functionality by working in tandem with the rear diff lock, ensuring consistent traction across the front and rear.
With ground clearance of 235mm, a wading depth of 800mm, and robust underbody protection, along with a 29.2-degree approach angle and a 26.4-degree departure angle, the MU-X stands out as a reliable and capable 4×4.
While tackling the Black Duck Valley course, we were amazed at its performance and truly impressed by the articulation angles the MU-X could achieve. All-in-all, the X-Terrain variant strikes the perfect balance between family practicality and rugged capability.
It’s classy and a little luxurious, but still ready to get dirty when you leave the city streets and head off the beaten track. The most impressive thing though is that Isuzu has listened to its customers and upgraded the model to suit their needs.
Leading up to the official on sale date of 1 March 2025, Isuzu Ute dealers are taking expressions of interest on the new MU-X range, including the X-Terrain. For more information, please visit https://www.isuzuute.com.au/new-mu-x-coming-soon.
