New Isuzu MU-X revealed

The second-generation Isuzu MU-X has made its global debut in Thailand, after the all-new seven-seat SUV’s design was leaked via Japanese patent images a month ago.

As expected, the new Isuzu MU-X looks a lot like the new Isuzu D-MAX ute on which it’s based – at least from the front, although it features a different LED lighting signature within its bi-LED headlights.

There are also LED tail-lights on the high-riding wagon’s new-look rear-end, alloy wheels measuring up to 20-inch, a flat-folding third row of seats and – at least for the Thai market – a 112kW/350Nm 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel under the bonnet.

Few other technical details have been announced so far; in fact, Isuzu UTE Australia cannot even advise when the new MU-X will go on sale here.

But based on the timeline between the latest D-MAX’s global debut and its local release, expect the 2021 Isuzu MU-X to go on sale Down Under around this time next year.

It will replace the original MU-X that first arrived here in November 2013, in which time it has outsold all of its direct ute-based SUV rivals including the Mitsubishi Challenger (and the Pajero Sport that replaced it), and the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner launched in 2015.

The new Isuzu MU-X rides on the same new ladder frame as the latest D-MAX, which also donates its advanced safety technologies and, for Australia, its upgraded 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, six-speed automatic transmission with dual-range transfer case and a switchable four-wheel drive system.

If the 2020 Isuzu D-MAX is any guide, this should deliver improved fuel economy for the family SUV, which should also bring increased refinement, upgraded coil-sprung five-link independent rear suspension (instead of the ute’s leaf-sprung solid rear axle) and perhaps even an upgrade for its solid 3000kg towing capacity.

Also like the D-MAX, the 2021 Isuzu MU-X will be vastly safer than its eight-year-old predecessor, and the first model in its class to incorporate a centre airbag between the front seats, plus autonomous emergency braking with turn assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beam and speed sign recognition.

Also new will be paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an interior domestic power outlet, electric park brake, adjustable electric tailgate and USB outlets front and rear, all of which should be offered in premium variants.

It’s not clear if the new Isuzu MU-X will mirror the D-MAX’s price rises, but count on a similar uptick given the improvements across the board.

The MU-X is currently priced between $42,900 and $56,400 in Australia and is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive variants.

Stand by for more details and – eventually – Australian release details.