A detailed review of the ISUZU MU-X SUV

General information about the model

Designed by Isuzu, the MU-X is a mid-size, three-row classic off-road vehicle based on the D-Max pickup truck (link to article above), the successor to the MU-7, and shares a platform with the Holden Colorado and Chevrolet Trailblazer.

By the way, the predecessor was also developed on a site common with D-Max, began its history in 2002, but was offered in 2004 only in the Philippine, Indian and Thai markets, in the Philippines it was called Alterra.

From the very beginning of production, the MU-7 became available with 4 × 2 and 4 × 4 transmission options, a 5-speed “mechanics” and a 4-speed “automatic”, equipped with a 3-liter 4JJ1-TC turbodiesel.

In 2006, the car underwent restyling: it received updated gearboxes, an improved 4JJ1-TCX diesel engine, and the modifications were divided according to the type of drive into Primo (4 × 2) and Activo (4 × 4).

Production of the MU-7 ended in 2013, and at the end of October of the same year, a new Isuzu MU-X SUV (UC body index) was announced in Thailand, and on November 6 it went on sale there.

Although the model used the same base as the D-Max pickup truck, it was created in collaboration with General Motors, as a result of which the new car received part of the design borrowed from the second generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

This time, the Isuzu SUV’s range of powertrains has expanded to two types of turbocharged diesel engines: 4JJ1-TCX (3.0L) and 4JK1-TCX (2.5L), and the automatic transmission-4 has been replaced with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Since 2016, modifications have been added with the RZ4E-TC Turbo (1.9L) diesel engine, which was paired with an automatic transmission-6 or manual transmission-6.

In the Philippines, the MU-X, which replaced Alterra, was launched in September 2014, but only with a 2.5-liter engine due to fuel quality problems.

A year later, Isuzu Philippines Corporation also presented a three-liter 4JJ1-TC diesel engine, only it differed from power units in other regions, as it met the Euro II environmental standard.

In the fall of 2017, the Philippine SUV still gets a modified 3.0 l Euro IV diesel engine, as well as new features taken from the Thai model.

In China, the Isuzu MU-X debuted in May 2015 and was produced by Jiangxi Isuzu Motors (Japanese-Chinese Isuzu/JMCG joint venture).

In February 2017, the MU-X model was restyled and was announced at the Bangkok International Motor Show in early March.

The car was assigned the RF20 index, during the modernization the optics were updated (it became LED), the front bumper, the radiator grille, the quality of the interior trim improved, and the multimedia system gained an 8-inch screen, improved navigation.

At the same time, the engines remained at the same level, without undergoing any changes.

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car exterior

The new MU-X 2022 SUV has a sleek and stylish look, and although it shares a platform with the D-Max, there are very few similarities with the pickup truck on the exterior.

Its most striking features are:

• expressive grille with two chrome longitudinal lines and Isuzu lettering;
• headlights narrowed in modern fashion with daytime running lights in the form of arrows.
• semicircular wheel arches without a plastic body kit;
• powerful rear spoiler.

The car is equipped with side steps and roof rails, LED optics are used, but conventional incandescent lamps are used in the turn signals.

The exterior door handles, bumpers and side mirrors are painted body color as standard, while the lower part of the mirror housings are finished in black.

The manufacturer offers a choice of eight body colors for this model:

• Magnetic Red (red);
• Basalt Black (black);
• Cobalt Blue (blue);
• Jasper Brown (brown);
• Obsidan Gray (gray);
• Mercury Silver (metallic silver);
• Moonstone White (white pearl)
• Mineral White (base white).

The SUV is equipped with a coupling device, which makes it possible to tow a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tons, the vertical load on the towbar can reach 350 kg.

The body, made of high quality steel, is capable of experiencing high tensile loads.

Reliable metal protection is provided at the bottom of the engine, there are also protective covers at the transfer case and the front of the fuel tank.

You don’t have to drive to understand

And yes, technically Mu-X is the same D-Max, only with a spring rear suspension instead of springs. The transmission with a rigidly connected front axle, a lowering row and a rear differential lock is exactly the same, right down to the gear ratios. The engine has not changed either: it is a three-liter (but four-cylinder!) diesel 4JJ3, which is also installed on commercial vehicles. Having 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of traction, it loses to the Toyota 2.8 engine – there are 200 horsepower and 500 Nm. And in reality, the difference is about the same as on paper: Isuzu pulls with dignity, but still not as confident as Fortuner.

Made it quieter

It’s clear: with rare exceptions, most MU-X will have to live surrounded by concrete and asphalt. Alas, there were almost no typical urban locations on the route – so, we bumped a little in Nalchik and Vladikavkaz, felt the smooth serpentines of Ingushetia. Although this was enough for the first “everyday” conclusions.

SUV Isuzu pleasantly surprised by the acoustic comfort. Moreover, the higher the speed, the more distinct the difference with a pickup truck, in which the oncoming flow gets stuck in the open side platform and slaps on the ears of the rear passengers. In a closed body, only the voice of a diesel engine reminds of a cargo pedigree. But this is not a dull rumble, but rather a solid bass, hinting at a fair amount of power under the hood. Still, I wouldn’t disturb the engine with vibrations at idle – it would be absolutely wonderful, otherwise the phone holder on the glass trembles like a kitchen mixer.

Hood on the “poker”. A cunning air intake and breathers brought up allow the Isuzu MU-X to take fords up to 800 mm deep without a snorkel.

In theory, the MU-X is capable of covering more kilometers at one gas station than the D-Max – the fuel tank of an SUV is four liters more capacious (80 liters versus 76 liters). In reality, everything will depend on who is driving, how they drive and on what route, since in practice the consumption of diesel fuel varies within very wide limits: from a modest 8-9 l / 100 km when “vegetables” along the highway to 15- 16 l / 100 km during the assault on a high-mountainous muddy terrain.

When I first met in Moscow, I did not attach much importance to another technical difference between an SUV and a pickup truck. Well, they replaced the drum rear brakes with discs – usually this is a purely image story. For some reason, our people are used to believing that the latter are definitely better than the former, although this is a moot point. But now the move worked. I remember that D-Max made me get used to slowing down, but MU-X stops stably and predictably both on dry and slippery roads, albeit often accompanied by a blinking emergency gang. Obviously, the tires also tried – nevertheless, thoroughbred Michelin studs work definitely better than Toyo. And yet.

Ready for Russia?

Related materials

The interior is made of cheap materials, and this is the norm for the segment. I was surprised that in Isuzu it does not hurt the eyes. The same Toyota and Mitsubishi inside look simpler.

For unification, they took the D‑Max pickup panel as a basis and ennobled it with decor and another tunnel lining. It turned out well, although there are some oddities. For example, only the front seats are heated. Where does it fit? The representative office promised to convey the idea to the manufacturer. Mu-X is assembled in Thailand – clues about our climate are indispensable.

There were plenty of country roads on my 400-kilometer route. It was shaking pretty, but not a single part of the cabin squeaked.

The Thai commercial shows the lumbar support adjustment, but the machines for our market did not have it. In general, it is comfortable to sit in Isuzu, I easily endured several hours of the road.The Thai commercial shows the lumbar support adjustment, but the machines for our market did not have it. In general, it is comfortable to sit in Isuzu, I easily endured several hours of the road.All Mu-X for Russia are seven-seat. To sit in the gallery for an adult and live there for a couple of hours is real. True, you will have to adjust the slope of the backs of the second row to fit your knees.All Mu-X for Russia are seven-seat. To sit in the gallery for an adult and live there for a couple of hours is real. True, you will have to adjust the slope of the backs of the second row to fit your knees.The rear “power unit” is placed high up. There are two USB ports and a 220 V socket. There are four deflectors on the ceiling, and a separate air conditioner blows through them for the rear of the cabin. But in winter, no matter how cold it gets: a diesel heater is not supposed to.

The rear “power unit” is placed high up. There are two USB ports and a 220 V socket. There are four deflectors on the ceiling, and a separate air conditioner blows through them for the rear of the cabin. But in winter, no matter how cold it gets: a diesel heater is not supposed to.

On asphalt, I got so used to rear-wheel drive that at first I forgot to switch to full. I remembered only when the car refused to drive into a very steep snowy climb. Then I didn’t have to turn on either the lowering or the rear differential lock. But Isuzu still knows how to electronically imitate a front lock. Serious machine!

The layout is standard for seven-seater frames: the third row to the floor, the spare wheel under the bottom.The layout is standard for seven-seater frames: the third row to the floor, the spare wheel under the bottom. Related materials

I checked the declared ground clearance of 235 mm. Exactly so much was under the crankcase of the rear axle. The front is smaller – about 215 mm, but this is decent. Diagonal hanging car did not scare. All side doors opened and closed easily. The fifth door warped in the opening, but the electric drive brought it into the lock without the help of hands. The change in body geometry is not critical.

Isuzu Mu-X is an honest car. Now this is a rarity. Everyone seeks to hide their essence behind the brilliance of electronic chips and the prefix “premium”. But here there is none of that. If not for the part-time scheme, I would call the Mu-X the perfect SUV. But you can live with such a drive. In the second of two available trim levels, Mu-X has a set of active safety systems. Active cruise control, auto braking and lane keeping work according to the stereo camera (no radar). Therefore, they are not all-weather and somewhat rude in work.In the second of two available trim levels, Mu-X has a set of active safety systems. Active cruise control, auto braking and lane keeping work according to the stereo camera (no radar). Therefore, they are not all-weather and somewhat rude in work.

WHAT IS MISSING?

• By modern standards, the steering wheel, windshield and rear seats should be heated.
• The washer works great with the LED headlights, but the Mu-X doesn’t have washers.
• In Thailand, Mu-X has a basic version with a 1.9 diesel (150 hp), manual and rear-wheel drive. An engine of this size would help save on customs clearance. With such an engine, an SUV with a curb weight of 2.2 tons drives sluggishly, but with a significant difference in price, there would be demand.
• “Pen” – another article of possible savings. But at the moment, Isuzu Mu-X is certified in Russia only with a gun.

Rides and looks good

Part-time – the last century

Isuzu Mu X

• Length / width / height / base 4850 / 1870 / 1875 / 2855 mm
• Curb / gross weight 2170 / 2800 kg
• Engine diesel, P4, 16 valves, 2999 cm³; 140 kW/190 HP With. at 3600 rpm; 450 Nm at 1600–2600 rpm
• Acceleration time 0–100 km/h n. d.
• Max speed 180 km/h
• Fuel / fuel reserve DT / 80 l
• Fuel consumption: city / highway / combined cycle 9.9 / 8.4 / 7.5 l / 100 km
• Transmission four-wheel drive; A6

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