Isuzu mu-X - Hits & misses

The Isuzu mu-X has been around in the Philippines market for quite some time now. It is a big 7-seater SUV that is based on the Isuzu D-Max pickup truck platform. And therefore, it shares quite a lot of features with the D-Max. Isuzu mu-X could be the go-to SUV for people who are looking to buy a premium big-sized vehicle that can act as a family car as well as a perfect companion for weekend getaways. So, how good or bad the mu-X really is, let’s find out by listing out some hits and misses of the SUV.

Isuzu mu-X Hits-

Interior space

One of the many advantages of having a large SUV is the cabin space. Yes, the Isuzu mu-X fully utilizes its humongous dimensions and offers a ton of interior space. The front row occupants have got a generous amount of head- and leg-room. But it is the mid row passengers that are going to be in the best spot in this SUV. This row has got plentiful space for the passengers. There is more than enough legroom. The seats offer a good amount of thigh support. And the headroom is sufficient, too.

Surprisingly, the last row has got a decent amount of space as well. The mid-row sears can be easily folded, allowing you can reach the last row easily. After erecting the mid row, there is a decent amount of legroom and accommodating even adults with ease. However, it is still advisable to switch places during long road trips.

Do keep in mind that when the last row seats are up, the boot capacity on the Isuzu mu-X is considerably reduced.

Looks and road presence

Isuzu has done a few revisions in the latest model of the mu-X to make it up to the mark to its modern rivals. The large front chrome grille is complemented by the contrasting bumper. The angular headlamps give the SUV an angry appearance and the new LED daytime running lights add to the overall modern looks. The rear of the SUV features two-part combination horizontal tail lights with a nice chrome touch on the boot lid.

The Isuzu mu-X isn’t the most exciting SUV in its category but it surely demands attention with its huge footprint. Its large dimensions take up a lot of space on the road and hence impressing everyone with its size, and also enhancing its road presence.

Off-road capabilities

The Isuzu mu-X comes with a good amount of ground clearance that enables it to tackle unexpected or unwanted obstacles with ease. Plus its simple yet capable 4WD system helps it to traverse to uncharted territories with ease. The wider section tires make sure to provide ample grip in the most treacherous ground conditions.

Isuzu mu-X Misses-

Ride quality

The suspension set up on the Isuzu mu-X is on the softer side. While this offers a comfortable and plush ride at low speeds, it is a completely different story when the SUV gain speeds. This setup makes the ride very uncomfortable and dissatisfying as you get tossed around a lot even on the slightest of bumps and undulations.

Less torquey engines

There are three engine options available - 1.9-, 2.5-, and 3.0-litre that produces 150 hp, 134 hp, and 175 hp of max power and 350 Nm, 320 Nm, and 380 Nm of torque respectively. Even though the power figures are decent, the torque figures are a bit of a let down because to get an SUV of this size and weight going you will need a good amount of torque at low speeds, and not that much of power. So, whenever you put your foot down on the throttle the engine makes a lot of noise but doesn’t propel the SUV forward with that urgency.

Decent interior

With a starting price of Php 1.32 million, the Isuzu mu-X is a premium 7-seater SUV. However, its interior is not up to the mark. Even though Isuzu tried to make it more upmarket by including new features in the latest model, it still lags behind in the competition by missing out on latest features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, etc. You do get an 8-inch touchscreen display but it doesn’t offer any kind of smartphone sync or linkage option. The overall layout of the centre console with the silver accents around looks outdated.

No car is perfect, not even the Isuzu mu-X. There are certain areas where it excels and other where it doesn’t. Overall, as long as you would be doing sane driving on the roads, and not pushing too much, the mu-X wouldn’t disappoint you. However, the other area where it does require you to push harder is off the roads.