Long simply lumped together with the other Toyota Fortuner competitors like the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Montero Sport, this generation of Isuzu mu-X hopes to distinguish itself from the competition with its more upscale form.
Boasting of more sophisticated and subtle styling, the mu-X offers all the benefits of a seven-seater SUV without the need to broadcast it to the rest of the world.
The new model features slimmer bi-LED automatic headlamps with arrow signature. They flank the redesigned grille that now protrudes forward. Behind is a flush power tailgate with a rear spoiler and LED combination taillights.
Getting inside is effortless thanks to the smart key. Keep it in your pocket and press the button on the door handle to lock/unlock this seven-seater. Inside is a push Start/Stop button to wake the 3.0L diesel CRDi engine with an electric variable geometry turbo.
The interior takes inspiration from luxury brands like Lexus or Porsche. Prominently black, it comes with soft-touch surfaces and piano black accents all around the cockpit. All seats are leather-wrapped with second-row seats that fold and tumble forward easily using only one lever. The third row is more spacious than most in the segment, offering big legroom.
The driver is greeted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with controls for the audio. Ahead of him is two dials and a 4.2-inch multi-function information display with the various advanced safety features.
Passengers will love the massive 10.1-inch full touchscreen display. It sends music to eight speakers and comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and even the old-school AUX-in. The appointments are as plush and hi-tech as the new styling aspires to be.
On the road, comfort is very commendable, possibly one of the most comfortable in the segment. You’ll hardly feel potholes thanks to the coil spring front and rear suspension.
On the highway, it feels like it has more than 190 PS, easily cruising at 100 km/h while keeping well below 2,000 rpm. Overall fuel consumption on combined driving is a very good 10.1 km/l for an engine with a higher displacement than most in the segment.
One of the best additions is the ADAS (advanced driver assist system). It has at least 13 safety features that will come in handy to prevent a collision. These range from adaptive cruise control, to emergency braking, and lane departure warning, among many others.
The only thing about this vehicle that may give you pause is its price of P2.100 million, putting it on the expensive end of the price range. Nonetheless, the changes made to the mu-X are well worth it. The exterior gives it a much more upscale look and the addition of ADAS is a big leap forward. This mu-X 3.0L 4x2 LS-E AT will not disappoint.