FULLY LOADED

Rugged seven-seat offroader is the ideal companion for exploring the outback

Isuzu’s new MU-X delivers the ingredients most buyers want from a family-focused offroader. It’s safer, has more technology and is better at towing and off-roading. It’s been eight years since the previous MU-X launched, so there’s been much catching up to do. The outgoing model, while enduringly popular, was overdue for retirement.

The only other vehicle in Isuzu’s line-up – the D-Max ute – was all-new 12 months ago and it’s made its SUV showroom stablemate look a bit double denim.

No longer. The new MU-X is basically a new D-Max in an SUV body, with seven seats and more sophisticated independent rear suspension better suited to family duties than lugging loads.

There are three grades – LS-M, LS-U and LS-T – each available in two- or four-wheel drive. All have Isuzu’s advanced safety and driver assistance tech, including an airbag between the front seats to stop heads clashing in an accident. Owners can project their phone cable-free onto the dash touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but there’s no wireless phone charging.

The cabin is plusher and roomier, the exterior design is tougher with angled Bi-LED projector headlights, while towing ability is up 500kg to a class-leading 3500kg.

The big Isuzu will now wade into 800mm water crossings (up 200mm) and there’s a locking differential on four-wheel-drive models for serious off-roading.

Australia is Isuzu’s largest export market, so they’ve worked hard to keep buyers happy. There is a catch, though. Prices have shot up, and while drive-away deals seemed everlasting with the old MU-X, there is now only one: the range-topping LS-T 4WD at $63,990.

Comically, the recommended drive-away prices for the LS-U 4WD or LS-T 2WD – which don’t have as much equipment – are about $1000 more. That means the LS-T 4WD is the only MU-X that makes buying sense right now. The cheapest model available is a “school run special” LS-M 2WD at about $52,000 driveaway. Affordability has long been Isuzu’s trump card so higher prices are risky, but Isuzu Australia’s General Manager of Sales, Ben Jaeger, isn’t concerned.

“We think it’s still a value-packed proposition, especially compared against its competitors.”

Maybe, but it’s a steep price jump. The recommended retail price of the LS-T 2WD is up by $9800, or almost 20 per cent.

“Comparing it (the 2021 MU-X) with the last model, it’s chalk and cheese,” Jaeger says.

The improvements are marked. The top of the dash and some surfaces on the doors are soft to the touch, while the leather-accented seats in the flagship are comfy and power adjustable.

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The 9-inch infotainment screen and digital speedo are big improvements over the old model as well. There are still some hard plastics, though.

The middle-row seats are accommodating and simple to fold for access to the third row of seats.

Adults can just about use these – head room is good but leg room’s tight – while ceiling air vents to the rear two rows and three USBs tick the family box.

All MU-Xs use a 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel mated to a six-speed auto gearbox. The Isuzu faithful have long loved this engine’s truck roots for reliability and an unstressed drive (especially when towing), but the old motor felt and sounded a little agricultural.

This re-engineered version hides the gruffness and vibrations far better (unless you floor it) and at 100km/h it sits at 1400rpm in near silence for a serene motorway cruise.

The urban drive impresses too. It’s still a lump of an SUV, but light steering, a good turning circle, a rear camera and sensors means car parks aren’t too daunting.

The MU-X’s ute roots mean it can’t corner like on-road-specific large SUVs, although again Isuzu’s done a decent job improving this area. Body roll is well tamed and the ride not too bouncy, but a roundabout – especially a wet one – requires extra care, as it does with all utebased SUVs.

The trade-off is excellent off-road clout. We threw the new MU-X over Noosa North Shore’s soft sand playground and it proved its worth as an adventurer.

Moving to low range was a clunk-free onesecond job, adding to the effortless manners the Isuzu showed with sandy boots. The all-round competence it displays will be of huge appeal to outdoorsy families.

VERDICT

There’s been a sharp jump in prices but the new model is more polished, more capable and safer than its predecessor.