MISSION COMPLETE.
The TJM Covert bar blends stealth and style to seamlessly transform your 4x4. With killer looks and the tools you need for your next assignment, it’s a subtle weapon that’s easy to miss and impossible to forget.
OFF-ROAD
FINALLY, Isuzu has listened to feedback from media and owners and has fitted a rear differential lock as standard across the 4x4 range. It doesn’t end there though, as the 2021 Isuzu MU-X now has a selectable off-road mode called Rough Terrain, which improves the calibration of its traction-control system for off-road duties. It works, too – really well. Without pressing the Rough Terrain mode button, when lifting wheels, the MU-X was going nowhere fast. A simple touch of this magic button and the MU-X made forward progression, and rather easily I might point out. This is now a very capable four-wheel drive wagon, something that couldn’t be said about the old MU-X, without spending some money at your friendly local 4x4 accessory store having an aftermarket diff lock fitted.
Front and rear suspension has been revised for the 2021 model and, as mentioned, it rides really well on-road. The same can be said when off-road. Suspension travel on all four corners has also been improved over the previous generation. Combine this with solid low-range reduction gearing, and all those new traction aids, and you can take this MU-X pretty damn far off-road. This is probably a good time to mention the factory underbody protection plates too; they are made up of a combination of 1.5mm thick steel and some 5mm thick poly-composite plates. This vehicle is ticks many boxes for the off-road enthusiast.
CABIN & ACCOMMODATION
THE first thing I noticed when opening the electronic-operated tailgate (standard on LS-U and LS-T models) was how, when the third-row seating is folded flat, it is really folded flat. This gives a great platform for storing fridges or camping gear, as well as prams and other associated bulky items.
The second thing I noticed was how low the tailgate sits when fully opened. Combined with the curved shape of said tailgate, if you are a taller person, you could find it a challenge to not bang your head on it when putting the shopping in the back. Our photographer found that out the hard way.
The front seats in this LS-U spec are supportive and comfortable. There’s even adjustable lumbar support in this LS-U spec, which my poor old back appreciated. They look great, too. As I’m not a fan of leather seats, this interior works for me. There’s a nine-inch infotainment screen, which is (as you’d expect) Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible. The system works well, however if you opt for the lower spec LS-M, you’ll land a seven-inch unit.
In terms of second-row seating, there’s plenty of room and comfort to be found. One neat feature is the cup holder which is found in the centre armrest. Fold the armrest down, and the cup holder slides out. Something that isn’t so neat is the lack of visibility out of the small rearmost side glass section from the third row seat. The roofline, while more modern in its appearance thanks to its sloping lines, reduces the realestate for glass. Not a deal breaker, but it’s certainly something you’ll notice if you’ve driven the previous MU-X.
Third-row seating, while comfortable enough, is really limited to smaller folk. I’m nearly two metres tall and my head was firmly pushed into the roof of the MU-X. Leg room is adequate, though. If you don’t need all seven seats, folding them back down was a really simple and quick affair.
PRACTICALITIES
IT is a shame to see 18-inch wheels on the LS-U and 20-inch wheels on the LS-T, even though we know this is due to the upgraded brakes found on this 2021 model. The 17-inch wheels are my rim size of choice, as they strike a good balance between on- and off-road handling. Thankfully, there is a wider range of all-terrain tyres available these days in 18- and 20-inch wheels. On the topic of brakes, there is also now an electronically controlled handbrake instead of a traditional manually operated unit.
Payload has been increased thanks to the new stronger and lighter chassis, and firmer spring rate in the suspension. This LS-U can carry 645kg and the 3500kg towing capacity is standard across the range.
Speaking of range, the 2021 MU-X now has an 80L fuel tank. Sure, it’s not as good as say the Prado, but it is still an improvement. Considering how frugal that 3.0L turbo-diesel engine is, that should represent a solid touring range. No doubt, there will be larger aftermarket fuel tanks available in the very near future, too. Another improvement is a factory rating of 100kg load capacity for the roof, if you decide to fit roof racks.
All in all, this is a very easy vehicle to live with daily. Especially when considering how much safety technology has been incorporated into it, under Isuzu’s banner of IDAS (Intelligent Driver Assistance System). This showcases an absolute stonking amount of modern safety, which would have to be class leading (or very close to) in this wagon category.
SUMMARY
Yes, the all-new 2021 Isuzu MU-X is a better vehicle to drive in every way compared to the previous model. Yes, it is more expensive and more complex, but you are also getting so many more inclusions for your hardearned money.
It’s now rather capable off-road thanks to the addition of the Rough Terrain traction-control mode and the rear differential lock across the 4x4 range. It is also a (much) more refined package on-road compared to the MU-X of old. Special mention must go to the suspension tune in the 2021 MU-X, as it rides brilliantly on-road and in the rough stuff.
The 2021 Isuzu MU-X is safer, and more practical for families. With a larger fuel tank and 100kg roof capacity, there’s plenty of good news for off-road tourers as well.
We’re looking forward to driving the other models in the range, to work out where the sweet spot is when it comes to ownership. So far, it must be said … I’m impressed.