SINCE THE TWO ARE BASED on the same platform, it comes as no surprise that the Isuzu MU-X is being updated at the same time as its ute-sibling, the D-Max.
The MU-X benefits from new features, new finishes and a darker design aesthetic.
In recent years, with many Australians choosing to holiday at home and tour the Great Southern Land, large 4WD SUVs have soared in demand – with the Isuzu MU-X benefitting from that increased demand. The MU-X is often listed towards the top of the shortlist of many travellers seeking a do-it-all, adventure-ready SUV. With the capability of a high-riding, dual-range 4WD, 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, and the proven versatility of a family-focused seven-seat SUV, the MU-X has earned its place on trails, beaches, and family driveways around Australia.
Since launching locally in mid-2021, the 2nd generation MU-X has quickly established its position as a podium contender in the hotly contested ‘SUV-Large <$70K’ segment, and the top-choice in the ‘Ute-based SUV’ sub-segment – a title the MU-X has held for eight-consecutive years, since the nameplate originally launched in 2013.
Proving its popularity with Australian drivers, since August-2021, over 12,000 examples of the latest-generation MU-X have sold locally, as reported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
“Since launch, the MU-X has received much adoration from customers as the versatile choice of families and travellers looking to tow and explore Australia. These updates will only broaden its appeal and cement its place as one of the top-choices in the segment,”said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.
“Similar to the 2023 D-MAX stablemate – with which it shares much of its DNA – these updates have been fuelled by customer feedback, adding more value and features to an already value-packed vehicle, without the need of a price increase.”
“In a market where some manufacturers have removed features to meet delivery timeframes or increased pricing, we’ve worked closely with the factory to ensure we maintain the high-level of specification without compromise, which has been paramount in meeting Customer expectations and delivering on our award-winning customer satisfaction.”
23MY MU-X RANGE
Available in three grades; LS-M, LS-U, and LS-T, in either 4×2 or selectable 4×4, all 23MY Isuzu MU-X variants will be powered by Isuzu’s legendary 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine generating 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. With customer-driven updates across each grade, a bold darker design aesthetic, and a fresh new exterior hue, the 23MY MU-X range is set to be the highest-specification vehicle ever manufactured by Isuzu.
ISUZU MU-X LS-M
Proving that base-models don’t necessarily need to be stripped out, the LS-M is the ticket to adventure for savvy motorists and families who value a pragmatic interior with easy-to-clean trims – whilst still capable of towing up to 3.5-tonnes braked. With a bold, blacked-trimmed interior and exterior design, the 23MY MU-X LS-M looks the part on any trail or shaley slope, particularly with its new six spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain rubber, providing surefooted reassurance when off-road. In keeping with the dark exterior theme, the LED rear combination lights feature dark grey accents in lieu of the chrome of the previous model-year.
Simplifying the process when towing, the LS-M – just like the rest of the 23MY range – will automatically disable Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert driver aids when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness plug. This feedback-driven refinement comes a year after Isuzu introduced the Lane Support System Switch to the 22MY range, allowing the Driver to toggle lane keeping functions on or off, at the simple push of a button.
ISUZU MU-X LS-U
A popular choice amongst travellers, caravaners, and families who seek increased levels of convenience and comfort, the MU-X LS-U represents value and practical packaging in an SUV that features premium-appointments and inclusions at a competitive price point. Whilst retaining the same dark grey 18-inch turbine wheel design of the previous-model year, the 23MY LS-U is equipped with a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), affording the driver precise monitoring of tyre pressures to maximise traction and tyre life.
Taking the exterior design aesthetic of the LS-M a step further, the LS-U substitutes the silver and chrome from the previous model year with Magnetite; a dark grey shade used across the grille, fog light trims, sidesteps, roof rails and rear bumper. Similar touches of Magnetite can be found inside the cabin; across the dashboard and door trims. Adding a touch of additional functionality, Isuzu designers have introduced a handsfree tailgate system on the LS-U and LS-T, allowing the key bearer to open the rear tailgate by walking towards it and taking a step back – a welcome feature for those who need access to the boot whist their hands are full. The tailgate can then be closed via the handsfree tailgate sensor, or at the push of a button on the dash, tailgate itself, or via the smart key.
ISUZU MU-X LS-T
Ruggedly refined, the flagship MU-X LS-T continues to headline the range by combining a lavish piano black and leather-accented interior trim with a bold exterior design – all packaged up as Isuzu’s most comprehensive vehicle ever. Receiving the same functionality and design updates as the LS-U, the 23MY LS-T receives additional Magnetite treatment across the lower front bumper, and a new set of 20-inch machined alloy wheels for a more distinguished aesthetic.
TOWING ENHANCEMENTS
With customer surveys detailing that close to half of Isuzu owners chose their vehicle to tow with, Isuzu engineers have simplified towing with the 23MY MU-X by automatically disabling Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when a trailer is hitched up and detected via the Genuine trailer plug. This refinement comes a year after Isuzu introduced the Lane Support System Switch, giving the Driver the added convenience of toggling lane keeping functions on or off, at the simple push of a button.
2023 (23MY) MU-X RANGE UPDATE SUMMARY
| MU-X LS-M |
| Two-tone black grille |
| LED rear combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic |
| New 17-inch six spoke alloy wheels |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
| MU-X LS-U |
| Magnetite and black chrome grille |
| LED rear combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic |
| Magnetite accents across exterior fog light trim, rear bumper, roof rails, and sidesteps. |
| Magnetite accents across interior dashboard and door trims. |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Handsfree tailgate |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
| MU-X LS-T |
| Magnetite and black chrome grille |
| LED rear combination lights trimmed in dark grey metallic |
| Magnetite accents across exterior fog light trim, front bumper, rear bumper, roof rails, and sidesteps. |
| Magnetite accents across interior dashboard and door trims. |
| New 20-inch six spoke machined alloy wheels with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Handsfree tailgate |
| BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing |
2023 (23MY) MU-X RANGE GRADEWALK
MU-X LS-M standard equipment:
- Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), which includes AEB with Turn Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Trailer Sway Control and eight airbags.
- 140kW/450Nm 3-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain with 2-High, 4-High and 4-Low.
- Rear-Diff Lock and Rough Terrain Mode (4×4 models).
- Automatic-Electric Park Brake with Auto Hold function.
- Ute-based SUV class-leading boot space of 311 litres with all seats up, 1,119 litres with the third row down, and 2,138 litres with the second and third row folded flat.
- 230mm ground clearance, with 28.6-degree approach, 22.6-degree ramp-over and 27.6-degree departure angles.
- New 17-inch silver alloy wheels (upgrade) with 255/65R17 Dunlop AT25 All-Terrain.
- Black trimmed door mirrors and door handles.
- Two-tone black grille (upgrade).
- Sidesteps finished in black.
- Black window trims.
- Polyurethane steering wheel and gear selector.
- Carpet floor.
- High-grade cloth trim seven-seat upholstery.
- Dual vanity mirrors.
- Interior trimmed with easy-to-clean plastics and cloth door trim.
- Push Button Start with remote keyless entry.
- 7-inch infotainment with DAB+, Smart Phone Mirroring, Voice Recognition, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay and 4-speaker audio.
- Air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents and control.
- Second row ISOFIX compatible anchor points on outer two seats, with three top-tether points.
- Automatic Bi-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), with auto-levelling and automatic high beam control.
- Automatic windshield wipers.
- LED combination taillights.
- Rear Park Sensors.
- Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.
- BSM and RCTA Auto-Off when towing (upgrade).
- Available in Mineral White, Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Magnetic Red Mica and Cobalt Blue Mica.
MU-X LS-U adds:
- 235mm ground clearance, with 29.2-degree approach, 23.1-degree ramp-over and 26.9-degree departure angles.
- 18-inch dark grey turbine alloy wheels with 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
- Powered and heated body coloured door mirrors.
- Body coloured door handles.
- Magnetite and chrome front grille (upgrade).
- Sidesteps finished in Magnetite (upgrade).
- Lower rear bar trim finished in Magnetite (upgrade).
- Rear privacy glass with chrome window trim.
- Premium leather steering wheel and gear selector.
- 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support.
- Interior trimmed with Magnetite (upgrade), piano-black, chrome and silver.
- Embossed bronze, chrome and third-dimensional crystal-like textures across the dials.
- Push Button Start with Smart Entry and Start – smart proximity key allows for true, keyless entry and start/stop at a push of a button.
- Walk Away Door Lock – automatically locks when it senses the driver is over 3-meters away from the vehicle.
- 9-inch infotainment with DAB+, Smart Phone Mirroring, Voice Recognition, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay and 8-speaker audio.
- Dual-zone air-conditioning with rear passenger air vents and control.
- LED fog lights with Magnetite (upgrade) trims.
- Automatic windshield wipers with intuitive flat wiper blade design.
- Front Park Sensors.
- Power tailgate, with remote and handsfree operation (upgrade).
- Roof rails finished in Magnetite (upgrade).
- Available in Mineral White, Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Magnetic Red Mica, Cobalt Blue Mica, Moonstone White Pearl and the new Galaxy Blue Mica (new).
MU-X LS-T adds:
- New 20-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels with 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT (upgrade).
- Lower front bar trim finished in Magnetite (upgrade).
- Leather-accented seven-seat upholstery with stitched leatherette across interior door trims and centre console.
- Variably heated front driver and passenger seats.
- 8-way power front adjustable driver’s seat, with electric adjustable lumbar support.
- 4-way power front adjustable passenger seat.
- LED ambient interior lighting.
- Remote engine start – embedded with security measures to prevent unauthorised entry and theft.
- Available in Mineral White, Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey Mica, Basalt Black Mica, Magnetic Red Mica, Cobalt Blue Mica, Moonstone White Pearl and the new Galaxy Blue Mica (new).
PRICING, PAINT & AVAILABILITY
Officially on sale from 1st December 2022, the 23MY MU-X range will be priced exactly the same as the 22MY range, with driveaway pricing on the flagship 23MY MU-X LS-T 4×4 set to start at $65,990.
RRP (plus on road costs)
MU-X LS-M 4×2 – $48,900
MU-X LS-U 4×2 – $55,400
MU-X LS-T 4×2 – $61,400
MU-X LS-M 4×4 – $54,900
MU-X LS-U 4×4 – $61,400
MU-X LS-T 4×4 – $67,400 ($65,990 Special Driveaway Price)
The 23MY MU-X range will be available across a selection of colours, with all but ‘Mineral White’ incurring a $650 paint premium:
- Mineral White
- Basalt Black Mica
- Galaxy Blue Mica (new)
- Mercury Silver metallic
- Obsidian Grey metallic
- Moonstone White Pearl (LS-U and LS-T only)
- Magnetic Red Mica
- Cobalt Blue Mica
Full 23MY MU-X specification details are due in the upcoming months, ahead of local deliveries commencing towards the end of 2022.