Isuzu MU-X

The Isuzu MU-X is a mid-size SUV produced by Isuzu. It is a body-on-frame SUV based on the D-Max pickup truck, and the successor to the MU-7.

The name "MU-X" stands for "Multi Utility – eXtreme".

Predecessor: Isuzu MU-7 (510; 2004)
The predecessor to the MU-X, the Isuzu MU-7 is a D-Max-based SUV with a three-row seating arrangement. The MU-7 was released in Thailand in November 2004, being advertised as a "Sport Utility Wagon". The MU-7 has the same front fascia and chassis as the D-Max but has a covered rear end instead of a truck bed. Unlike the MU-X, the MU-7 retains the same wheelbase as the D-Max. It was only available in some markets such as Thailand, the Philippines and India. In the Philippines, this model is called the Isuzu Alterra.

The MU-7 was sold with either rear-wheel drive or a 4x4 drivetrain. One engine, the 3.0 L 4JJ1-TC, was available. The car's "MOVE" suspension consists of torsion bar-sprung double wishbones on the front axle and leaf springs on the rear.

In the late third quarter of 2006, the MU-7 drivetrain options were named the Primo (4x2) and Activo (4x4). With a new 3.0 4JJ1-TCX engine option, new transmissions were implemented as well: a five-speed manual transmission and a MaxMatic-III automatic transmission. Also new was the interior, incorporating a console with wood trim and new seat upholstery.

As with the Gold Series trim of the D-Max, both the MU-7 Primo Gold Series and Activo Gold Series also received gold Isuzu badges in 3 locations. All Gold Series models also came equipped with a new navigation entertainment system incorporating a new reverse assist, all optional from early 2008. The Primo and Activo received a Wide Vision blind-spot rear view mirror. Also added was a lower-cost 4x2 model, the S with a 146 PS 3.0-litre engine, which was priced below the Primo.

MU-7 Platinum models were sold in Thailand from 1 November 2008, with tweaked front, fender, and side trim and platinum-painted engines. The MOVE suspension for Activo and Primo models was also retooled. The S model also received an automatic transmission as optional.

MU-7 Super Platinum models were introduced in the same month as the D-Max. Exterior changes include a new front bumper, new alloy wheels (except on the S), and newer blind spot rear view mirrors. Models with the 3.0 VGS Turbo engine also received light silver trim on the hood scoop.

In April 2011, the MU-7 Choiz was revealed at the Bangkok Motor Show, with new alloy wheels and small changes to the interior. In December 2011, the Choiz was facelifted with new alloy wheels. It was available in 4WD, 2WD 3000 VGS Turbo and 2WD 3000 DDi configurations.

First generation (RF; 2013)


The MU-X had its world premiere in Thailand on 31 October 2013 and was sold from 6 November 2013. The MU-X is a product from the collaboration between General Motors and Isuzu. As the result, it shared its platform with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Holden Colorado. Due to an agreement with GM, the Trailblazer was released prior to the MU-X.

In Australia, it was launched in December 2013. To date, the MU-X has been sold only in Thailand, Australia, Paraguay, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei (until 2016), Vietnam, China and India. Isuzu Motors has plans to market it overseas in 50 countries. In December 2013, the MU-X was showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, but is not sold in Japan.

Thailand
In Thailand, the MU-X was available in three trim levels, being: Base (CD), Standard (DVD) and High (DVD Navi).

CD and DVD-trim levels are available with the 2.5-litre engine. These trims are called the 2.5 VGS CD and 2.5 VGS DVD respectively. when equipped with the 5-speed automatic (or 5-speed manual, which is 4x2 only). The DVD Navi trim level is available with both the 2.5- and 3.0-litre engines, with the 2.5-litre engine, it is called 2.5 VGS DVD Navi, In 3.0-litre engine with automatic transmission, it is badged as 3.0 VGS DVD Navi.

The 4x4 (which is 5-speed automatic only) is solely available in the 3.0 VGS DVD Navi trim level.

Philippines
On 9 September 2014, Isuzu Philippines launched the MU-X to retire the Alterra. It was available in 3 trim levels, LS, LS-M and LS-A. However, only the 2.5-litre engine has been made available due to fuel quality concerns. The two lower-end variants were only available in 2WD with a manual transmission, while the higher-end LS-A can be had in 2WD or 4WD with Terrain Command.

In October 2015, Isuzu Philippines Corporation introduced the 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TC engine with an output of 163 PS and 380 Nm of torque. This engine differs from the global 3.0-litre engine as it is still Euro II-compliant and produces less power than the 4JJ1-TCX. Apart from the new engine, a chrome exhaust tip, 3.0 TD chrome emblem, and daytime running lights are fitted as standard on the 3.0 models to differentiate them from the 2.5 models.

In September 2017, as part of the 20th anniversary of Isuzu Philippines, the heavily revised Isuzu MU-X debuted in the Philippines. The Philippine-spec Isuzu MU-X gets similar features as the Thai-spec model. It gets the newer Euro IV-compliant 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TCX with Blue Power. This new engine also powers the 2018 D-Max.

China
In China, the MU-X was launched in May 2015 and was produced by Jiangxi Isuzu Motors.

Facelift
On 14 February 2017, the facelifted MU-X was revealed in a teaser video and website. It debuted on 4 March 2017 prior to the Bangkok International Motor Show. This facelift including integrated LED front and tail lights, improved interior quality with the addition of soft material, a two-tone interior, and improved NVH. Engines remained the same as the outgoing model.

Second generation (RJ; 2020)
The second-generation MU-X was revealed on 28 October 2020 in Thailand. It shares the same platform with the third generation D-Max, which in turn is also closely related to the third-generation Mazda BT-50.

Thailand
The second generation MU-X in Thailand is offered with two engine options: a 1.9-litre turbo diesel and a 3.0-litre turbo diesel. The 1.9-litre is used for four variants: 1.9 Active, 1.9 Luxury, 1.9 Elegance and 1.9 Ultimate; while the 4JJ3-TCX engine is exclusive to the 3.0 Elegance, 3.0 Ultimate and 3.0 Ultimate 4WD. The 3.0-litre engine received a power bump compared to the previous generation, from 177 PS to 190 PS.

Australia
The MU-X was launched in Australia on 30 July 2021, it is offered in three grades: LS-M, LS-U, and LS-T. All variants are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine paired to an automatic, with the option of 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.

In March 2024, the 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine was made available for the LS-M and LS-U grades.

Philippines
The second generation MU-X was launched in the Philippines on 22 September 2021. It was initially offered in six variants with five grades: LS 4x2 RZ4E A/T, LS-A 4x2 RZ4E M/T, LS-A 4x2 3.0 A/T, LS-E 4x2 3.0 A/T, and LS-E 4x4 3.0 A/T.

In February 2024, the MU-X received a 360-degree view camera, wireless charger and digital video recorder as standard for the LS-E and LS-A grades. The manual transmission option has been dropped.

New Zealand
The second generation MU-X was launched in New Zealand in October 2021. It is offered in a sole variant, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine paired to an automatic, with 4x4 configuration.

South Africa
The second generation MU-X was launched in South Africa on 17 November 2021, it is offered with four grades at launch: LS (4x2), LS (4x4), LSE (4x2) and Onyx (4x4), all variants are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine paired to a 6-speed automatic.

In May 2023, the MU-X range was updated in South Africa with additional features for certain grades and the addition of a new grade, LSE (4x4).

In August 2023, the MU-X was made available with a 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine only for the LS grade in 4x2 configuration.

Indonesia
The second generation MU-X was launched in Indonesia on 10 November 2021 at the 28th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. It is only offered in one configuration, with a 1.9-litre engine, an automatic transmission, and 4x4.

Vietnam
The second generation MU-X was launched in Vietnam on 23 July 2022 and is offered in four grades: B7 M/T (4x2), B7 Plus A/T (4x2), Prestige A/T (4x2), and Premium A/T (4x4). All variants are powered by a 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine.

Facelift
The facelifted MU-X debuted on 12 June 2024 in Thailand with a new front end design, new taillights and a few interior changes.