The 2025 Isuzu MU-X has landed in South Africa, replete with extensive cosmetic revisions and spec changes. Is the facelifted model likely to gain a bigger foothold in the Toyota Fortuner-dominated Adventure SUV segment, however?
The Isuzu MU-X (based on the D-Max bakkie) is a 3-row, body-on-frame adventure SUV pitched against the segment-leading Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. While we’ve never regarded the MU-X a sub-par product, its new-vehicle sales figures lagged significantly behind those of its Toyota rival (by over 4 000 units since 2021) – something Isuzu wishes to change with this update.
What’s Changed?
The newcomer’s exterior execution is bound to be the biggest talking point and, when paired with 1 of the new colour finishes, such as Eiger Grey (shown here), the MU-X looks very eye-catching. It features a new-look grille, a redesigned badge, a revised lighting setup, and the flagship variant bears subtle XT badges. In addition to reshaped bumpers, the Isuzu also sports combination LED taillight clusters.
There are new-look wheels too, with 18-inch alloys on the LS and LSE, and attractive 20-inch rims on the range-topping Onyx XT. What’s more, customers can now choose from 8, rather than 6, paint finishes.
The cabin also incorporates a raft of enhancements. Tactile upgrades, such as a revamped dashboard, new interior trim for the doors and armrests, as well as reworked leather-seat patterns, have been added. Most impressively, however, the 2025 Isuzu MU-X focuses on in-car tech, which was one department in which the pre-facelift MU-X lagged behind the 2023/24 CarsAwards category-winning Ford Everest.
The infotainment system now features a better-quality screen and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the higher-spec derivatives gain a 360-degree camera with a sharp resolution, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. The Isuzu’s analogue instrument cluster has been replaced by a 7-inch semi-digital panel (with traditional dials for the rev counter and fuel gauge) – its display is easily legible.
Mechanically, it appears the powertrains have been left unchanged, which may disappoint those buyers who hoped that the MY25 MU-X derivatives would offer improved performance, but the suspension has been upgraded; Isuzu claims the larger diameter shock absorbers it fitted improve the SUV’s ride quality.
What’s on offer?
There are 6 variants, with 3 trim grades (LS, LSE and Onyx XT), in the revised Isuzu MU-X lineup. The range begins with a 1.9TD LS 4×2 6AT derivative and tops out with the 3.0TD Onyx XT 4×4 6AT.
As a reminder, buyers can choose between a 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, both of which are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and are available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
Outputs vary from 110 kW/350 Nm for the 1.9TD, to 140 kW/450 Nm for the 3.0TD motor that powers most of the variants. The 4×4 derivatives also offer a differential lock and low-range transfer case.
The smaller capacity 1.9TD should be the more efficient of the 2 powerplants, with Isuzu claiming an average consumption figure of 7 L/100 km for the entry-level 1.9TD LS 4×2 6AT variant.
What is the 2025 Isuzu MU-X like to drive?
We drove an Eigur Grey example of the range-topping 3.0TD Onyx XT during the launch event. Our route comprised some open-road stretches towards the Paardeberg mountain range in the Swartland region, before a quick off-road excursion through the back of the Knorhoek Wine Estate, which offered some eye-opening technical moments. So much for gentle farm-road trundles, but more on that in a bit!
While the reliability of Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel is renowned, we feel Isuzu may have missed a trick by not improving its peak outputs in a bid to close the gap to its competitors. As it stands, the MU-X offers the least power in the segment, and that’s something to be mindful of, especially if you tow trailers.
We suspect the Japanese marque has implemented measures to improve the MU-X’s on-road refinement, because we discerned pleasantly low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
This is a genuinely quiet open road cruiser, but that venerable turbodiesel mill will clear its throat when your right foot demands more acceleration. The engine may sound like it’s labouring, but the Isuzu’s performance is adequate, with the 6-speed ‘box working quietly to shuffle its cogs without hesitation.
As for the 4×4 section of the evaluation route, well, it was not an actual test track, but rather a series of general farm roads high into the hillside that only 4×4 vehicles or farm tractors could traverse.
Granted, we didn’t need low-range, but some of those blind and steep descents made me appreciate the new parking cameras as well as the hill-descent control. The tech is there for a reason, people. Use it.
After our drive, the Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4×4 6AT’s trip computer read 11.9 km/L, which translates to an indicated average consumption of under 8.5 L/100 km, so colour us impressed with the efficiency!
How much does the 2025 Isuzu MU-X cost in South Africa?
| Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD LS 4×2 6AT | R752 300 |
| Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LS 4×2 6AT | R852 600 |
| Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LSE 4×2 6AT | R886 700 |
| Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LS 4×4 6AT | R939 500 |
| Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD LSE 4×4 6AT | R973 700 |
| Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4×4 6AT | R1 026 800 |
Prices correct in May 2025. The 2025 MU-X variants are sold with a 5-year/120 000 km manufacturer warranty (with roadside assistance), a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, and a 5-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty included in their prices. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.
Summary
These exterior and interior enhancements should bring the Isuzu MU-X back into the limelight. When you compare the pricing of the outgoing range with that of the facelifted line-up, you’ll notice the changes are very minor, which is very impressive, given the economic instability.
Not only is the value proposition of the MU-X undeniable, and even if the newcomer’s driving experience is much the same as that of its predecessor, there remains little to fault with Isuzu’s adventure SUV, other than the power deficit, which only becomes glaringly obvious under hard acceleration or if you’re towing.
We’ll give this one a proper Cars.co.za review very soon – watch this space.
Further Reading:
Will SA-built Isuzu D-Max receive new 2.2 turbodiesel?
Isuzu D-Max facelift and ‘sexier’ MU-X set for 2025
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