The facelifted Isuzu MU-X has arrived in SA and we have pricing for the new flagship variant, the MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT. Here’s what this top-spec adventure SUV will cost…
The facelifted Isuzu MU-X has officially touched down in South Africa, headlined by a new flagship derivative called the MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT. And it’s the first MU-X variant priced at over R1-million.
As a reminder, Isuzu’s refreshed 7-seater adventure SUV was revealed in Thailand in June 2024, around 4 months before Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors South Africa’s CEO and Managing Director, suggested to us that Mzansi would welcome a new “sexier” version of the MU-X at some point in 2025.
We can now confirm that this flagship derivative – which is known as the “RS” in Thailand – wears the “XT” badge here in South Africa. Interestingly, the XT moniker is also used in Australia, where it stands for “X-Terrain”, a nameplate that features on that market’s D-Max bakkie, too.
The new Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4×4 6AT is priced at R1 026 800, representing a R38 800 premium over the previous range-topper, the MU-X 3.0TD Onyx 4×4 6AT (R988 000). That sees the newcomer slotting neatly between the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 GR-Sport (R999 000) and Ford Everest 2.0 BiT 4×4 Sport (R1 109 500).
The new MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT is only the 2nd model in Isuzu’s light-vehicle range (that is, excluding the brand’s medium, heavy and extra-heavy trucks) to be priced on the far side of R1-million. The 1st, of course, is the Struandale-produced (and likewise locally converted) D-Max 3.0TD AT35 4×4 6AT, which is currently priced at R1 182 100.
Sourced from Thailand, the new XT is set apart from other MU-X derivatives by its model-specific grille design as well as gloss-black finishes for items such as the wheel-arch extensions, side-mirror caps and alloy wheels. Of course, there’s also the requisite smattering of “XT” badges (on the grille, front fenders and tailgate).
Inside, we suspect the MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT will feature black leather with red contrast stitching, along with items such as an updated infotainment system, a new 360-degree camera, fresh ambient lighting and various driver-assistance safety features.
What about the rest of the facelifted MU-X range? Well, pricing for the standard derivatives ranges from R752 300 (up R8 000) to R973 700 (up R4 300), with the 5 variants effectively carrying over in facelifted form and the new XT topping the Japanese brand’s ladder-frame SUV line-up (in place of the pre-facelift Onyx).
Exterior styling changes for the standard (non-XT) derivatives are led by an aggressive new front-end design, complete with revised headlamps, a sporty front bumper and an updated grille. The taillamps, meanwhile, gain a new lighting signature and are now connected by a full-width trim piece, while fresh alloy-wheel designs have been rolled out, too.
From what we can tell, no changes have been made to the local MU-X powertrain line-up, which again comprises a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine (110 kW/350 Nm) and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor (140 kW/450 Nm). Both units are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard.
That means there’s no sign of Isuzu’s newly developed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, which have already rolled out in Thailand…
How much does the Isuzu MU-X Onyx XT cost in SA?
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
The prices above include Isuzu’s 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
Related content
Will SA-built Isuzu D-Max receive new 2.2 turbodiesel?
