2022 Isuzu MU-X wagon price and features

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) has revealed its second generation MU-X wagon, which goes on sale in Australia from August 2.

The pretty much all-new wagon arrives in a three-model line-up that mirrors the previous generation with both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, but adds significant safety technology in line with the D-MAX ute that arrived late in 2020.

The three-tier range starts with the 4x2 LS-M model at $47,900, followed by the LS-U and top of the range LS-T which tops out at $65,900 for the 4x4 model. All variants are available in two- and four-wheel drive platforms.

Those prices are markedly up on the previous MU-X which you could get into for $42,900 (LS-M 4x2), while an LS-T 4x4 could be had for $56,400. All of those prices are plus on-road costs.

IUA is offering the new MU-X LS-T 4x4 at a $63,990 drive-away price as an introductory offer.

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The 2022 MU-X gets a new five-door, three-row body on a revised chassis using the same live rear axle and IFS all-coil suspension. Power comes from the latest version of Isuzu’s 4JJ3 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It now produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque in line with the same engine in the current D-MAX ute.

The only transmission option is the Aisin six-speed automatic and this is backed up by a part-time, dual-range four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential. The MU-X is no longer offered in Australia with a manual gearbox.

Significantly the new MU-X gets the full IDAS safety suite as appears in the D-MAX. Included in this are autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, rear cross-traffic alert, post-collision braking, turn assist, lane keeping assist, automatic cruise control, traffic sign recognition and forward collision warning.

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The full suite of IDAS features are standard on all new MU-X models, however tyre pressure monitoring, another important safety feature, is only available on LS-T variants. We see this as an oversight by IUA as many of the other safety systems rely on the tyre’s contact with the track and can only operate as they should with correct pressure in the tyres.

All new MU-Xs get the same powertrain, a rear diff lock, ‘Tough Terrain mode’ button for off road use, three-row seating for seven occupants, air-con vents for all three rows of seats with separate controls for the second row, full ADAS systems, auto-on LED headlights, 3500kg towing capacity, an electrically activated parking brake, electrically assisted power steering, Apple and Android connectivity and alloy wheels.

The LS-U adds over the base LS-M, a leather covered steering wheel and gear shifter, auto keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a 9-inch touchscreen over the 7-inch in the LS-M, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, chrome door handles and radiator grille, LED fog lights, side-steps, roof rails, privacy glass, a power operating tailgate, and 18-inch alloys over the LS-M’s 17s.

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The top-spec LS-T adds 20-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring system, leather accented interior trims, power adjustment and heating on the front seats. LED interior lighting, remote engine starting via the key fob and an auto dimming rear-view mirror.

The mid-spec LS-U appears to be the best value-for-money package when looking at the spec levels, and we expect this will become the more popular option with buyers, especially once the introductory drive-away pricing on the LS-T model expires.

The MU-X continues to compete in that mid-size 4WD wagon market among the other models that offer genuine off-road ability as opposed to soft-roader SUVs. These include the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the class leader – in terms of sales – Toyota Prado.

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Comparing the $59,990 MU-X LS-U 4x4 with the popular mid-spec variants from each of those, you’re looking at $60,890 for the Everest Trend; $60,490 for a Pajero Sport GLS; $54,350 for a Fortuner GLX and $66,540 for a Prado GXL, which is almost in a class of its own in price and size. The curveball is a SsangYong Rexton Ultimate which at $55,990 drive away is certainly one not to overlook.

With the launch of the new MU-X and the new D-MAX seven-months ago, Isuzu Ute Australia has stepped up its range in both equipment levels and price, and in some aspects the Isuzu vehicles lead their respective class. How well the buyer adapts to this from a brand which always sold on having a more affordable and dependable product remains to be seen but if the sales of the 2021 D-MAX are any indication, IUA is on the right track.

The new MU-X will be in Isuzu showrooms on August 2.

2022 ISUZU MU-X PRICING (+ORC)