2024 Isuzu MU-X to offer smaller, more affordable 1.9-litre diesel in Australia

The 2024 Isuzu MU-X off-road large SUV will offer a smaller, cheaper engine option next year.

Isuzu Ute Australia said the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel from base versions of the related D-Max ute (and its Mazda BT-50 twin-under-the-skin) will be added to the seven-seat MU-X line-up sometime in 2024.

“IUA plans to introduce the Isuzu 1.9L engine available in some current D-MAX variants to the MU-X range in 2024,” said an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson.

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“Exact timings and model range at this stage is not confirmed, but we will provide more information when it becomes available”

Available in the current MU-X overseas, the ‘RZ4E’ 1.9-litre turbo-diesel produces 110kW and 350Nm – down 30Nm and 100Nm compared to the familiar 150kW/450Nm ‘4JJ3-TCX’ 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.

Both powertrains are matched to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

If the D-Max is a guide, the 1.9-litre engine would likely be offered in the entry-level MU-X LS-M two-wheel-drive variant aimed at fleet buyers.

The price difference between a D-Max SX 1.9-litre auto and SX 3.0-litre auto is $2000, suggesting the MU-X’s entry price could fall to approximately $46,900 before on-road costs.

D-Max and BT-50 variants fitted with the 1.9-litre diesel have a reduced braked towing capacity of 2800 kilograms for the manual or 3000kg for the automatic, compared to 3500kg for 3.0-litre diesel versions of the MU-X, D-Max and BT-50.

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The 1.9-litre MU-X is likely to also be limited to a three-tonne capacity.

An improved fuel consumption rating is expected with the 1.9-litre D-Max 4x2 dual-cab auto rated at 6.7L/100km compared to 7.7L/100km for an equivalent 3.0-litre variant – suggesting the 1.9-litre MU-X 4x2 could fall from 7.8L/100km to around 6.8L/100km, less than a four-cylinder bi-turbo Ford Everest 4x2.

Further details about the 1.9-litre 2024 Isuzu MU-X SUV are due to be announced at a later date.