2022 Isuzu MU-X achieves five-star ANCAP safety rating

Isuzu's 2022 MU-X has passed ANCAP's safety test with flying colours, taking five out of five stars to give it the top rating alongside its D-Max utility sibling.

Based on the same platform as the recently-updated D-Max, a large amount of the MU-X's scores were based on the ute's previous results – although the seven-seat SUV did perform better in certain categories of the independent crash tests.

Starting with its best category, MU-X scored 87 per cent for adult occupant protection, with full marks given in the side impact, oblique pole and rescue/extraction tests. It only dropped the most amount of points (getting 4.63 out of eight) in the frontal offset impact, while every other segment was within 0.5 of a perfect score.

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Child occupant protection in the second row also scored well, resulting in a total of 41.99 points from 48, giving it 85 per cent.

Full marks were awarded for the side dynamic test and restraint installation, although five out of 13 were dropped for on-board safety features.

Just one per cent behind was the MU-X's score for its safety assist systems, its 84 per cent total coming from 13.49 out of 16 points available. Occupant status warnings were given perfect scores, although its junction assist features couldn't quite make the grade – with 0.89 out of two points awarded.

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As is understandable for a high-riding SUV, the MU-X's pedestrian protection wasn't fantastic, nor was it horrific, as 37.63 points from 54 available gave it a total of 69 per cent.

Letting it down was the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) for pedestrians backover test (zero points scored), its AEB recognition of cyclists (3.89 out of nine) and head impacts – the latter of which saw the vehicle manage 17.78 points from 24 on offer.

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ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said the MU-X presents itself as a strong, safe candidate for SUV buyers, thanks to the full suite of airbags for first and second row occupants.

“The MU-X takes advantage of the safety features already demonstrated in the D-Max, and it is pleasing to see this strong performance carried over into the Large SUV segment,” said Hoorweg.

“Safety is a must for those in the market for a seven-seat family vehicle, and the MU-X provides a safe choice for active families.”