2024 Isuzu MU-X 1.9L review

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) expanded its MU-X wagon model range in early April by adding the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine to the line-up in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.

The small oiler is available in entry-level LS-M specification in both drivetrain options, while it’s also available in the mid-spec LS-U 4x4 variant. While the existing 3.0L turbo-diesel engine makes a claimed 140kW and 450Nm, the smaller 1.9-litre diesel engine produces a more modest 110kW and 350Nm.

In most other markets, the 1.9L mill is the only engine option for the MU-X and D-MAX, but the Australian arm of Isuzu campaigned its head office to update and retain the long-serving 4JJ 3.0L engine for our market. Little wonder when you consider how popular both the MU-X and D-MAX are for towing trailers and hauling heavy loads, thanks largely to the extra output developed by the larger engine.

9

Now, however, IUA has also introduced the RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre engine to the Australian market as a more frugal alternative to the 3.0-litre powerplant. On the combined fuel consumption cycle the 1.9L achieves a claimed 7.4L/100km in both 4x2 and 4x4 models, while the 3.0L achieves 7.8L/100km in 4x2 MU-X and 8.3L/100m in 4x4 MU-X models. The newer and smaller engine is also cleaner in terms of CO2 output.

The 1.9L engine has also been introduced in select D-MAX ute models; although, the 3.0L engine remains the predominant engine across the range. The lower fuel consumption figure of the 1.9 engine will help IUA with the incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which, as a company that sells just two diesel-fuelled models, would struggle to meet.

IUA’s push to keep the 4JJ 3.0L engine was a smart move, as our initial drive of the 1.9 MU-X reveals it’s a lot busier on the open road. The launch drive was relatively short, but covered suburban roads and highways. We had the opportunity to drive 3.0L-powered vehicles earlier in the day and when we swapped over to the 1.9 we found you really have to squeeze the accelerator pedal down a lot more to motivate the MU-X, especially on hills or when overtaking. Our vehicle was quite heavily laden, with four adult passengers and luggage in the cargo space.

9

The 1.9 works the six-speed automatic transmission a lot more and it needs to kick back into lower gears to maintain speed in accordance with the throttle input. The Aisin six-speed is a great transmission and does the job well, but you notice it working harder behind the smaller capacity engine.

Thankfully, the 1.9 is a more modern and refined engine than the 3.0 and as such is not as harsh and noisy as the bigger mill, producing far less vibration. Had IUA not been able to convince head office to retain the 3.0 for our market, we reckon it would have been the death knell for the company in Australia. Die-hard customers who like to travel and tow with their MU-X wagons and D-MAX utes would have stayed away in droves from the 1.9.

That said, the towing capacity of 1.9-powered MU-X models is a relatively impressive 3000kg (down from 3500kg with the 3.0L), while GCM is 5500kg. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is dependent on drivetrain, with 4x2 and 4x4 models tipping the scales 2700kg and 2800kg respectively. The lighter weight of the 1.9-litre models gives them a higher payload than 3.0L variants, with the MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4x4 able to carry up to 735kg.

All 2024 MU-X wagons get the full suite of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) which includes AEB with Turn Assist; Forward Collision Warning; Traffic Sign Recognition; Lane Departure Warning; Lane Departure Prevention; Lane Keeping Assist; Emergency Lane Keeping; Blind Spot Monitoring; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Trailer Sway Control; and a total of eight airbags.

Isuzu has listened to the complaints from reviewers and owners about the uber-intrusive driver control systems on the MU-X and has toned them down a bit so that they don’t bug you as much with beeps and boings, or intervene erratically when keeping you in your lane.

While we give Isuzu credit for offering a comprehensive safety suite across the whole range, it still only offers tyre pressure monitoring on upper spec models. We reckon TPMS is a more important safety feature than some of other electronic aids that are included just to achieve a five-star safety rating. I mean, how many times do you need to check your rear seat? It was still there every time the dashboard told me to check it!

9

The MU-X LS-M grade gets cloth interior trim as standard; remote keyless entry; a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple and Android phone mirroring; four speakers; auto air conditioning with rear vents and controls for rear seat passengers; 17-inch alloy wheels; and LED headlights.

Step up to the LS-U and you get TPMS; 18-inch alloys; rear privacy glass; auto door locks; power adjustment for the driver’s seat; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter; a nine-inch centre screen with eight speaker sound system; wireless CarPlay and Android connection; and model-specific trim colourways.

Both models are well-appointed family wagons and the 4x4 variants have real off-road potential with dual-range part-time 4x4, a locking rear differential (RDL) and a rough terrain mode that keeps the traction control (ETC) operational across the front axle when you engage the RDL. Plus, it sharpens up the performance of the ETC.

9

While we didn’t test it on this drive, the low-speed off-road performance shouldn’t be affected by the smaller engine, but we feel the bigger 3.0L version of the MU-X is still the best choice, especially if you will be loading it up with the family and/or towing a load.

The 1.9 MU-X might be okay for suburban family SUV use, but it wouldn’t meet the heavy-duty demands dedicated Isuzu owners expect of their vehicles.

2024 Isuzu MU-X pricing (+ORC)