2024 Isuzu MU-X LS-M review: A few weeks on the road

Every dream career has its curses, right? Here's mine: a photographer’s life is just as often a glorified pack-mule job.

Lugging gear is part and parcel of the gig, of course. Fragile lights, heavy lenses and camera bodies, battery packs, tripods and stands – and all the rest. So when I was asked to test drive the Isuzu MU-X LS-M for a few weeks, I was thrilled and confident it’d carry all my gear and more!

How did it perform as my daily automotive workhorse? Read on...

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The car as tested

JUMP AHEAD

• First impressions
• Comfort
• Technology & Entertainment
• On the road
• Safety features
• Fuel economy
• Last impressions

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First impressions

Having spent the previous month in Izuzu’s 2023 D-MAX LS-U+, I immediately noticed the more family-oriented comfort of the MU-X LS-M.

I enjoyed the D-Max, but you can probably imagine that I prefer the extra security and internal space of the MU-X for my camera gear, camping kit and my newest family member – my puppy Cleo. Those needing extra seating for family, this seven-seater is your ride.

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Comfort

The MU-X's ride is clearly oriented towards passenger comfort, handling both on- and off-road action nicely.

The LS-M’s cloth seats meant no bare-skin leg burns on hot days. The seating adjustments with tilt and telescopic steering wheel movements give you great driver positioning, and the interior is very roomy for families.

At 5-foot-2, I tried the third-row seating: with a tumble-fold function of the middle seat, it’s easy to climb in and I’m confident most small–medium children would be comfortable, with ample head and wriggle room. 

The boot is very generous, with more than enough room for plenty of gear. With the middle and rear rows folded, I could easily sleep in there on a stormy night away – skipping the swag!

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Technology & entertainment

As the entry-level model, the LS-M has a 7-inch display – which, by today's standards and especially in a large SUV, feels small.

The display does at least have wireless Apple Carplay and wired Android Auto, although it’s missing the charge pad many of its rivals have. Still, wireless connectivity without wireless charging is a common combination across the market, as illogical as it might seem.

The MU-X only provides one USB port up front, however there are two USB ports in the middle row for keeping your travelling companions happy.

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On the road (and off!)

Getting out of Melbourne with shoots in Bendigo and Swan Hill, before taking a quick couple of days out camping at a friend’s lagoon near Echuca.

I ran the MU-X through the varied gravel and dirt terrain, and its steering and traction all felt responsive and secure. Its highway ride, likewise, is great, especially with reliable adaptive cruise control. The safety lane assist takes some getting used to, however, being quite sensitive at times. 

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While I didn’t do anything too challenging, the MU-X's varied drive options meant it held its own on simple off-road and light articulation, with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres being practical for unsealed exploring.

Up next was a photo shoot in Lerderderg State Park with pup Cleo on board, on her first off-road journey. I tried a few easier articulated tracks, and it handled them well. (As did Cleo!)

Like most standard 4x4s, the MU-X's clearance, tyre pressure and tread for larger and more challenging tracks would be something to be mindful of, especially with slipping in wet weather conditions.

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Safety features

The MU-X LS-M, whilst the base model, offers plenty of safety features that trumps some of its rivals.

These include a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested in 2021), excellent adaptive cruise control, AEB and lane assist. The front and rear parking sensors are particularly handy in inner city parking situations, given the size of the MU-X and my own diminutive height.

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Fuel economy

I put the MU-X through a variety of jobs, from long highway runs to some short local shopping trips around town.

With the off-roading, the average fuel numbers came in at 8.4 to 8.8 litres per 100km – making it a lot more efficient than my usual daily, a petrol-loving FJ cruiser.

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Last impressions

Whilst Isuzu's 4x4s muck about in a big pond of big competition, I found the MU-X was enjoyable to drive, a reliable workhorse, a spacious cabin to spend hours on the road, and user-friendly for my needs.

I loved the convenience of being able to Tetris a full load of “stuff” into the boot, from rocks for a little landscape gardening to several camping and work adventures. But also, the availability and capacity to take many friends comfortably and get on the road with ease.

All in all, the Isuzu leaves you knowing it can do a lot, and with competitive value.

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