2025 Isuzu MU-X review: Updated tech and new flagship model for revised seven-seater

Isuzu UTE Australia has revised its MU-X model line-up for 2025, with the Japanese marque adding a new flagship X-Terrain variant atop the model hierarchy, as well as refreshing the style and updating tech across the now four-model line-up.

These changes have resulted in a price increase across the 4x4 range, with the entry-level LS-M now asking for $54,400 (up from $53,400), and the top-spec X-Terrain priced at $74,400 (up from the previous top-spec price of $70,990 for the MY24 LS-T. Against its biggest seven-seat rival, the Ford Everest, these changes are rather insignificant, as the Everest still costs considerably more, spec-for-spec. Comparatively, the Everest 4x4 is priced at $59,240 for the base-spec Ambiente, and $81,200 for the top-spec Platinum.

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*MY2024 prices based on February 2025 pricing guide

Headlining the changes to the local line-up is the addition of the new X-Terrain flagship variant that is the highest-spec MU-X ever seen in local showrooms. Defining the X-Terrain from the rest of the range is the fitment of gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels inside 65/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres; updated interior upholstery, dashboard and door trims; red LED ambient lighting; a bespoke gloss black front grille with updated LED fog lights; a lower body side skirt; underbody spoiler at the rear, and X-Terrain badging. See below for a FULL LIST of what’s new for each variant! 👇

JUMP AHEAD

• Powertrain and performance
• Off-road
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Verdict
• What's new
• Specs

Powertrain and performance

For now at least, the MU-X will continue to be powered by the choice of either a 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre turbo-diesel or the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel – both running through a six-speed automatic transmission. However, multiple powertrain alternatives are currently under study at Isuzu HQ for future product, so this could be one of the last iterations of the venerable 4JJ3.

In its attempt to combat tightening NVES regulations in the coming years, IUA has admitted it is currently considering a number of powertrain options already seen in other parts of the world – a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and 1.9-litre hybrid in Thailand, and an all-electric D-MAX in Norway – but the brand is steadfast in its vision that it will only bring options that are suited to Australian conditions and consumers.

For now, though, the 4JJ3 continues to be resolute in its performance. Heralded for being tough and reliable, the 3.0-litre powertrain gets on with the job with minimal fuss. Seriously capable when the going gets tough off-road – especially when combined with the part-time 4x4 system, rear diff lock, and Rough Terrain mode – the engine is equally nimble on the highway. It’ll sit at 100km/h at around 1500rpm and effortlessly whittle away the miles.

Still, the six-speed automatic isn’t the smoothest shifting transmission on the 4x4 market – the 10-speeder mated to the Everest’s bi-turbo is far more slick – and some throttle lag remains when pushing the accelerator pedal into the footwell when overtaking.

Fuel consumption is listed at 8.3L/100km, and previous testing of this engine – when combining on- and off-road driving – puts it more realistically at around 11.0L. With an 80-litre fuel tank, that should, in theory, still allow for plenty of kilometres between fuel stops.

For MY25, Isuzu has also revised the MU-X’s suspension across the range, with all models benefitting from retuned dampers with 6.6-per-cent larger diameter pistons – the internal diameter is up from 30mm to 32mm. Without driving back-to-back with the previous model, it was hard to discern whether this has had a noticeable effect on performance. No doubt it has. We’re told there’s potential for even more improvement should IUA consider another collaboration with Walkinshaw for an MU-X Blade. But that’s a wait and see.

Also updated for 2025 is the Lane Keep Assist function which has been refined to actively maintain the vehicle’s position in the centre of the lane, “rather than reacting to the outer lane markings”. When activated, we found the MU-X would often ping-pong between lines in its attempt to pin-point its positioning, creating a sense of anxiety when vehicles were positioned either side of the vehicle. Once settled and on dead-straight roads, though, the vehicle would remain in the centre of the lane. We’d be using this function fleetingly, if at all.

Overall, though, you’ll no doubt be glad to hear, the vehicle’s driver-monitoring systems aren’t overbearing and are scaled appropriately.

Off-road performance

Where the MU-X makes up for some of its shortcomings on bitumen is its versatility to transition from tarmac to dirt with ease.

To IUA’s credit – we were running highway terrain tyres on 20–inch wheels (X-Terrain) – they took the convoy of journos to a seriously difficult off-road track within the Black Duck Valley 4x4 park in Brisbane, where we were able to properly sample the MU-X’s off-road potential with the rear diff locked and Rough Terrain mode engaged.

Rough Terrain Mode was first implemented when this-generation MU-X debuted late in 2021, and the traction control system has now been refined to work across a broader range of surfaces. In theory, activating RTM in combination with a locked rear differential should make the MU-X an extremely proficient off-roader … and it does. The convoy of vehicles walked up the track which no showroom-stock vehicle should dare tread.

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Isuzu also refined the existing Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, to be a more user-friendly experience by displaying real-time pressures and temperatures on both the 7.0-inch MID and 9.0-inch infotainment screens. As a result, only the base-spec LS-M misses out on this feature.

Another handy addition for any rock-crawling fun is the underfloor view – ala, Land Rover Defender – provided by the new 360-degree surround view monitor (LS-T and X-Terrain only). It’s a clever piece of technology that makes it easier to clear big rocks and the like when off-road.

Off-road specs

Exterior

The seven-seater is more aggressive in its styling, with sharper lines, chiselled angles, redesigned bi-LED headlights, and a refreshed grille noticeable at the front of the vehicle. At the rear, the cleaner design is emphasised by the inclusion of wider tail-lights tied together by a full-width trim piece. The base-spec LS-M is the only variant not equipped with a hands-free electric tailgate.

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The LS-M also carries over the same 17-inch alloys from the MY24 model, but the rest of the line-up has been equipped with refreshed wheel and tyre combos. The LS-U now wears 18-inch alloys with a 12-spoke design; and both the LS-T and X-Terrain get 20-inch alloys, the latter dialled up a notch courtesy of the as-mentioned gloss black finish and more aggressive angles.

Interior

The improved interior benefits from changes to the seats, which are now covered in a high-grade cloth (LS-M and LS-U models) and perforated leather (LS-T and X-Terrain). The X-Terrain distinguishes itself courtesy of red stitching throughout. At the launch, we spent the lion’s share of our time in the X-Terrain, with these seats remaining comfortable and supportive on long drives.

Also of note is that Isuzu has replaced the chrome trimmings on the dash and steering wheel with a satin/gloss black finish. This is positive, not solely for the aesthetic change – and that it now limits pesky fingerprint markings – but the chrome used previously had a knack for reflecting sunlight directly into one’s eyeballs.

Technology has also been updated for 2025, with the LS-M getting the same 4.2-inch MID as per the revised D-MAX. Meanwhile, LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain models are now equipped with the bigger 7.0-inch MID which adds extra features such as navigation and tyre pressure monitoring prompts.

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The infotainment system – 8.0-inch for LS-M and 9.0-inch for LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain – features wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and from our brief experience does seem to respond a bit more briskly than the previous iteration. Tuning and volume dials have also been redesigned and neatly integrated below the infotainment screen, making it easy to control those functions when on- and off-road. Isuzu has opted to include only USB-C ports in the centre console – “everyone only uses USB-C now”, is their reasoning – so you’ll have to run a cable up to the rear-vision mirror if you want to connect to a USB-A port – just like I had to with my outdated tech.

With the third row of seats lowered, the MU-X has an ample 1119 litres of storage space available, making it an ideal choice for families who tend to chase remote campsites – put in a set of drawers, a fridge, and a roof rack up top, and voila. Things do get a bit restricted with the third row of pews upright – you’re left with just 311 litres of space – but it’s still enough to store a few packs for a weekend away. With the second and third rows both flat, there’s an impressive 2138 litres of space.

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Head, shoulder and leg room for the driver and front passenger is liberal – 1020mm, 1460mm and 1075mm respectively. Plenty of leg room remains for the middle tier, at 915mm; with the third row limited to 850mm of leg room, which is rather tight for most adults but bearable for kids on longer trips.

Isuzu has installed up to 12 (yep, 12) bottle and cup holders, as well as plenty of storage bins and pockets, so there’s no shortage of space to store maps, drink bottles, iPads, and – if you’re my family – countless wrappers, banana skins and used coffee cups.

Safety

Already stamped with a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2022, the MU-X has advanced its suite of safety repertoire by adding a range of new features including a new Gen4 stereo camera, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, updated Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, a Welcome Headlight, a Digital Reversing Camera, and the as-mentioned new 360-degree surround view monitor (LS-T and X-Terrain only).

2025 Isuzu MU-X safety features

• 8 airbags – dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and centre (far-side)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Turn Assist (AEB)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - updated
• Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL)
• Manual Speed Limiter
• Mis-acceleration Mitigation (MAM)
• Driver Attention Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) - updated
• Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
• Rear Park Assist Sensors
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)- updated
• Gen4 Stereo Camera - new
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) - new
• Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) new
• Welcome Headlight - new
• Digital Reversing Camera - new
• 360° Surround View Monitor (SVM) - new
• Traffic Jam Assist - new

Verdict

While it’s inevitable and ultimately a good thing, the incoming NVES regulations could spell the end of Isuzu’s venerable 4JJ3. So if you want the reliability of the trusty 3.0-litre powerplant, now’s the time to sign on the dotted line for one. The 1.9-litre is no slouch by any means, but we’d be opting for the bigger-displacement engine if it was our own hard-earned.

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The MU-X’s on-road concerns – noticeable NVH, imperfect six-speed transmission, and inconsistent lane keeping assist – can easily be overlooked for its prowess in essentially all other areas. It is stacked with safety tech, it has voluminous storage capacity, can comfortably transport large families to all corners of the map, can deviate down difficult 4x4 trails, and has plenty of potential for aftermarket modification. Plus, it remains well-priced.

It should definitely be right at the top of your list if a 4x4-capable seven-seat wagon is on your wish list.

Here’s a full list of features new or updated for the MY2025 MU-X 👇

LS-M (what’s new or updated only)

• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Brake
• Welcome headlight
• Digital reversing camera
• Revised Rough Terrain mode
• Updated polyurethane-wrapped steering wheel
• Updated high-grade cloth trim seven-seat upholstery
• Updated interior dashboard in matte black
• Updated 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display
• New 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• 3x 3.0-Amp USB-C ports
• 1x 2.1-Amp USB-A port for aftermarket dash camera
• Updated automatic bi-LED headlights
• Updated double horizontal bar grille
• Updated front bumper and bonnet
• Updated rear bumper and tailgate
• Updated badges
• Updated LED rear combination lights

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LS-U adds (what’s new or updated only)

• Updated premium leather steering wheel
• Updated interior dash and door trims
• 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display
• 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 4x 3.0-Amp USB-C ports
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 265/60R18 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Updated TPMS
• Updated grille and front bumper
• Updated rear bumper
• Updated LED fog lights with black fog light bezels

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LS-T adds (what’s new or updated only)

• 360-degree Surround View Monitor
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Updated leather-accented upholstery
• Black headlining trim
• LED ambient interior lighting (white)
• Updated grille and front bumper
• Updated rear bumper
• Aluminium sidesteps finished in gloss black
• Roof rails finished in gloss black
• Front fender accents finished in gloss black
• Power-folding and heated door mirrors with side cameras (gloss black)
• Door handles finished in gloss black
• Window trims finished in gloss black

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X-Terrain adds (what’s new or updated only)

• 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels
• 265/50R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres
• Updated leather-accented upholstery with red and grey stitching/leatherette
• Updated interior dashboard (piano black and silver metallic)
• Updated door trims (piano black)
• Ambient interior lighting (red)
• 7.0-inch MID with red fonts, graphics and black instrument shroud
• Updated grille (gloss black with front camera)
• Updated LED fog lights (black fog light bezels and gloss black surrounds)
• Fender flares (gloss black)
• Lower body side skirt
• Lower rear underbody spoiler
• X-Terrain badging

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Specs: MY25 Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain