Isuzu Ute Australia has unveiled its 2024 MU-X range at a media event in Brisbane, adding a smaller, more frugal engine option to the lineup.
While Isuzu has used its smaller 1.9-litre engine in the base-model 4×2 D-Max SX since 2022, this is the first time it has been offered in an MU-X in Australia – a compelling option for fleet and commercial customers wanting to reduce their fuel bill.
Isuzu says the smaller engine has proven to be a success among business fleets since being offered in the D-MAX 4×2 SX, proving its merit before being approved for use in the MU-X.
The 1.9-litre engine produces 110kW/350Nm, paired with the same six-speed automatic transmission used across the range, sipping a claimed 7.4l/100km – making it the most economical MU-X yet.
By contrast, the 3.0-litre engine produces 140kW/450Nm running through the same six-speed automatic transmission, but will use a claimed 8.3l/100km. It’s still not a thirsty engine, but can’t match the 1.9-litre for economy.
Prices will increase across the range for 2024, with between $500 and $2000 added to the sticker price of certain models, but the smaller 1.9-litre engine offsets increases. Models equipped with the smaller engine will cost $2000 less than the 3.0-litre models, with the added benefit of fuel savings.
The only downside of the 1.9-litre engine is less pulling power, reflected in a reduced 3,000kg braked towing capacity, down on the 3,500kg limit imposed on the more powerful 3.0-litre models.
Isuzu’s full suite of advanced safety technology is included across the entire range, consisting of AEB with Turn Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, 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 eight airbags.
All MU-X models are covered by Isuzu’s six year/150,000km warranty and five-year capped price servicing plan, with up to seven years of roadside assistance.
A base-model 4×2 MU-X with the 1.9-litre engine will cost $47,400, while the top-spec 4×4 LS-T with the gruntier 3.0-litre engine keeps its $67,990 drive-away price – a significant discount Isuzu Ute Australia decided to extend.
It’s never been cheaper to get into an MU-X, but is 1.9-litre engine a suitable performer?
What’s it like to drive?
We spent time on- and off-road in the new 1.9-litre LS-U MU-X, priced at $59,900, which is the mid-spec option with a little more luxury than the base LS-M variant.
The smaller engine requires a more motivation to get up and moving, but despite this it still remains less thirsty than the 3.0-litre engine, and a revised final drive aims to improve performance. We were able to average similar fuel-use figures to the claimed 7.4l/100km, but of course our off-road driving threw out the average.
It’s noticeably less powerful, though, which may deter buyers used to the 450-500Nm of torque that has become the standard in this class of vehicle. The Ford Everest in 2.0-litre form, for example, makes a full 500Nm with claimed fuel use around 7.2l/100km.
What the MU-X offers that its more powerful competitors don’t, though, is value. A decent array of standard safety equipment, low entry price and now the addition of a smaller engine option puts the MU-X ahead of its competition if you can settle for 350Nm of torque.
On the road, the MU-X steers and stops well, as the outgoing model did, with one of the best electric power steering systems in its class. All in all, it’s not much different from the 3.0-litre MU-X we know and love, aside from drinking less diesel.
Off-road, the smaller engine shines, with a torque output that results in less wheel slip while still offering similar levels of tractability. In low-range, it’s hardly noticeable.
The result is an off-road performer that is as user-friendly as they come, making it suitable for inexperienced off-roaders. Of course, the on-road safety technology makes it equally well-suited to new drivers on the blacktop, too.
Our verdict
Unless you plan on towing, the 1.9-litre engine offers serious value and efficiency for a reasonable price – a common and proven formula for Isuzu Ute Australia.
It’s worth mentioning that this might be a new engine in Australia but it has many years of service under its belt in overseas markets, offering the same rugged reliability the 3.0-litre engine is known for.
The first MY24 MU-X models will arrive at dealerships from April, offering fleet buyers a compelling alternative to more expensive 4×4 wagons.
2024 Isuzu MU-X Pricing (RRP before on road costs):
- MU X LS -M 1.9L 4×2: $47,400
- MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4×2: $49,400
- MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4×2: $55,900
- MU-X LS-T 3.0L 4×2: $63,400
- MU-X LS-M 1.9L 4×4: $53,400
- MU-X LS-U 1.9L 4×4: $59,900
- MU-X LS-M 3.0L 4×4: $55,400
- MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4×4: $61,900
- MU-X LS-T 3.0L 4×4: $69,400 ($67,990 drive away
