It’s not the prettiest, it’s not the fastest, it’s not the smoothest, it’s not the newest, or the most modern, but Isuzu MU-X is the most popular UTE-based SUV in Australia. How is that possible? Well, that’s probably because the MU-X is just smart to buy.

4JJ1-TC Hi-Power

Engine type: 3.0 L 4 cylinder turbo diesel
Maximum power: 130 kW @ 3,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 430 Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Average consumption: 7.9 L /100km)
Drivetrain: 4X4
Kerb weight: 2,750 kg

The engine is the respected 4JJ1 3.0 litre diesel has been around for a while now and it is one of the most reliable engines in its class. You may want more power and refinement, but you just have to appreciate the reassuring push and reliability. Just like in the D-Max, this 3 litre diesel produces 130 kW of power and 430 Nm or torque from 2,000 revs. It also consumes about 8 litres per 100 km on average.

The Drive

If you go offroad, you will love the 4WD, low-range gearbox, 230 mm of ground clearance and proper underbody protection. The only things it lacks are LSD and locking differential for the rear.
On one hand this makes it less expensive to buy and fix and completely unlikely to have any problems with these, but on the other hand it does take away a bit from the off-road ability.

Still, unless you drive on some really tough terrains, you shouldn’t have any problems in the MU-X.

In terms of safety, you get trailer sway control, rear camera, ABS, ESC, EBD, traction control, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, rearview camera and side anti-intrusion bars.

Now even though it’s the top trim, it is missing some more common safety features people expect, but we have the blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic which can be added to any trim across the range for an extra $990, this helps get the MUX up where it needs to be.

So, is the MU-X still good enough to be offered? Well, it is a bit outdated in some respects, but people buying an MUX prefer practicality, reliability and cost-efficiency over other things. The MU-X still offers all of those, so it is bound to have its fair share of the market in 2019.