Which Isuzu MU-X is best for towing?

Following a ground-up revamp, the second-generation Isuzu MU-X went on sale in August 2021 with greater refinement, safety and equipment levels and an inevitable price hike.

Like its predecessor, the MU-X is based on the Isuzu D-MAX ute and retains its six-model line-up across LS-M, LS-U and LS-T trim levels in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines.

All MU-X seven-seat wagons are powered by the one turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission combination; Isuzu’s updated 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque over 1600-2600rpm.

That’s a lift of 10kW and 20Nm, while Isuzu says the improved unit has at least 400Nm available across 1400-3250rpm, and 300Nm from just 1000rpm.

That grunt is transmitted via an improved Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode, and – in 4x4 models – a tougher, more durable and faster shifting dual-range transfer case.

Towing capacity up

The latest Isuzu MU-X is also more appealing to caravanners with a now category-best 3.5-tonne towing limit – up 500kg. Off-road ability in 4x4 models has escalated too, with improved ground clearance, off-road geometry, electronics, a tougher driveline and the arrival of a rear differential lock.

Beyond its 3.5-tonne towing limit, there are also increases in gross vehicle mass (2700kg for 4x2, 2800kg for 4x4 – both up 50kg), gross combination mass (5900kg, up 250kg), towball download mass (350kg, up 50kg), roof payload (100kg) and cargo payload (from 615kg to 665kg).

Kerb weights have also increased, ranging from 2035kg for the LS-M 4x2 (up 43kg) to 2175kg for the LS-T 4x4 (up 18kg).

Which model is best?

Isuzu has made it easier to choose your favourite variant with the features of each trim level identical for the respective 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain variants.

At $47,900 plus on-road costs, the entry-model Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4x2 automatic has the following standard equipment:

• 7.0-inch touch-screen audio system
• Apple CarPlay (wireless), Android Auto
• Reversing camera with rear sensors
• LED daytime running lights
• Bi-LED auto-levelling headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Full-size spare steel wheel
• Manual air-conditioning

Depending on the model of Isuzu MU-X chosen, the palette consists of six or eight exterior colours with a mixture of standard, metallic, pearl and mica finishes for a $500 premium.

All Isuzu MU-X models have eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with junction assist and day/night pedestrian and cyclist detection.

In addition to the advanced AEB, driver assist tech fitted standard includes auto headlights with high beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind spot and driver attention monitoring, emergency lane keeping, lane keep assist and lane departure warning and prevention.

There’s also a manual speed limiter, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, post collision braking, forward collision warning and misacceleration mitigation.

To make reversing easier, there’s a rear camera and rear parking sensors.

Front parking sensors require a step up to the MU-X LS-U as a minimum while an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and tyre pressure monitoring are exclusive to the LS-T.

For the little ones, each model has two ISOFIX child seat anchor points and three top-tether strap points in the second row.

MU-X infotainment, comfort and convenience

The entry-level Isuzu MU-X LS-M variant comes with a 7.0-inch touch-screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus four speakers.

However, if you want a bigger 9.0-inch touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, double the speakers and – importantly – satellite navigation, you’ll have to opt for at least the MU-X LS-U.

While the LS-M makes do with manual air-conditioning, taking a step up to the LS-U brings dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning.

Other conveniences found on the MU-X LS-U are a powered tailgate, keyless entry, a welcome home light and walk-away door locking.

Drivers of the LS-U hold a leather-bound steering wheel in place of the urethane wheel on the LS-M, and get to use adaptive cruise control, phone and audio and voice recognition functions. All occupants sit on a higher grade of cloth seats with powered lumbar support for the driver.

The most noticeable external differences between the MU-X LS-M and LS-U are the addition of roof rails, fog lights, aluminium sidesteps, privacy glass from the B-pillar back, a chrome grille, colour-coded door handles and powered fold-in exterior mirrors that house the turn indicators.

All Isuzu MU-X models have alloy wheels, measuring 17-inch on the base-grade LS-M. But if you want 18-inch alloys head to the LS-U.

One with the lot

Stepping up to the range-topping MU-X 4x4 LS-T (pictured here), you get the upmarket look and feel of partial leather trim (on the first two rows of seats) and the LS-T is the only one to feature a powered driver’s seat that adjusts eight ways. The powered front passenger seat adjusts four ways. And both front seats are heated.

There’s also ambient interior lighting and overhead console guidelights, together with (keyless) passive entry and remote, and push-button ignition.

Isuzu has catered for MU-X owners who want to dabble in bush bashing with the underside of 4x2 models featuring a steel front skid plate while the 4x4s also get steel guards to protect the sump, transfer case and the reinforced fuel tank.

All 4x4 variants come with Terrain Command Select, a rear diff lock and a Rough Terrain mode button.

Towing with the MU-X

The MU-X feels secure and well sorted on the road. Body roll is nicely controlled and some of the jiggling and judder over small road imperfections when unladen, courtesy of the ladder frame chassis, are ironed out with a caravan in tow.

It easily kept up with traffic when towing an 18ft Snowy River caravan weighing around 2000kg, with a tow ball weight of around 170kg.

Fuel economy figures went from a best of 7.0L/100km on the freeway and 11L/100km around town when driving solo, to an average of 17.5L/100km when towing on a mix of highways and B-roads.

Most of the time it felt relaxed, cruising around 2300rpm in fourth gear or dropping to 1800rpm in fifth on flatter sections of highway.

However some noticeable sway at times, including when a truck was overtaking in the right lane on a highway, suggests it may not be as stable when towing a much larger, heavier caravan.

If it’s going to be used as a family truckster, living in the ’burbs with the occasional outing to the beach or country locale, or short week-end trip to the caravan park, the 4x2 is probably all you need and the best value here is the LS-U auto.

But if snow, sand, a bit of Outback tracking and touring with a caravan is what you're after, go for the surefootedness of the 4x4.

It's hard to go past the mid-spec LS-U for the best balance of equipment, price and value.

How much does the Isuzu MU-X cost?
LS-M 4x2 – $47,900
LS-U 4x2 – $53,900
LS-T 4x2 – $59,900
LS-M 4x4 – $53,900
LS-U 4x4 – $59,900
LS-T 4x4 – $65,900