Everything we know about the 2022 Isuzu MU-X

It’s almost a little overwhelming looking at the spec sheet for the new 2022 Isuzu MU-X, so much has changed over the previous model.

There are three trim levels available in the line-up, starting with the base LS-M, the mid spec LS-U and the top-of-the-line LS-T. The chassis and body are new, the engine is also new for the MU-X, but is the same 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX found in the current model D-MAX with 140kW and 450Nm of torque. The suspension has been redesigned front and rear, and (drum roll please) the MU-X finally has a rear differential lock as standard across the 4x4 range.

Let’s dive in deep, and take a look at everything we know about the new 2022 Isuzu MU-X; including an increase in pricing, which we’ll touch on later.

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INSIDE

It’s safe to say, that the majority of potential MU-X owners, will either be using this vehicle for towing or carting family members around. Or both. Being a 7-seat family wagon, practicality needs to be at the forefront for the vehicle to be successful.

Thankfully, what we are seeing is a nice, flat cargo area (when the third-row seats are folded flat). Effort has been put in to the seating useability according to Isuzu, with easier access to the third row of seating.

The interior has been completely redesigned, with many styling cues taken from the current D-MAX. There are now more cupholders than airbags in the MU-X, 12 cupholders to eight airbags. All models in the line-up receive air-con vents and controls across all rows, however only the higher spec LS-U and LS-T receive dual-zone climate control.

The LS-T is also the only model to receive quilted leather accents on seating, as well as heated front seats. LS-U model scores adjustable lumbar support, though. Another feature only found on the highest spec LS-T, is remote engine start.

Touchscreen wise, the LS-M spec scores a 7-inch display, while the two upper levels receive a massive 9-inch screen. All models offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as you’d expect. The LS-M misses out on a powered tailgate ─ if this is a feature you’d like, you’re going to need to spec up to the LS-U or LS-T model.

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TOWING AND LOAD CAPACITY

A 3500kg towing capacity is now standard across the MU-X range, as well as an increase in load carrying capacity. This has been achieved by designing a new chassis, that Isuzu says is crafted from high-tensile steel, has chassis rails that are 14 per cent wider and 34 per cent taller and with increases of longitudinal and torsional rigidity. It’s stronger, basically.

The body has an additional 157 spot welds found throughout, which Isuzu also tells us results in a body that is 10 per cent stiffer than the outgoing model.

With a lighter yet stiffer chassis, and a revised suspension tune, this 2022 MU-X has increased axle loads front and rear, with 100kg and 50kg increases respectively. Payload limits will depend on which model takes your fancy. The lighter base model LS-M can carry 665kg, the mid-sped LS-U 645kg and the top-of-the-line LS-T 625kg. Across the 4x4 line-up, the MU-X has a GVM of 2800kg and a GCM of 5900kg.

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SERVICING COSTS

Isuzu are recommending 15,000km service intervals or every 12 months (whichever comes first):

15K service costs: $389
30K service costs: $409
45K service costs: $609
75K service costs: $299
90K service costs: $749
105K service costs: $409

This brings the total for Isuzu capped-price servicing to $3373 over the first 105,000km of ownership.

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SAFETY TECH

Get ready for an onslaught of acronyms, the 2022 Isuzu MU-X is loaded with integrated safety technology under the banner of Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS).

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
AEB with Turn Assist
Post-Collision Braking
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Misacceleration Mitigation (MAM)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL)
Manual Speed Limiter
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
Driver Attention Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Decent Control (HDC)
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)
Reversing Cameras with Dynamic Guidelines
Rear Parking Sensors
Front Parking Sensors (LS-U and LS-T models)
LED rear Combination tail-lights
Automatic Bi-LED headlights with auto-levelling
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Automatic High-Beam (AHB)
Automatic Windshield Wipers
Crash Door Unlock
ISOFIX compatible anchor points across two seats, with three top-tether points
Push Button Start with Smart Entry and Start (LS-M Push Button Start only)
Welcome Light (LS-U and LS-T)
Walk Away Door Lock (LS-U and LS-T)
Remote Engine Start (LS-T)
Automatic-Electronic Park Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold Function.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (LS-T only)
Auto-Dimming rear view mirror (LS-T)

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ON-ROAD FEATURES

We’ll talk more about suspension in the off-road section of this article, but it’s safe to say there have been some significant improvements on paper, such as thicker sway bars and geometry revisions.

Another point worth mentioning, is an overhaul of the MU-X’s brakes. First of all, the handbrake is now electronically operated and features an Auto Hold function. While this is a sign of the times, we can’t help but mourn the manually controlled handbrake for its simplicity in a 4WD. Oh well …

Larger (20mm bigger on the front) and more powerful disc brakes can be found on all four corners. Just what you want to see on a family tow vehicle. An increase in clamping pressure is also reported, so this shouldn’t be a slouch when it comes to slowing down.

Electronic steering now replaces the hydraulically-controlled type found in the old MU-X. This will help slightly with emissions; however, Isuzu tells us this is also a more reliable system. We’ll report back after our first drive to see if they got it right. We are sad to announce that the MU-X will not be available with a manual gearbox, the only choice on offer is a 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox. Another sign of the times.

Also, it’s worth mentioning you can no longer get 16-inch wheels on an MU-X. The smallest wheel offered is a 17-inch on the LS-M because of the larger brakes now fitted. The LS-U sees 18-inch wheels, and the LS-T 20-inch wheels.

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OFF-ROAD FEATURES

When it comes to off-road focused additions, there are a fair few key points to take a look at. Namely, the inclusion of a factory fitted electromagnetic rear-differential lock across the 4x4 range. There’s also a neat little button, called Rough Terrain Mode, which Isuzu tells us is an off-road specific calibration of their traction-control system, designed to be more aggressive at slowing spinning wheels, and sending drive to the wheels with traction. We’ll be testing this out soon.

In terms of off-road angles, approach, ramp-over and departure angles have been improved over the previous model, too. Wading depth has also been increased to 800mm, with a revised airbox design, that will be simple-as-pie to add a snorkel (raised air intake) to.

Suspension revisions are plentiful, with tuning to suit Australian conditions a priority according to Isuzu. Starting with front-end geometry tweaks made to the IFS system, including a new high-mount upper control arm and a thicker sway bar. Apparently, the wider span upright arms help to maintain camber and castor angles and geometry composure allowing for a wider contact patch on the road when cornering. The front spring rate has been increased, for a firmer ride and increased load carrying capacity.

In the rear-end, the 5-link coil-sprung suspension has been totally redesigned, with the aim of allowing more suspension travel, as well as better load carrying abilities. Spring rates have been increased in the rear, to assist with load carrying. A 23mm sway bar offers a 36.6 per cent greater span than the old one, to further prevent body roll.

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One point worth mentioning to my fellow off-roaders, is the entire driveline in this model has seen significant strength upgrades. The CV joints are now stronger and thicker, the front shaft is also stronger. Isuzu is now using a one-piece carbon steel tail shaft in the rear measuring 108mm in diameter, claimed to be 13.6 per cent thicker.

Sealed maintenance-free wheel bearings have also been used on the front end, meaning they won’t need to be pulled apart every 40,000km and regreased; saving consumers money come service time. Just be aware, that these whole units will need to be replaced when the time comes, rather than just repacking them with grease.

Isuzu has also put in attention to the transfer case, with a nice low-range reduction ratio of 2.482:1. Internally, the output shaft is now 15.3 per cent thicker, and they are telling us 4x4 engagement is quicker and easier than the previous generation. The 4WD high-range can be engaged at speeds of up to 100km/h, however low-range will need to be selected at a standstill with the auto gearbox (no manual available) in neutral.

Underbody protection has been improved, with a combination of 1.5mm thick steel and 5mm thick poly-composite protection plates to protect vital components. An 80L polyurethane fuel tank is also now standard, which is a welcome addition for long-distance tourers.

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PRICING

With stock and supply shortages wreaking havoc worldwide, we are curious to see how the roll-out of the new MU-X is handled. What we have been told though, is the official on-sale date is August 2, 2021, and dealerships should have the 2022 MU-X towards the end of July.

So, while you are getting many more standard inclusions with the 2022 Isuzu MU-X, you certainly will be paying for the privilege compared to the previous generation:

LS-M 4X4 with Automatic Transmission: $53,900 (Before ORC)
LS-U 4X4 with Automatic Transmission: $59,900 (Before ORC)
LS-T 4X4 with Automatic Transmission: $65,900 (Before ORC)

*As a side note, Isuzu is offering pricing of $63,990 drive-away for the LS-T model during the initial introductory period.