4x4 review: 2021 Isuzu MU-X LS-U

The Isuzu MU-X has long been an endearing vehicle in the Australian 4WD landscape – simple, reliable and fairly affordable for larger families needing extra seats as well as those who enjoy towing small houses on wheels.

While some have described the MU-X as agricultural, with a loud diesel engine and few modern luxuries, there is an argument from the other camp that a simple four-wheel drive is a good four-wheel drive. Hence its popularity with families and nomads.

Well, we are now saying goodbye to an old friend and hello to an all-new generation of MU-X in 2021. And when I say all new, I really mean it. This vehicle has been redesigned from the chassis up, with every major component upgraded along the way. We’re talking more safety, more power, more off-road ability and a stronger driveline. And while that’s all well and good on paper, the big question is what is it actually like to drive?

We set out on a mixed loop of highway, urban, rural and off-road conditions to really put this mid-sped LS-U MU-X through its paces over the space of two weeks, and the verdict? C’mon now, I’m not going to give that away so early in the piece.

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POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE

The powertrain in this 2021 model has been borrowed from the current model Isuzu D-MAX. And you won’t hear me complain about that. The 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX motor is revered around campsites for its strong work ethic and reliability. It pulls well too, despite only having 450Nm and 140kW to its name. Don’t get too bogged down with those numbers though, as the way this engine makes power is low-down and rock solid. It feels like it could tow a mountain up another mountain.

Something I was particularly interested in seeing mentioned on the initial press release was stronger drivetrain components, namely CV joints in this 2021 model. Always a good thing to see. A 15.3 per cent stronger transfer case output-shaft, larger one-piece tail shaft and a stronger front shaft, round out the driveline upgrades for this new MU-X.

Now only available with a six-Speed Aisin automatic gearbox, which I have no complaints with performance-wise. While a manual gearbox option would be good to see, I’m not sure it would be a popular choice with many. Strangely, I’m not wanting for more than six gears either; it’s well-suited to the motor and the way it makes power.

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"It feels like it could tow a mountain up another mountain"

ON-ROAD RIDE & HANDLING

That new chassis and suspension package is a winner. While the previous MU-X felt a little floaty on-road, this 2021 LS-U Isuzu MU-X is planted and feels remarkably solid around corners. This is no doubt due to the suspension revisions, including geometry changes, a higher spring rate and thicker sway bars front and rear. Hit a speed bump with a little too much gusto and the car absorbs the shock … not your spine. They have dialled in the suspension package well, but I’m sure the aftermarket industry can make it even better again – a bit of lift would do wonders.

Electronically controlled power steering replaces the more traditional hydraulic system of old, and it’s well-weighted and responsive. Isuzu have done a great job there, as it can be a challenge to tune these high-tech steering systems to be light enough yet still offer positive feel when cornering.

So, while the old MU-X was criticised for being agricultural, I don’t think many people will be saying that about the 2021 model. Yes, there is still a bit of engine noise when you are hard on the loud pedal, but at idle and when cruising, this is a much more refined four-wheel drive in comparison.

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OFF ROAD

Finally, Isuzu has listened to feedback from media and owners and has fitted a rear differential lock as standard across the 4x4 range. It doesn’t end there though, as the 2021 Isuzu MU-X now has a selectable off-road mode called Rough Terrain, which improves the calibration of its traction-control system for off-road duties. It works, too – really well.

Without pressing the Rough Terrain mode button, when crossed up the MU-X was going nowhere fast. A simple touch of this magical button and the 2021 MU-X made forward progression, and rather easily I might point out. This is now a very capable four-wheel drive wagon, something that couldn’t be said about the old MU-X, without spending some money at your friendly local 4x4 accessory store having an aftermarket diff lock fitted.

Front and rear suspension has been revised for the 2021 model and, as mentioned, it rides really well on-road. The same can be said when off-road. Suspension travel on all four corners has also been improved over the previous generation. Combine this with solid low-range reduction gearing and all those new traction aids, you can take this MU-X pretty damn far off-road.

This is probably as good a time to mention the factory underbody protection plates, too; they are made up of a combination of 1.5mm thick steel and some 5mm thick poly-composite plates. This vehicle ticks many boxes for the off-road enthusiast.

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CABIN & ACCOMMODATION

The first thing I noticed when opening the electronic-operated tailgate (standard on LS-U and LS-T models) was how, when the third-row seating is folded flat, it is really folded flat. This gives a great platform for storing fridges or camping gear, as well as prams and other associated bulky items.

The second thing I noticed was how low the tailgate sits when fully opened. Combined with the curved shape of said tailgate, if you are a taller person, you could find it a challenge to not bang your head on it when putting the shopping in the back. Our photographer found that out the hard way.

The front seats in this LS-U spec are supportive and comfortable. There’s even adjustable lumbar support in this LS-U spec, which my poor old back appreciated. They look great, too. As I’m not a fan of leather seats, this interior works for me personally. There’s a nine-inch infotainment screen, which is (as you’d expect) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. The system works well, but if you opt for the lower spec LS-M, you’ll land a smaller seven-inch unit.

In terms of second-row seating, there’s plenty of room and comfort to be found. One neat feature is the cup holder which is stored in the centre armrest. Fold the armrest down, and the cup holder slides out. Something that isn’t so neat is the lack of visibility out of the small rearmost side glass section in the boot area. The roof line, while more modern in its appearance thanks to its sloping lines, reduces the real-estate for glass. Not a deal breaker, but it’s certainly something you’ll notice if you’ve driven the previous MU-X.

Third-row seating, while comfortable enough, is really limited to smaller folk. I’m nearly two-metres tall, and my head was firmly pushed into the roof of the MU-X. Leg room was adequate, though. If you don’t need all seven seats, folding them back down was a simple and quick affair.

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PRACTICALITIES

It is a shame to see 18-inch wheels on the LS-U and 20-inch wheels on the LS-T models, even though we know this is due to the upgraded brakes found on this 2021 model. The 17-inch wheels are my personal rim size of choice, as a good balance between on- and off-road handling. Thankfully, there are a wider range of all-terrain tyres available these days in 18- and 20-inch wheels. On the topic of brakes, there is also now an electronically controlled handbrake instead of a traditional manually operated unit.

Payload has been increased, thanks to the new stronger and lighter chassis and firmer spring rate in the suspension. This LS-U can carry 645kg, and the 3500-tonne towing capacity is standard across the range.

Speaking of range, the 2021 MU-X now has an 80L fuel tank. Sure, it’s not as good as say the Prado, but it is still an improvement. Considering how frugal that 3.0L turbo-diesel engine is, that should represent solid touring range. No doubt there will be larger aftermarket fuel tanks available in the very near future, too. Another improvement is a factory rating of 100kg load capacity for the roof, if you decide to fit roof racks.

All in all, this is a very easy vehicle to live with daily. Especially when considering how much safety technology has been incorporated into it, under Isuzu’s banner of IDAS (Intelligent Driver Assistance System). This showcases an absolute stonking amount of modern safety, which would have to be class leading (or very close to) in this wagon category.

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SUMMARY

Yes, the new 2021 Isuzu MU-X is a better vehicle to drive in every way compared to the previous model. Yes, it is more expensive and more complex, but you are also getting so many more inclusions for your money. It’s now rather capable off-road thanks to the addition of the Rough Terrain traction-control mode and the rear differential lock across the 4x4 range. It is also a (much) more refined package on road compared to the MU-X of old. Special mention must go to the suspension tune in the 2021 MU-X, as it rides brilliantly on-road and in the rough stuff.

The 2021 Isuzu MU-X is safer and more practical for families. With a larger fuel tank and 100kg roof capacity, there’s plenty of good news for off-road tourers as well. We’re looking forward to driving the other models in the range, to work out where the sweet spot is when it comes to ownership. So far, I’m impressed.