The current generation of Isuzu’s large family SUV has been around since 2020 and from what we know so far, the company won’t rush with updates. The latest reports suggest no bigger changes for the 2023 Isuzu MU-X, which should be a typical carryover model. This means that we are about to see a familiar design, though minor tweaks are possible. This may refer to new color options or more standard equipment. In any case, most things are about to remain the same.
Therefore, you may count on a familiar SUV, which has a lot of great things to offer. This is a genuine BoF SUV, which offers excellent off-road performances. We like its solid build quality, as well as its reliable mechanics, which are pretty much the same as in the D-Max pickup. At the same time, the cabin if well-equipped and features a pretty high level of refinement. The passenger space is good, as well as the cargo volume.
Considering that there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Isuzu MU-X will hit the market later this year.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Design
This will be the third production year of the current generation and therefore, we don’t expect to see any bigger changes. The overall layout will remain the same and the 2023 Isuzu MU-X will continue to share most of the parts with the D-Max. That’s one of the reasons why this SUV offers pretty impressive off-road performances. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while you can opt for a four-wheel-drive system and get more off-road goodies, including a two-speed transfer case, rear locking differential and more.
In terms of the styling, the front end looks nearly identical to the pickup sibling, while the rest of the body comes in a typical 4-door wagon layout. As we already mentioned, the best we could see for the next year are new color options.
Interior
Back in the day, Isuzu vehicles were often criticized for bad interior quality. These days are gone and the current-generation MU-X features look pretty impressive from the inside. We are talking about a pretty attractive dashboard design, highlighted with all kinds of tech features, including a large 9-inch infotainment screen.
With 2855 mm in wheelbase, this SUV is large enough to accommodate 7 passengers with ease. The front and the second rows are spacious and comfortable, while the front seats also feature pretty good support and overall comfort. Normally, the third row is tighter, but it can be pretty functional in many situations.
The cargo area is also pretty generous. You may count on about 311 liters behind the third row, 1119 liters behind the second row and 2138 liters of the overall cargo volume.
Features
Novelties in this aspect are always possible but if we consider that the current model is already pretty decent in this aspect, it’s quite obvious that most of the things will remain the same. This SUV comes with a pretty massive 9-inch infotainment screen, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. A multifunctional display between the gauges shows all kinds of information, while you can also opt for navigation.
When it comes to safety, you may count on autonomous emergency braking with the intersection, pedestrian, cyclist activation, and road sign detection via two windscreen-mounted cameras. There are also more advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, post-collision braking, and drive-attention assist.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Engines
Under the hood, the 2023 Isuzu MU-X will continue in the same way. The company developed a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel, which features a max output of 140 kW (190hp) and 450 Nm of torque. A great thing about this engine is that the max torque is available already at 1.600 RPMs, so driving dynamics are great while towing capabilities are at a super high level. The engine comes coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which does a pretty fine job.
In some parts of the world, you can also find a good-old 1.9-liter turbodiesel, which is good for about 110kW (150hp) and 350Nm of torque. This engine also comes with a 6-speed automatic but can be paired with a 6-speed manual as well.
2023 Isuzu MU-X Release Date ad Price
We expect that the 2023 Isuzu MU-X will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. The Australian model should feature a starting price of around 48.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner etc.