2024 Isuzu MU-X on/off-road (inc. 0-100) review: Is the smaller engine worth it?

Isuzu has dropped the smaller 1.9-litre four-cylinder diesel under the bonnet of the MU-X seven-seat SUV, but does it pay dividends? Paul Maric takes it for a drive both on- and off-road to find out.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior: 01:47
Interior: 04:55
On the Road: 07:46
Performance: 13:57
Off the Road: 16:01
Verdict: 23:50

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

[Jim-kwcz]

Unpopular opinion: the soccer mums who just need a valuable SUV to transport kids around couldnt care less about how powerful thr engine is.

[SCELO_MYEZA.]

Wow, your testing facility has it all..😮.. all sorts of road surfaces that people will encounter in real life, big up for that..

I think this is exactly what everyone should go for. People are not towing big trailers, and they never take their SUVs offroad, which makes this enough for most people. The cloth seats are nice and comfortable, you can park it out in the sun and never have to worry about it getting hot.

I think the interior is aging well. The screen is big enough, and plus, there are still some physical buttons around. Yes, the screen in the Ford Everest is cool, but controlling most of the things through it is not easy. Very practical, reliable, and efficient. My pick.

[CJTheReal]

I'd go with a 1.9 if there's a significant fuel saving over the 3.0. I don't tow and as long as the offroad capability isn't compromised I'd rather save a lot of fuel

[AD]

Not bad for the smaller engine, would stick with the 3L. For the Triton, the traction control was calibrated to work in hand with the terrain select mode.

[fariq]

Here in Indonesia we only get this engine for the MU-X, due to Isuzu here are more into trucking industry so MU-X we only get is a mine spec

[mrnicktoyou]

For a saving of just $2000 over the 3.0 engine, it seems like a terrible deal. No way would I buy this.

[peterj]

The biggest selling point of the Isuzu is the 3l for its relaxed torquey nature. Few will buy this smaller engine and those who do will normally regret it.

[BingoDingo]

The Rough Terrain mode works exceptionally well in genuine off-road work.

[michaelagi]

Hey Paul, great review as always. You mentioned that an updated MUX was realised in Thailand. I'm so close to looking at one (3 litre diesel), and I would love it if you had any information on Australia. Sadly, I haven't purchased a new car for years and would be shattered if an update MUX was around the corner.

[RedEemblem]

Quieter, great torque, lighter, cheaper, less annual tax, less payload so less bouncy suspension.

Plus modern gbox does the job so no worries for downshifting more than the 3L.

In basic trim and 4x2 It' s a great deal

[markt]

Might be ok for fleet and i see a heap as rental cars but ive ordered the 3.0l. Good upgrade from a 120 series prado.

[rokuth]

On the color of the grill, in the US, we would have called it "Gunmetal Grey."

[JohnAgustinScuderia]

Finally I've been waiting for this!

[matias]

Saludos desde Chile Paul, excelente vídeo amigo.👍🏻

[fhclappen]

Good honest review. Spot on Paul. I Think Grandma's school bus. Drove the 1900 Ute here in Thailand a couple of times. Yeah, it will suit Grandpa. Full loaded and towing, you are going nowhere quickly, and it will probably use more fuel than the 3.0 in the same scenario.

[ezy.from.now.on.]

I'm just here to pls that the new series you started where you spend 5 mins talking about the latest car news, PLS can that not be replacing the proper Monday podcasts. I enjoyed the banter between you all, as well as all the news and different opinions on things.

[Gordon_L]

These smaller engines that have to work harder just to keep up will not have the same longevity as the bigger capacity option . The 1.9 would be a good choice for a 4 door sedan or station wagon where it really would achieve good fuel economy due to a better power to weight ratio.

[sthembisomadlala]

Can't wait to see the release of the new one facelifted version

[zayghamnawaz]

Mitsubishi had one of the best TC system in the world. Probably there is something wrong with triton

[XR_Martin]

This has about the same performance as a 3.2L 1988 EA Falcon. Even back then it was regarded as woefully slow and was only sold for 9 months.

How far we have come in 36 years.