Some Filipinos decry the loss of the Crosswind as a no-nonsense people carrier; and while there’s the mu-X SUV, its P 1.5 million price point meant it was out of reach for some buyers. Well, Isuzu Philippines Corporation has some good news for all penny pinchers out there.

No, the Crosswind isn’t coming back, but this new mu-X variant could be the next best thing. The mu-X LS A/T is powered by Isuzu’s 1.9-liter RZ4E engine, making an even 150 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Previously offered only as a manual, for 2019, this engine is now mated to a 6-speed automatic as well.

As with the LS M/T variant, the LS A/T variant ditches most of the upper trim’s chrome exterior trimmings. The radiator grille, front fog light garnish, and tailgate garnish are all finished in Material Gray while the side mirrors and door handles are in Material Black. And while the mu-X LS A/T keeps the same bi-LED projector headlight with daytime running lights and LED taillights, it does lose the side mirror-mounted signal indicators and front fog lights. In terms of wheel size, it rides on smaller 245/70R16 wheels too. The roof rails and rear wiper remains M.I.A.


Inside, the LS A/T keeps the same 8-inch infotainment system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth, and GPS navigation, but ditches the rear entertainment system and electroluminescent gauges. Naturally, the leather steering wheel has been swapped for a simpler urethane one without any steering wheel-mounted controls and even the fabric seat is finished in a Jersey & Tricot material compared to the higher trim’s Jacquard & Tricot.

Safety-wise, the LS A/T has you covered with its Dual SRS airbag system. It still rides on rear drum brakes though, but it does have ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Unlike the LS-A though, it doesn’t offer any sort or parking aids.

In short, the mu-X LS A/T is the no frills version of Isuzu’s 7-seater SUV and as such, it shaves a substantial amount to its price tag. Compared to the 4x2 LS-A which starts at P 1,520,000 for the MT and P 1,545,000 for the AT, the LS comes in at P 1,300,000 for the MT (soon to be discontinued) and P 1,300,000 for the AT.

2019 Isuzu mu-X LS A/T Specs

Mechanical Features:

• Engine Model: RZ4E-TC
• Maximum Power: 150 hp @ 3,600 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,800-2,600 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 liters
• Turbocharging: Water-cooled Variable Geometry Turbo
• Emissions Rating: Euro 4
• Tranmission: 6-speed Automatic with Sequential
• Overall Dimensions (L x W x H): 4,825 mm x 1,860 mm x 1,825 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,845 mm 
• Ground Clearance: 220 mm

Exterior Features:

• Bi-LED Projector Headlights with Integrated Daytime Running Lights and Auto-Leveling 
• Material Gray for Radiator Grille, Lower Bumper, Tailgate Garnish
• Material Black for Side View Mirrors, Door Handles
• 245/70R16 Wheels & Tires

Interior Features:

• Conventional Instrument Cluster
• 8-inch touchscreen Infotainment System with CD/DVD/Tuner/Aux/USB/Bluetooth/iPod
• GPS Navigation
• 6 Speaker System
• Three Spoke Urethane Steering Wheel
• Dark Gray Interior Accents
• Jersey & Tricot Fabric Seats

Convenience Features:

• 3-dial Manual Air Conditioning with Independent Rear Cooler
• Power Door Locks with Speed-Sensing System
• Manual Adjustable Driver’s Seat

Safety Features:

• Dual SRS Airbags
• Anti-lock Brakes with EBD and Brake Assist
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• LED High-Mount Stop Lamp