Regardless of variant, the all-new 2022 Isuzu mu-X is equipped with new levels of premium features and finishes.

Thanks to a brand-new platform, the mu-X is now 25 mm longer, 10 mm wider, and 15 mm shorter than before. Ground clearance is up to 235 mm variant depending, but its water-wading capability is set at 800 mm. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 10 mm equating to even more interior room than before. Style-wise, it moves away from the corporate six-hole grille design to something decided sleeker and much more elegant than ever.

At the front, the 2022 mu-X gets the Arrow Signature Bi-LED headlights, while at the back, it sports the Winglet Signature Rear Combination LED taillights with 3D effect. Inside, the 7-seater mid-sized SUV sports a 60/40 split-fold-tumbling 2nd row and a 50/50 split-folding and reclining 3rd row. All variants enjoy the 10.1-inch full touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Offline GPS is standard as well.

In terms of safety, the mu-X is complete with variants receiving anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, traction control system, hill start assist, and hill descent control. An electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto hold is also standard. It scored a perfect 5-star rating at the ASEAN NCAP.

There are four colors to choose from: Splash White (RZ4E 4x2 LS AT, RZ4E 4x2 LS-A MT), Mercury Silver (RZ4E 4x2 LS AT, 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT), Onyx Black (RZ4E 4x2 LS AT, 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT), Satin White Pearl (3.0 4x2 LS-A AT, 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT), and Marrakesh Brown (3.0 4x2 LS-E, 3.0 4x4 LS-E).

With a price of P 1.590 million, the RZ4E 4x2 LS AT represents the entry-level model to the mu-X range.

Exterior-wise, it’s distinguishable by its black/gunmetallic grille, fender-mounted turn signal lamps, and black door handles. It also sports 255/65R17 with silver-colored aluminum alloy wheels.

As its name suggests, it’s powered by Isuzu’s RZ4E engine. Displacing 1.9 liters, it makes 150 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,600 rpm. The sole gearbox for this variant is a 6-speed automatic with sequential shift.

Inside, it’s sparsely featured with a conventional-type instrument cluster, a 4-way manually adjustable driver and front passenger seat, and no steering wheel-mounted controls. Even the steering column is fixed. At least, it does have front and rear AC (with pollen filters), power side view mirrors, power windows, and remote keyless entry with alarm and immobilizer.

The “A” in “LS-A” stands for “Advance” and with that, represents what Isuzu thinks will make up the bulk of mu-X sales. Prices start at P 1.77 million for the MT and go up to P 1.9 million for the AT.

Surprised with the big price disparity? Well, the LS-A MT uses the same RZ4E engine as the base LS variant, but opting for the LS-A AT gives access to the 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX engine. With 190 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm, it’s already proven its worth in the all-new D-MAX.

Exterior-wise, the grille is now finished in tungsten silver/chrome, while wheels now have a dark silver finish to them. They’ve also been upsized to 18-inchers with 265/60R18 tires. At the top, roof rails are now standard from this variant upward, as are body colored side view mirrors with turn signal repeaters. The door handles also get the same body-colored treatment. Even the wipers are different with the washers now integrated into the wiper arm (Isuzu calls this the “wet wiper” design). Only the LS-A AT gets front and rear LED fog lamps.

Inside, the LS-A variants add a lot of features over the LS such as a tilt/telescopic steering column, steering wheel-mounted controls for the multi-info display and infotainment system, a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and second row USB charging ports. Safety-wise, they receive a rear 4-eye parking sensor and reverse camera.

Aside from the more powerful engine, the LS-A AT also benefits from a push-button keyless start/stop, upgraded fabric seats, and a dual-zone climate control with pollen filter.

“E” in “LS-E” means “Elegance” and as Isuzu’s flagship variant, this is meant to cater to those who want the very best. There are two variants here, the 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT priced at P 2,100,000, while the 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT is priced at P 2,450,000.

Surprisingly, the differences between these two models are fairly minimal. Only the 4x4 gets a part-time four-wheel drive system with Terrain Command Select Dial with a dedicated Rough Terrain Mode Switch.

Regardless of drivetrain—4x2 or 4x4, the 3.0 LS-E gets 20-inch machine cut wheels with 265/50R20 tires. It also has power-folding side view mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a power tailgate. In fact, the only discernable difference between these two is when you peek underneath—the 4x4 has a protective cover for its transfer case.

Climbing aboard both LS-E variants feature a black leather steering wheel, shift knob, and seats as standard. The driver’s seat also gets power adjustment, while the sun visors have lit vanity mirrors. The infotainment system also gains two additional speakers (8 versus 6). For added convenience, a 220-volt inverter located in the second row complements the USB Type-A charging ports.

Really setting the LS-E apart from the rest of the mu-X range is its safety features. Not only is it the only variant to get 7 SRS airbags, but it’s the only one that has ADAS or Advanced Driver Assist System.

Using a pair of stereoscopic cameras, the mu-X LS-E has forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, pedal mis-application mitigation, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. 

You can check out the full spec sheet below.