For a long time, Isuzu was known as the ‘Diesel Specialist’ thanks to the robust and reliable diesel engines in their SUV and pickup truck. They also know they can’t stay afloat with just that and so with the latest generation of their vehicles they did something new for them. The mu-X and D-Max became techy as they were given contemporary features and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS).
Some don’t like the direction Isuzu took with the latest mu-X. I believe it’s the right one. Their new techy features combined with their reliable engine is a formidable combo in its segment. I’ve driven the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x2 to see if it’s just a first impression clout, but I’m telling you now, it’s not.
They say you know it’s a good car when you look back at it after parking. That’s not my case with the mu-X because no matter how stellar it is, I’m just not a fan of its front end. I like the grille design and its frame, but I really wish they kept it flat with the headlights instead of this “out there” design.
Functionally though, the front section of the mu-X is great. Isuzu isn’t known for being the techiest brand out there but they did a good job with this SUV. The radars and cameras are smart and responsive. Automatic High Beam immediately activates when there’s no oncoming vehicle, the Autonomous Braking isn’t as paranoid as others I’ve tried, and the Adaptive Cruise Control easily reads oncoming vehicles or motorcycles into your lane, avoiding unnecessary sudden braking from the Autonomous system. Those, together with its other Advanced Driver Assist features make hectic city and night driving very easy with this mu-X.
There will be a bit of doubt with the hydraulic power assist steering, because once you try it, you’ll immediately feel that it’s weighted. Isuzu found the balance of weight, responsiveness, and assistance, that your arms won’t be fatigued even after a long drive.
Then there are the other modern features like the 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, and a wireless charger that are useable and great to have in every drive. Having Waze alone in the huge touchscreen and the Auto Hold are a huge help especially when lost in BGC and their stop lights during rush hour.
Ride comfort is another subtle advantage of the mu-X over its rivals. The suspension is firm, but has a good amount of give every time there’s a pothole that the cabin remains stable, rather than rocked with every stone on the road. Rumble strips won’t shake your brain, and humps can be overcome smoothly. Like the steering, the suspension of the mu-X might take a while to be appreciated.
But what I really love about the mu-X is the old school engine it has. It’s a 3.0-liter diesel with 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic. Nothing fancy. But this 4JJ3-TCX engine is a great partner on the mountain roads. It has the typical behavior of a diesel engine but what sets it apart is when you’re becoming too demanding of it, it literally doesn’t back down.
With other SUVs, if you’re on a climb and want more power, the rev goes back down a bit before it ramps up again and surpasses your previous rpm. So, if you’re on a hill climb and you want to overtake someone while at 2,000 rpm, it will go back down to 1,000 rpm first when you floor the throttle pedal before it ramps up to, let’s say 3,500 rpm so you can have more speed to overtake that slow truck.
There’s none of that with the 4JJ3-TCX of the mu-X. If you’re on 2,000rpm and you floor the throttle, it would immediately go up to 3,000. That is especially useful when going up mountain roads and even on the highways if you’re overtaking at higher speeds. It prevents you from doubting the move you want to make.
That’s what I love about this Isuzu mu-X LS-E. You can forget its past personality of one-trick pony who didn’t have anything aside from a reliable engine. This mu-X is not only reliable and powerful, it also comes with creature comforts that surpass its rivals. Titos in my neighborhood jokingly ask me if it can go up to Baguio and the answer is a lengthy one - Sure! Kahit Kennon, Marcos, or Asin road pa yan! It has the tech to keep you safe and charged up in the city and highway, while having the capability to make light work of the hill climbs in the country.
The best part about it is the price point. You don’t have to go for the top-of-the-line 4x4 trim just to get this engine and features. This Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x2 AT retails for P 2,230,000—P 350,000 and 100 kilograms lighter than the 4x4 trim. Their only difference is the Terrain Command System and the Transfer Case Protector. The rest—from the active safety features, creature comforts, and engine—the two are identical. If there’s anything that can surpass this very enticing package, I’ll assume it can only be an electrified Isuzu.
Words and Photos by Vincent Villa.
"So, if you’re on a hill climb and you want to overtake someone while at 2,000 rpm, it will go back down to 1,000 rpm first when you floor the throttle pedal before it ramps up to, let’s say 3,500 rpm so you can have more speed to overtake that slow truck"
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming this is talking about the transmission characteristics? I don't think I have driven an SUV that does an upshift upon full throttle to then just downshift immediately. Seems weird. Though the only PPV SUV I haven't driven is the 10-speed Everest but if it is anything similar to the Ranger Raptor, it shouldn't do that also.
Forget about that ugly front. This mux has the best 3rd row seats in ita class, even better than a land cruiser. This is the true 7 seater suv i must say.
ReplyDeleteLeast popular generation of MU-X
ReplyDeleteIts supply issues,very sensitive ADAS and high pricing ruined its appeal
Buhay pa pala to? Kung naging tao pa, parang ka edad na ni whang od itong MUX
ReplyDeleteStill newer than tbe ancient Fortuner and Montero Sport
DeleteYeah isuzu engines last a lifetime
ReplyDelete