2023 Isuzu MU-X (inc. 0-100 & autonomy test) review: 7 seat SUV 

I believe the Isuzu MU-X is very under-rated. Traditionally I've always been a fan of Toyotas, having owned two Landcruisers and have been waiting for the new model Prado to appear in the near future. However, I currently work overseas (I'm an Aussie) for a company that runs a fleet of mostly Isuzu MU-Xs and a handful of Toyota Prados (about 40 cars total). I was handed the keys to an Isuzu MU-X and after 18-months of driving it I'd take it over the Prado any day. Why? I work in a developing nation with a mountainous and very harsh environment, poor roads (the worst Aussie outback road wouldn't come near to how bad the roads are here) and engaging 4WD is often a daily requirement. My car now has almost 25,000kms on the clock while five other Prados have on average 17,000kms to 19,000kms on the clock. My MU-X, like many other Isuzus in the fleet are still tight, feel fairly new and barely have a squeak or a rattle in them. The five Prados in the fleet rattle and squeak like a baby's toy and don't feel quite as tight. Surprisingly, the interior of the Prados are also wearing more quickly, with some of the front seats and steering wheels showing severe signs of wear. Less so, though wear is still apparent, in the Isuzus (MU-Xs are generally worked a little harder than the Prados). However, I still believe the 4WD ability of the Prado is a class above the MU-X. Though with decent off-road tyres fitted, there hasn't been anything the Prado could do (yet) that the MU-X couldn't. I'm so impressed with the reliability of the Isuzu that I may consider purchasing an Isuzu MU-X over the Toyota Prado (which I never would have considered previously) for my personal family car when I return to Australia - its cheaper and (in my opinion) very reliable. Don't misunderstand me, I still believe the Prado is an accomplished off the shelf 4WD, has a roomy interior and is overall a good vehicle, but its overall quality is not what I expected. Especially when paired against an Isuzu MU-X. Just my subjective two cents.

Thank you , because of you and this test , I purchased one , struggled with the technology for a period , impressed with the service from Isuzu again thank you

I love how systemic and comprehensive these reviews are.

Good honest review. Our Mux was ordered yesterday, 12 month wait. But we don't mind. 😊

Thanks for the review Paul, have been waiting keenly since the D-Max review as I’ve had one of these on order since late March last year. With any luck it should be here in the next month or two. Very interesting to see the difference and improvement of the MU-X over the D-Max with the addition of rough terrain mode.

We have had our mux for about 4 months now. Compared to our old car it is far better. The amount of space and the comfort of it is incredible. The lane keep assist works well on roads even on corners. It was also at a great price. With the off-road ability better than it’s brother it is certainly a great allrounder

Isuzu needs to fine tune the 4wd system in the D'max, I was shocked this one did significantly better.

Among the things that make Paul really happy is when the windows goes all the way down. The exterior and interior of this vehicle is very reassuring. It will last for a long time. Good review.

I am impressed. Only yesterday I told a salesman I am not a fan but I must admit this review changed my mind. Good job Paul. 😊

Loved this review !! Great 👍

Another wicked review, thank you 🙏

That 'Subscribe please' written backwards on the luggage is just priceless.

Nicely done! Very good review

I Love the hill descent control 🔥🔥🔥

Good timing. Mine arrives next week.

Mux has been underrated for years, always being ranked behind other brands counterparts. Only the real ones who own one or have done their research truly know what a beast the MUX is.

Wow, never have seen an Isuzu SUV, as I live in Canada, but this is a good looking SUV and seems to be useful for light offroad.

About the door test, it would be useful if done also with the window down partially or fully. What I've noticed is the door can rattle quite much with the window down but it doesn't do that in all cars.

You da man Paul 🤜🏼🤛🏼

As a lot of people buy these, and the dual cabs, for towing, running a parallel tow test at your proving ground somehow would be very valuable. Perhaps 2.5-3t van, doing your acceleration, secondary rough road test, ride quality, overtaking. Ive no doubt it's a headache to organise but would be really useful. Thanks for the vids.

On the mirror issue, usually the rearview mirrors have 2 pivot points on the stem attached, one closer to the front windscreen and one closer to the mirror. Window pivot is generally pretty tight but can be moved left or right to clear the visor. I'm guessing in this car someone had adjusted it all the way to the right.

Best Review ever.😊

I reckon isuzu should put that rough road mode button in the dmax as well… it does really make a difference off road.

I hope you made another video for the new land rover defender focusing more about the off road capabilities such as this video.. and thank you so much for all your offer

Proper tires should dramatically change some of these tests

Louie the fly popped in to say g'day during the interior hardness test 🤣🤣

Regarding the mirror, it’s in a rotating swivel that has movement up down and left right. I too thought the same but it was just the position it came it. 2 second adjustment and we’re all good!!

I'm liking the rough/bumpy road and brake tests 👍👍 Would like hill descent control to be tested in Low Range as well, because that's when it'll mostly be used when offroad.

Fantastic review as always, keep up the good work. Unfortunately since the last MU-X review mine still hasn't been delivered. LS-T 4x4 Ordered in December 2021 and at this stage its due to land in about 1 months time (due March 2023). Still happy with the value for money and the vehicle package we got though, but very much ready for it to be delivered now.

Just got the mux am really happy with it was told 14 months and it came In 6

Heyy Paul M hope youre well and say hi to the family!! Absolutely professional and fantastic review and i love the way how you outline the good bad and ugly! D.Vuksic

great review paul just wondering when will you review the new lexus rx ? i'm keen to see your thoughts on it

Big con led light , led are cheap but manufacturers make big deal like it's 2001, should be standard equipment

Thanks Paul. Great video once again. I wanted to buy one here in South Africa but the waiting list was too long without a guarantee of what colour I could get, so I decided to buy a 2nd hand Fortuner. Pity but I could not wait a few months and not know if I would even get a vehicle or even the colour i wanted. Imagine trying to go into the bush with a black vehicle. Just not going to happen.

My father got the 2024 and he loves it

It's nice to see the truck we knew as the Isuzu Rodeo in the US 30 years ago is still out there living its best life in other countries.

Thanks for the good review! What's up with fly‘s dude ?i am from belguim greetings down onder

I did a test drive recently and the cars engine sound you can hear through the cabin.. for me that was the most annoying part but you are on point with the drive away price. Once they start using the correct price this is no match for everest...

this needs to be introduced in Indian markets asap. theres literally no competition in these segments over here

7:02 Regarding drivers sun visor hitting mirror, it’s on a double ball joint arm can be pushed side to side to make room 👍

Also that the windscreen washer jets are built into the blades but these freeze up in the winter because they’re more exposed to the freezing air when driving. Can use stronger antifreeze in the washer bottle but that can rot the windscreen seal

Thanks!

Nice review thanks! With regard to boot space and SUVs / station wagons, one thing that I think would add value to me is to measure how long is the space is with 2nd and 3rd rows down. Litres just doesn't really give me a solid idea if I can fit my surfboard/ikea box/etc in X car vs Y car and manufacturers are pretty inconsistent in how they quote it.

80-120 is really most important. Who cares how fast can you start, maybe only Stoplight drag recer, but 80-120 can explain, how dynamic this car is. Please, keep it for new car reviews.

you guys should do two reviews on your cars one high spec that no one can afford and another one on the lower spec ones that most of us actually buy.

THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL AND AN EPIC SUV,LOVE THE EXTERIOR ,INTERIOR AND THE PERFOMANCE

I’ve just ordered an ‘24 plate LS-T, after looking at the Everest, Pajero sport and furtuna. MUX was the best value for money and spec

Really love the review, thankyou! Ive ordered a LS-U MUX :D I think this will be a much better fourby off road with some better tyres. Ive heard the tyres they come with are pretty trash lol

Also that when you lock the doors and walk away the door mirrors don’t fold in like on most vehicles these days. This feature has been on vehicles for more than half a decade now. For a top spec MUX with all the bells and whistles this feature should be fitted as standard. Can fold the door mirrors in using the drivers door switch but there’s no switch position for auto lock closing

Are you doing one on a 23 fortuner GXL ? Thinking of getting one and would be keen to see a new one reviewed

Paul, l always watch your videos on cars can you do a video on different types of gears in any of the cars or vehicles.

The blank switches could be for aftermarket accessories like spotlights

Also when unloading day fishing rods from the tailgate and turning around and stepping back that the electric tailgate can start to close onto a person. Hard to disable the automatic rear tailgate, manual means having to open and close the tailgate by hand

Hi Paul thanks for always improving. Could you please also check the glovebox to see if it actually has a built-in light ! The CX9 Azami I think does not. Kind of weird. Better to know now !! Wonder if the CX60 has one. Thanks Paul. You're the 👌 Also check how far the AM radio goes to in numbers. Many buyers require 1620 and 1638 AM in Sydney for the Arabic radio channels and oversees channels. Thank you Also any chance of being the 1st and only reviewer to do a side by side comparison with the cx60, cx5 AND the GT SP CX9. ..That would really give us a clear perspective on each SUV size in real time

I have an idea for a new test, when testing out driver aids, on the first lane see what happens if you don't touch the wheel, it will be interesting to see which cars bring you safely to a stop and which cars just disengage steering assist

Fantastic

Would definitely take MUX against the ford everest. We just recently bought a new Ford Everest and 2 days after its prompting some electrical and engine problems already. Definitely speaks about its reliability. Yes, electronics and comfort is what they sell but if your hustling hard and using your vehicle most of the time, reliability is still a must in which the Everest doesn't provide. To top that, poorest customer service of all the dealership I have ever dealt with!

Took 11 months of waiting to get my new MUX LST hopefully Isuzu can deliver faster than that now. Took so long that the LST version I ordered wasn’t made anymore but I got the latest version for the sane original price. Best to ask about delivery times when ordering

I always say, if you are gonna carry 7 passangers in a non minivan, its better to have leg room then cargo space. Never gonna carry lots of baggage no matter how much you compromise leg space so might as well make it roomy

Can you please test drive the Toyota Fortuner Crusade on this track? Good review!

Great review Paul.. very thorough… 14 months and still waiting for my car …

Great review Paul , Would like to how its stacks up against the toyota fortuner crusade.

Paul, can you review the Rexton again on the new 4wd track, it would be awesome.

I’ll be waiting for one year

Just watched this review, just a thought on the lane keeping driver aid. Wouldn't the banked circuit you use for this cause the steering wheel to veer to the left on any vehicle unless your travelling at a much higher speed?? Seems like it requires another test on say a non banked circuit? Other than that great car indeed

Saying the driver aids needs some "fine tuning" is an understatement! It's been 2 1/2 years since the MY2021 D-Max came out with the IDAS system (which the MU-X shares) and Isuzu have not done a single thing about the calibration of said system. The IDAS system has nearly killed me dozens of times when it has been activated!! Yes, several cars do not have what manufacturer's call 'safety systems', and I would rather them not be in ANY car when the systems are so poorly calibrated and agricultural! Safety systems should be strictly regulated as part of the requirement to meet 5 star ANCAP ratings.

I saw you around south Melbourne yesterday! In your Ford Ranger

I will work my ass of just to buy this car! Very impressive

Hey Paul. Can you review a i30 sedan N. I know you have done an n line but hoping to see a n sedan review soon

The auto steering won’t work properly if you let go of the wheel . It cancels out as soon as it detects a too lighter touch on the wheel as well . I have the 2022 model purchased new six months old now. Bought the Isuzu Mux for it’s towing ability and overall reliability. We love it

If the visor hits the mirror, just move the mirror across to the left, its quite simple. A minor adjustment fixes it in seconds, its just adjusted to far to the drivers side.

Such a good car. Can o bring the SW4 Diamond, I din't in the chanel

Or that nearly every caravan / boat owner uses the large Yeti cup in Australia but amazingly that cup doesn’t fit into the centre cup holders or the front cup holders on the dash for some reason, but they do fit into the rear cup holders for the kids

Nice 😊

Yes, you are doing something wrong with the mirror! It is double jointed at the back so you can move the whole thing sideways (to the left) the cm or two required to clear the visor. When adjusted correctly, it has ample clearance from both visors. That would also explain why you never experienced it in others you've driven.

In my corner of the world, we usually pronounce it as 'E-Suzu' instead of 'Eye-Suzu'. However, regardless of how it's pronounced, I have always associated Isuzu with light and heavy-duty trucks, as well as their signature diesel engine clatter, which is also present in the MU-X.

I'd chose isuzu mu-x over toyota fortuner anyday because of the reliability isuzu has to offer in this segment of suv.

The rear vision mirror needs to just be adjust to the left, nothing wrong with sun visor. I had the same happen with my DMax and it was a adjustment in mirror

The interior mirror is on 2 ball joints which allows you to move the mirror, mind you they are tight, and it requires a bit of effort to adjust the mirror.

Are there still cracking issues and how’s the class action case going progressing?

I’m pretty sure that was a halogen indicator in the front headlight.

hello Paul, I would like you to do a review on the Audi A8L please

A comparison with Scorpio N would be great

If you speak about the airbags more important than water bottle or softness of the dashboard, safety is first sir, thanks

interesting watching the back to back reviews of the Pajero Sport and the MUX with regards to power/0-100 etc. You state in this review that the power output feels punchier than the claimed 450nm (you said feels closer to 500nm) yet when you reviewed the PS (430nm) you said it felt leisurely, complaining about nearly running out of road to the do the 0-100/80-120 tests. Except looking at the results there is only about 0.6s between them. Obviously neither are race cars but I find it interesting that nearly the same results can be interpreted so differently in a review.

I'm all for LED headlights but does it really matter if the rear blinkers are incandescent globes?

Can you do a review on the Nissan Terra please...thanks

The LS-T has the 20" alloys, but how do these, or moreso the ride, compare to having 18" wheels? I ask as I have an LS-T on order, but have driven the the earlier version LS-T with 18" and feel that the higher wall tyre on an 18 offers a slightly softer ride. Appreciate yours or others comments.

One item you don’t mention and people don’t know is those vents at the 2/3 rows are cold air only. There is no heat from the 2nd row down, heat only comes from the front of the car

When will you step up to the large coffee! No one worth their salt has a small one! Especially someone of european heritage and someone who has a children! Large coffee should be standard. Awesome review once again 👍🏽

You didn’t mention that it has front fog lights but no rear fog lights, probably better to have rear fog lights and no front fog lights. As a top spec MUX it should have rear fog lights for extra safety

My favorit carr 💝💕💖💞

If the isuzu added the 360 camera this would've been awesome

How would this compare to Sorrento GT and Everest sport for short distance n city driving

Does 2023 mux LST have automatic fold in side mirrors when lock the car with remote ?

Also that the doors don’t automatically lock after 50m when starting a journey which many modern cars do these days. As a top spec suv those feature should be standard as a passenger safety feature for security. Although can lock the doors manually on a drivers side door switch

Looks like Delft Blue, my favourite Holden colour

Try to download a video to test drive the 2023 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain

I think they measure the boot space in terms of how much fluid could fit into that space so the number will always be higher than if they did it properly and measured it by feet or cm. The volume will be a bigger number

Also that when towing a normal caravan / boat at 100km/h and using the strap on type of extended door mirrors the drivers door mirror fold in wth a bang when I truck goes past. The spring inside the standard door mirrors is too weak. Need to fit expensive clearview door mirrors when towing at 100km/h or above on the 110 highways