Isuzu MU-X 2024 review: New 1.9L turbo-diesel engine option headlines update for Ford Everest rival

The 2024 Isuzu MU-X is here and it's all about offering large SUV buyers more choice. While the tried and true 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine remains, it's now been joined by a 1.9-litre alternative that promises to save owners $2000 upfront and 0.9L/100km over the journey.
Of course, the 1.9-litre unit does have a power and torque deficit, with it producing 110kW/350Nm, which is 30kW/100Nm less than its 3.0-litre big brother can muster. As a result, the former's braked towing capacity is 3000kg, down 500kg over the latter, although payload is up due to the lighter engine.
In this expert review, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton attends the updated MU-X range's Australian media launch to answer the all-important question: is the new 1.9-litre engine a better buy than the carryover 3.0-litre option? His answer may surprise you.
#Isuzu #MUX #Review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Pricing and features
01:40 Design
02:11 Practicality
03:11 Under the bonnet
03:34 Efficiency
03:59 Driving
07:02 Safety
07:27 Ownership
07:49 Verdict
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Read Andrew's full review: bit.ly/3xGXbgQ
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[@TalismanPHX]

As an American Isuzu Trooper owner (of course, Isuzu is no longer imported into the US) I'm quite jealous of my Australian friends. I love my 2000 Trooper, despite its advanced age. Id buy this MUX in a heartbeat. Nice detailed review. Cheers from Virginia🇺🇲

[@ianweal3081]

In Australia the Trooper were known as the Jackaroo, marketed by Holden Australia, a GM company.
You are absolutely right, they were a phenomenally good vehicle and as you say, if still available it would be our go to vehicle.
We owned 3 of them, a 1992 gasoline model, a 2001 diesel & the last production model here in Australia, 2002 gasoline.
Sooo comfortable, roomy, stable on road, brilliant off road.
Unfortunately the Mux is a smaller vehicle internally in comparison, so didn't meet our requirements, hence we now use the Nissan Patrol (Amanda) as known in the states.
Miss our Jackaroos terribly.

[@acde9355]

The 1.9 litre engine of Isuzu was developed to replaced the old 2.5 litre unit. Due to easy regulation and lower fuel price, the Isuzu D-max and Mu-X have been long powered by the bigger 3.0 litre engine exclusively. A key difference between these two engines is that the 1.9 litre unit is Euro 6 ready, meaning the manufacturer can switch it to Euro 6 compliant immediately, while the 3.0 litre one requires some sort of work. Since the 3.0 litre option has been only popular in few markets, such as Australia and New Zealand where Euro 6 is not required, so Isuzu has delayed the tech upgrade.😅

[@wax333]

The 1.9 is down 40kw and 100nm compared to th3 4jj3 engine and you will feel it

[@acde9355]

@@wax333 Sure, because this 1.9 engine was designed to focus on markets with stricter towing regulations. In some countries, the towing capacity limit is related to the car class's driving license. In some cases, the towing capacity limit includes the weight of the motor vehicle. For example, the towing limit of a car license might be 4.5t, but the GVM of the car being driven is included, and thus, the towing capacity of the vehicle doesn't have to be over 2.5t.

[@Kayla-fe1zr]

Wondering whether 3 kids across the 2nd row would work ok? I briefly looked inside an MU-X and 2nd row looked a bit tight for 3 kids over 10.

[@phoenyfeifei]

The standard equipments include aircon

[@louisheal2794]

Next time can you maybe focus a little bit of time on the gauge cluster or in entertainment system or just like more of the front so we can actually see what it looks like inside

[@1010jva]

3 adults can easily sit on 2nd row. Believe it or not mux and everest has the biggest cabin space in their respective segment.

[@robertceroli3512]

sure the the smaller eng is capable and in most applications is sufficient but resale will suffer big time as the bulk of the market in all makes and models will always go for the bigger power plant .goes way back to the 60s 70s when Holden and ford had different 6cyl eng everyone on the used market always wanted the bigger emg variant

[@reeltomeal]

Meeting emissions though losing customer interest! $54k for a asthmatic on paper output figures. Having owned the bigger reliable motor that's renowned, I hope this tiny engine can stand the test of time. They're a great tough family car.

[@jamesralph5908]

Just go for the 3L

[@aussiebananasfnq2414]

the 3.0l truck enjine has 300nm @ 1000 rpm best for towing

[@kkadkhoda]

It is fantastic and really wish the diesels come back to North America and Isuzu as well as few other Japanese companies stop their interest in n.a.!

[@seechockchaiyaphum1398]

4×4 1.9 ?

[@lyricaesthetic4324]

Toyota fortuner has 2.4 engine but only produce 150hp almost same with this 1.9 litre engine

[@samartz]

Couldnt they at least put a 2 in front 😂

[@brianclarke1695]

Just 110kw from a 1.9 litre engine is a piece of junk, you put more power into a new model not less, the Ford 2 litre biturbo puts out 150kw for comparison

[@alfstewart22]

Will the Ford 2 litre last 200,000km+?

[@Dermtarbo]

Whats with the bots mate

[@spiderpig5842]

1.9? 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheHingshing]

Isuzu 3lt was durable and reliable because it literally was just one huge engine block with large pistons.
You see so many engine problems with other brands is because they have a smaller 1.9 lt engine with twin turbo for more power but wears out faster than normal

[@nmmnvxhdbffdvhfkh]

W❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stendecstretcher5678]

No thanks.