As South Africans, we love a good SUV. Venture out onto the roads and you’ll be surrounded by droves of Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner’s. Based on their bakkie counterparts, they offer superb value for money, bundled with incredible off-road ability and relative comfort.
The two aforementioned examples are the most popular of their type, but there are two other options that are just as capable. One, the Pajero Sport, offers superb refinement and economy. The other? The Isuzu mu-X. The new model certainly looks the part, with angular and aggressive styling.
The SUV debuts the brand’s new look for all their vehicles, with the ‘World Crossflow’ radiator grille taking pride of place. The new front end styling also incorporates redesigned Bi-LED headlamps. A character line spans the width of the car, linking the LED headlamps to the new rear lights which, says Isuzu, boast a winglet design.
The base model LS comes equipped with 17-inch alloys, the mid-spec LSE with chunkier 18-inch examples and the range-topping ONYX 19-inch alloys.
The interior has also seen a design change, far more contemporary than before. With room for up to seven adults, the mu-X boasts an interior that has an emphasis on quality. Isuzu has stressed the fact that soft-touch material finishes can be found in the cabin, while other premium touches such as chrome and piano black trim can be found in the interior.
While LS models make do with cloth upholstery, LSE and ONYX derivatives receive leather trim as standard. Other equipment for LES and ONYX models include an electrically adjustable driver’s seat which, on the ONYX, receives power lumbar support as well. The top models also receive seat heating and an electrically operated passenger seat.
The LSE and ONYX also receive dual-zone climate control and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen and audio system with eight speakers. LS models make do with a smaller screen unit (seven inches) and fewer speakers (six instead of eight). Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity - along with Bluetooth - are standard.
Making its debut is Isuzu’s IDAS system. It is standard equipment in the ONYX model and, according to the Japanese manufacturer, is a “suite of passive and active safety systems which continuously monitor driving conditions and act autonomously to avoid a crash or minimise accident damage.”
All models are powered by the same three-litre, turbodiesel engine. With 140 kW on tap, the mu-X feels sprightly. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x2 LS A/T: R 693 800 including VAT
3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x4 LS A/T: R771 600 including VAT
3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x2 LSE A/T: R 763 300 including VAT
3.0 Ddi mu-X 4x4 ONYX A/T: R 860 500 including VAT
All models are covered by the Isuzu Complete Care package with class leading warranty of five years or 120 000 km.
Also worth a look: the Isuzu D Max and the Isuzu D Max.
FAQ
Q: What does the Isuzu mu-X cost in South Africa?
The Isuzu mu-X pricing starts from around R679,900 for the base LS model, with the mid-spec LSE sitting at approximately R749,900, and the range-topping ONYX variant priced at around R849,900, making it competitive with the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner in the premium SUV segment.
Q: Is the Isuzu mu-X worth buying over the Toyota Fortuner?
The Isuzu mu-X is absolutely worth considering over the Fortuner, especially if you want something different from the usual suspects on SA roads, as it offers similar capability, seven-seat practicality, and often comes with more standard features for the price, plus Isuzu's solid reputation for reliability.
Q: What engine does the new Isuzu mu-X have?
The new Isuzu mu-X is powered by Isuzu's proven 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 140kW and 450Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, delivering the same robust drivetrain found in the D-Max bakkie.
Q: How does the Isuzu mu-X compare to the Ford Everest in terms of features?
The mu-X matches the Everest blow for blow with seven seats, 4x4 capability, and premium features like leather trim, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-inch touchscreen on higher grades, but often undercuts Ford's pricing while offering Isuzu's legendary diesel reliability.
Q: What warranty does Isuzu offer on the mu-X?
Isuzu backs the mu-X with a comprehensive five-year or 120,000km warranty, plus a five-year or 90,000km service plan, giving you serious peace of mind and helping keep running costs predictable for the first few years of ownership.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely yes, the Isuzu mu-X is the best alternative to the Everest and Fortuner under R850,000 in SA. Starting at R679,900 for the LS and topping out at R849,900 for the ONYX, it delivers everything you need in a premium SUV without the badge tax. The mu-X offers genuine seven-seat practicality, proven diesel reliability, serious off-road chops, and enough tech to keep the family happy. If you're tired of seeing identical Fortuners and Everests at every school pickup and braai, the mu-X gives you that standout factor while delivering the same capability for often less money. The only downside is resale value, which trails the big two, but if you plan to keep it for years, that's someone else's problem.
