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The 2020 Isuzu MU-X is a truck-based SUV. You don’t have to guess too much to realize the vehicle is sharing a platform with the D-Max pickup. It is one of the most popular utes in Australia. The SUV carries over most of the capabilities from the truck sibling. Engineers will update the safety and infotainment, but we can’t expect too much from the Japanese carmaker. Steering and warranty are improved for the last edition. The upcoming model still needs a few upgrades, especially at high-end trim levels.
The 2020 Isuzu MU-X is coming with the diesel power only. No gasoline engine is going to be added for the upcoming SUV. Still, buyers can pick one of three drivetrains. The SUV also comes with 4×2 and 4×4 drive, three different trim levels, and four transmissions. That is enough to take you some time while building the MU-X.
Competition
The 2020 Isuzu MU-X is a unique SUV. We don’t see too many of these on different markets. But, buyers in Australia and Pacific Asia seems to like these truck-derived vehicles. Besides the MU-X, there are also Toyota Fortuner (based on the Hilux) and Nissan Patrol (Navara is the truck). The MU-X is slightly longer than Toyota’s model, but the Patrol is much longer. Nissan’s vehicle has the longest history, while the Isuzu delivered its SUV in 2017. However, its predecessor MU-7 arrived approximately at the same time as Toyota Fortuner.
2020 Isuzu MU-X Specs
The truck-based model is using the same drivetrains as its sibling. These are 1.9, 2.5, and 3.0-liter displacements. The only missing unit is a 2.4-liter drivetrain available for Ecuador market only.
The base configuration is a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, 4×2 drive. Manual mode is also available. The system delivers 150 hp and 350 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is larger, but it creates less power. The drivetrain is good for 135 hp and 320 Nm (235 pound-feet) of torque. While the base version is offering a 4×4 drive, the 2020 Isuzu MU-X with a 2.5-liter engine is sending power to two wheels. The sole transmission is a 5-speed manual.
The MU-X SUV is the most popular in Australia. There, buyers can purchase the vehicle with the 3.0-liter displacement only. Turbocharged unit is delivering 180 horsepower and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of twist. Buyers will choose between 4×2 and 4×4. A six-speed automatic is a power router.
Properly equipped, the 2020 Isuzu MU-X can tow up to 3,000 kg. It is 500 kg more than the truck can do. Also, you can upgrade the SUV with the special package. In this case, the towing capacity reaches 3,500 kg.
2020 Isuzu MU-X Trim Levels and Features
With the SUV available in so many markets, we will see a lot of different versions. However, we will focus on the countries where MU-X is going to be the most popular. First of all, that is Australia. Thailand and the Philippines are sharing the same model.
Aussie buyers can purchase the SUV in the base trim with 16-inch wheels, cargo organizer, and the rear-view camera with parking sensors. That is the entry-level LS-M version. The mid-range offer includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and the touchscreen display. Navigation is part of the LS-U package, as well as the Bluetooth audio. Top of the class model is LS-T. Leather seats, more USB ports, and passive entry and start systems are top-notch features for this SUV.
In the Philippines, the MU-X is using a smaller 2.5-liter engine. It also offers three different trim levels. But, instead of LS-M, LS-U, and LS-T, buyers are buying Base, Standard, and High models.
Overall Impression
The 2020 Isuzu MU-X comes mostly unchanged, so the overall impression about this SUV will remain the same. Small updates are not going to be impressive. However, the model is pretty attractive in Australian and Pacific Asian markets. Buyers in this part of the world love truck-based SUVs and their superb towing capabilities. Also, Aussie drivers love their off-road skills, which is very important when you ride the SUV in outskirts.
Well, the body-on-frame platform comes with a more rigid ride. So, the MU-X can’t offer smooth ride in corners and turns. Also, the big SUV is not the best for urban driving. Parking could be really annoying in tight lots.
2020 Isuzu MU-X Release Date, Future
The new 2020 Isuzu MU-X is not out yet. The official sources are saying the vehicle will become available early next season. Toyota and Nissan are not making big updates on their truck-based SUVs as well, but in the next couple of years we will see the new generations of all models. The MU-X is in production since 2017 and Isuzu will give this version a couple of years more. Drivers are happy as far as the SUV meets their demands. The SUV is an excellent option for road trips, working, and towing big loads.
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