In Australia, it’s the second-most popular large SUV of 2024. Now, the Isuzu MU-X is getting a midlife facelift update.
Available over the ditch from 1 March 2025, the 2025 MU-X range is the Japanese marque’s most comprehensive SUV line- up to date, starting with the LS-M 1.9L and topping out with the X-Terrain 3.0L 4x4.
Drawing from four years of consumer and media feedback, Isuzu says the 2025 facelift refines the already popular seven- seat large SUV even further; “evolving the specification and packaging with the updates improving on form, function, drivability and efficiency”.
Designers have combined Isuzu’s signature design language with the latest in contemporary geometric and aeronautical themes across the exterior. Inside, the seven-seater sees updates by way of new upholstery trims and accents, an updated 4.2-inch or new 7.0-inch digital Multi-Information Display (MID) and new 8.0-inch or 9.0-inch infotainment systems featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On the road, ride and handling has been improved with the introduction of new locally tested and validated suspension.
The MU-X safety suite sees the most significant hardware upgrade since its introduction in 2021, with new stereo cameras, a 360-degree surround view system on the LS-T and X-Terrain, and refinements to the class-leading array of standardised active safety features.
In Australia, SUVs accounted for more than half of the 1.2 million new vehicles sold in 2024.
With the addition of the new flagship X-Terrain at the top of the range, the 2025 MU-X range comprises ten models, comprising of four different grades available with either the 110kW/350Nm 1.9L or 140kW/450Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel engines paired with a six-speed automatic drivetrain.
Answering the call from customers for a highly capable and well-appointed SUV with a dark and bold aesthetic, IUA turned to the Isuzu design team to produce a unique specification for the Australian market, the X-Terrain.
Built on the LS-T 4x4, the X-Terrain features a dark and bold aesthetic with a unique take on Isuzu’s signature double horizontal line grille design, fog light surrounds, 20-inch alloy wheels and fender flares, all finished in gloss black. Lower body skirts across the sides and rear add to the muscular aesthetic, while a set of embossed ‘XT’ badges adorn both fenders, grille and tailgate.
Inside, it’s a familiar black and red affair; a nod to the D-Max X-Terrain. Isuzu’s signature red has been tastefully incorporated into sections of the leather- accented upholstery, while there is red ambient lighting across the doors, footwells and dashboard. The new 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display also features a unique red X-Terrain theme to compliment the interior finish.
Tested and validated locally, a revised suspension tune features new dampers with 6.6 percent larger diameter pistons and revised valving, for improved body control and stability across mid-to-high speed roads and corrugations.
The rear tailgate, which is hands-free electric on LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain features a new integrated spoiler below the glass, with the rear bumper and taillights incorporating the same aeronautical-inspired themes. Now completely LED, the rear taillights are wider and are tied together with a full-width trim piece, with smaller badging modernising the overall aesthetic.
While the LS-M retains the same 17-inch six-spoke alloy with all-terrain tyres from 2024, the rest of the range features new alloys and a matching set of highway terrains. The LS-U sports a set of 18-inch alloys featuring a sophisticated 12-spoke design and finished in titanium metallic. While the LS-T features a set of 20-inch machined- face alloys, with a 3D texture incorporated into the contemporary six-spoke design. The flagship X-Terrain dials the aesthetic up a notch, with a set of gloss black 20-inch alloys, coated in a smoked clear finish. Red ring centre caps and a combination of raked angles featuring the ‘Hexa Pod’ design language within the negative space between each spoke gives the wheel a dynamic look.
