I have come to Black Duck Valley 4WD Park, an off-road driving destination in Queensland, to drive the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X, the latest version of this seven-seat SUV that is a favourite with families and has been updated with new looks and other improvements.
The Isuzu MU-X has had some fantastic upgrades for 2025, including a new top-spec X-Terrain model, so let’s jump straight in and have a look at them…
Quick Links
- How much does the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X cost and what are the options?
- What has changed on the exterior of the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
- What has changed in the interior of the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
- How many child seats fit in the updated Isuzu MU-X?
- What is the boot space like in the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
- How safe is the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
- How about the warranty?
- What is the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X like to drive?
Quick Overview
- ✓ 6-year/150,000km warranty with 7-year roadside assistance
- ✓ Available with 1.9L or 3.0L engine options
- ✓ Five-star ANCAP safety rating
- ✓ Fits three child seats in second row
- ✗ No child seat anchorage points in third row
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $48,400 – $74,400 |
| Warranty | 6-year/150,000km |
| Safety Rating | 5-star ANCAP |
| Child Seat Capacity | 3 seats |
Review conducted by Tace Clifford. Vehicle tested in February 2025 in Queensland's Black Duck Valley 4X4 Park.
How much does the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X cost and what are the options?
| Model Grade | Engine Type | Drive Type | Price (Before On-road Costs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS-M | 1.9L | 4×2 | $48,400 |
| LS-M | 3.0L | 4×2 | $50,400 |
| LS-M | 1.9L | 4×4 | $54,400 |
| LS-M | 3.0L | 4×4 | $56,400 |
| LS-U | 3.0L | 4×2 | $57,400 |
| LS-U | 1.9L | 4×4 | $61,400 |
| LS-U | 3.0L | 4×4 | $63,400 |
| LS-T | 3.0L | 4×2 | $65,400 |
| LS-T | 3.0L | 4×4 | $71,400 |
| X-Terrain | 3.0L | 4×4 | $74,400 |
There are four variants in the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X range. The LS-M base model is available with a 1.9L or a 3.0L engine and is available with four-wheel-drive (4×4) and with two-wheel-drive (4×2).
The pricing starts at $48,400 for the LS-M 1.9L 4×2 model (introductory offer at $46,990 drive away) and $50,400 for the 3.0L 4×2 LS-M. Going up to $54,400 for the 1.9L base model 4×4 and $56,400 for the 3.0L engine.
Next up is the LS-U, which is available as a 4×2 with a 3.0L engine and is priced at $57,400. It is also available as a 4×4 with either a 1.9L or 3.0L engine. The LS-U 1.9L 4×4 is $61,400 and the LS-U 3.0L 4×4 is priced at $63,400.
Second from top spec is the LS-T model which is available with a 3.0L engine as both 4×2 and 4×4. The LS-T 3.0L 4×2 costs $65,400 and the LS-T 3.0L 4×4 model costs $71,400 (introductory offer at $69,990 drive away).
The new top-spec X-Terrain model is available with a 3.0L engine and 4×4 only and costs $74,400 (or $73,990 introductory drive away).
What has changed on the exterior of the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
Isuzu's design inspiration for the exterior of the updated MU-X is drawn from a hexapod and aeronautical shapes.
At the front you can see the new hexapod design in the exterior shape of the grille. Compared to the previous design the grille has really been opened up.
You can see the same hexapod shape around the fog lights too.
The aeronautical design elements are in the two bars across the grille and in the newly designed LED headlights. You can see this design elements detail echoed throughout the car.
The Isuzu badge has been made smaller on the front and rear.
At the back the LED lights also echo the aeronautical design to match those at the front. The tailgate spoiler is lower and the hexapod design shape is visible. There’s a new lower rear diffuser design.
There are new wheels for the MU-X too. The base model LS-M has 17″ silver alloy wheels. The LS-U has 18″ titanium metallic alloys, LS-T has 20″ two-toned alloy wheels and the X-Terrain have 20″ newly designed gloss black alloy wheels.
The LS-M has Dunlop all-terrain tyres, and the LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain models have Bridgestone tyres.
What has changed in the interior of the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
It is a subtle difference inside. You see the hexapod shape surrounding the media screen on the central dash and the aeronautical design feature across the dash too.
The updated 2025 MU-X gets a new 8” media screen in the LS-M base model.
While the LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain get 9” screens. Volume and tuner knobs at the bottom of the screen make it really easy to use while driving.
The media system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It doesn't have a wireless phone charging pad, but it can be added as an accessory available from the Isuzu dealership.
The media system has an in-built sat-nav, and the tyre pressure and tyre temperature monitoring system has a great feature that makes an audible alert when you reach the correct tyre pressure. This is really handy when you’re outside the car filling the tyres up!
The driver display screen has revised graphics and is 7” in the LS-U, LS-T, and X-Terrain and 4.2” in the bottom-spec LS-M.
Dual Zone air conditioning is available in all MU-X models except the LS-M.
There are rear air-con vents in the ceiling for both rear rows of seats.
There are controls in the central ceiling and a master switch by the drivers right knee to turn the rear climate on and off if the kids are fiddling with it!
How many child seats fit in the updated Isuzu MU-X?
This refreshed Isuzu MU-X is just as good for families as the outgoing Isuzu MU-X.
Like its predecessor, the 2025 Isuzu MU-X has ISOFIX in the two outer rear seats that are not within plastic guides; they are underneath a flap of the seat fabric but are lovely and easy to connect to.
The 2025 Isuzu MU-X has top tether anchorages in the back of all three second-row seatbacks. To access the top tether anchor points, you need to put the third-row seatbacks up. You can not easily access them when they are down because the third-row seats cover the top tether anchorages, which can make installing child seats fiddly.
When testing the 2024 Isuzu MU-X I found three child seats fit across the second-row seats comfortably and the new 2025 model has not changed.
I also tried sitting between two child seats in the back of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X during the launch and could fit quite comfortably.
If you are looking at buying a used MU-X then the previous generation Isuzu MU-X had three sets of ISOFix across the second-row seats, Allowing you to install ISOFix child seats in any of the three seats in the second row.
The 2025 Isuzu MU-X is a good car for taller families. With a rear-facing child seat installed in the back, we can fit a 186cm driver in front of it. With forward-facing child seats installed in the second-row seats a 188cm or taller driver can sit in front or taller.
There are no top tether anchorages or ISOFix in the third row of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X so you can't install any child seats back there.
You can not access the third-row seats with three child seats installed in the second-row seats. If you have two child seats installed in the second row, you can bring the single seat forward to gain access.
What is the boot space like in the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
Boot space in the updated Isuzu MU-X hasn't changed compared to the 2024 model, which would fit eighteen shopping bags when using the first two rows of seats.
I took the Thule Spring one-handed folding stroller to the 2025 Isuzu MU-X launch, and it fits nicely in the boot.
When using the first two rows of seats or when using all seven seats, families can still fit the Thule Spring compact stroller easily in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X.
I have previously tested the Thule pram range in the boot of the 2024 MU-X. You can see how the MU-X's boot space could work for your family below:
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat…
…will fit in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with eight shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with two sibling seats…
…will fit in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with eight shopping bags.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat and bassinet beside it…
…will fit in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with three shopping bags.
The Thule Urban Glide 3 single is the ultimate all-terrain stroller…
… with the back wheels on, fits in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with eight shopping bags.
The Thule Urban Glide 3 double is Thule's beloved ultimate all-terrain stroller…
… with the back wheels on, it will fit in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with six shopping bags.
The Thule Spring, lightweight and one-handed folding stroller…
…fits in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with twelve shopping bags.
The Isuzu MU-X boot can also accommodate two 90L, one 70L and one 40L Thule Chasm duffle bags.
You can fit a large size dog in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X.
When using all three rows of seats, the boot of the Izusu MU-X will hold six shopping bags, which is comparable to the Ford Everest, which will also hold six shopping bags. The Land Rover Discovery will hold three shopping bags and so will the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
The Thule Sleek, future-proof, multi-configuration pram with a single seat…
…will fit in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X when using all three rows of seats but with no shopping bags.
The Thule Urban Glide 3 single is the ultimate all-terrain stroller…
… with one of the back wheels on, fits in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with no shopping bags.
The Thule Spring, lightweight and one-handed folding stroller…
…fits in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X with two shopping bags. When using all three rows of seats.
The Isuzu MU-X boot can also accommodate two 40L Thule Chasm duffle bags with all three rows of seats in use.
Or you can fit a small size dog in the boot of the Isuzu MU-X.
How safe is the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X?
The updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X has the same five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 85% for child occupancy protection and 86% for adult occupancy protection.
Of the child occupancy testing, ANCAP wrote:
In the frontal offset (MPDB) test, protection of the chest of the 10 year old dummy was rated as ADEQUATE and protection of the neck was rated as POOR. Protection of other body regions for the 10 year old and all body regions for the 6 year old dummy were rated as GOOD. In the side impact tests, protection was GOOD for all critical body areas for both the 6 year and 10 year child dummies.
The Isuzu MU-X is fitted with lower ISOFix anchorages on the second row outboard seats and top tether anchorages for all second row seating positions. Top tethers and ISOFix anchorages are not available in the third row. Installation of child restraints in the third row is therefore not recommended.
Installation of typical child restraints available in Australia and New Zealand showed that all of the selected child restraints could be accommodated in all second row seating positions and full points were scored for this assessment.
Eight airbags are standard:
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting, side head-protecting (curtains) and a driver knee airbag are standard. A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard on all variants
As standard, all models of 2025 Isuzu MU-X come with adaptive cruise control (ACC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – Car-to-Car/VRU/Junction Assist, blind spot monitor (BSM), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), emergency brake assist (EBA), emergency stop signal (ESS), fatigue monitor/detection, forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keep assist (LKA), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), reversing collision avoidance (camera), roll stability system, secondary/multi-collision brake, speed assistance – auto/intelligent speed limiter, speed assistance – manual speed limiter and speed assistance – speed sign recognition and warning.
How about the warranty?
All 2025 Isuzu MU-X models come with Isuzu Ute Australia’s ‘Service Plus’ care programme, which includes a five-year ‘flat price' servicing program at $469 per year or 15,000km interval, a six-year/150,000km warranty, and up to seven years of roadside assistance.
What is the updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X like to drive?
We got to do a little off-roading with the new Isuzu MU-X at Black Duck Valley 4WD Park in Queensland and the 2025 Isuzu MU-X was pretty impressive!
We took the MU-X up one particularly challenging, rutted track that it coped with very well. It may not be something that is on every family's school run but it's good to know you can do it at the weekends!
The Isuzu MU-X has a retuned suspension that soaks up some of the bumps in the road and they’ve retained the non-reverberation foam in the seating that helps make the ride feel smoother.
It is as comfortable for school drop-offs and nipping to the shop for milk, bread, and cheese as it is out on the open road. With its 3.5-tonne towing capacity, it is also very capable of pulling your caravan, boat or camper trailer.
..and I've seen people towing some really big trailers off-road with their Isuzus!
I have towed many times with the Isuzu MU-X and D-Max, and found this new MU-X just as capable, so I am looking forward to towing our family camper trailer with this soon on some more family holidays!
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