Looking to continue its momentum as Australia’s second-best-selling large SUV of 2024, the Isuzu MU-X is not only set for its feedback-driven midlife facelift update, but Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) will also expand the range, with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Isuzu MU-X X-TERRAIN.
The culmination of over four years of media and customer feedback, the 2025 Isuzu MU-X range represents Isuzu’s most comprehensive update yet; introducing refreshed aesthetics, more features, updated safety and a new suspension tune.
Segment-leading standardised ADAS suite now features upgraded and new functions, including the addition of a 360-degree surround view camera on select models for improved safety and visibility.
A new flagship MU-X X-TERRAIN has been introduced, featuring a distinctive dark-themed interior and exterior design, along with the most advanced level of equipment ever offered in an Isuzu SUV.
First impressions certainly count, with designers combining Isuzu’s signature design language with the latest in contemporary geometric and aeronautical themes cues 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 road, ride and handling has been improved with the introduction of new locally tested and validated suspension – developed in line with feedback from towing and touring customers.
Isuzu’s comprehensive 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.
“The updated 2025 MU-X represents a major milestone in the evolution of one of Australia’s favourite SUVs,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Junta Matsui.
“Built on a foundation of customer and media feedback, this significant update enhances packaging and specification across the range—keeping the MU-X at the pointy end of the highly competitive large-SUV segment as one of the top choices.
“Following last year’s record-breaking sales results of nearly 18,000 vehicles sold and delivered, which was an increase of 27.2 per cent year-on-year, these updates further strengthen the MU-X’s appeal among motorists, effectively answering their calls and positioning it to continue its momentum on the sales charts.”
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 strengths of the all-encompassing LS-T 4×4, the X-TERRAIN features a dark and bold aesthetic; featuring 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.
Continuing with the black and sporty design, trims and accents that would ordinarily be magnetite, chrome or grey are also 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, which not only complete the look, but gives the X-TERRAIN an unmistakable point of difference from the rest of the range.
With several gloss black elements to contrast against, the X-TERRAIN is exclusively available in a choice of four achromatic finishes: Moonstone White pearl, Mercury Silver metallic, Basalt Black mica and the new X-TERRAIN exclusive colour, Slate Grey metallic.
Inside, it’s a familiar black and red affair; a nod to the D-MAX X-TERRAIN which features a similar theme.
Isuzu’s signature red has been tastefully incorporated into sections of the leather-accented upholstery, while the entire cabin is bathed in the same red hue via 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.
While the MU-X has previously been lauded as one of the better riding and handling ladder-frame chassis SUVs in class, particularly when loaded up and towing, Isuzu’s engineering team were tasked to refine the suspension tune even further.
Tested and validated locally, the revised suspension tune features new dampers with 6.6 per cent larger diameter pistons and revised valving, for improved body control and stability across mid-to-high speed roads and corrugations.
In response to common feedback from customers and media, the touchscreen infotainment systems have been significantly upgraded with new hardware.
The LS-M now features an 8.0-inch display, while LS-U, LS-T, and X-TERRAIN models are equipped with larger 9.0-inch screens.
All systems sport USB-C connectivity, voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for true wireless connectivity, no matter the smartphone.
With off-road enthusiasts in mind, an inclinometer, and Terrain Command 4×4 drive modes have been integrated into the system—affording the driver the ability to view essential systems at a simple tap and swipe of the screen.
Keeping things simple and addressing commonly received functionality and usability feedback, a pair of tuning and volume dials have been added and warning messages automatically clear after a few seconds.
In addition to the features of the 8.0-inch infotainment system, the new 9.0-inch screen offers advanced functionality, featuring integrated satellite navigation, ADAS settings control, two fast-charging 3.0-Amp USB-C ports, and real-time tyre pressure and temperature monitoring.
Capability and versatility make the MU-X a long-standing favourite amongst Australian motorists, with the seven-seater rounding out the 2024 sales race within the top five selling 4x4s of the year.
Generous ground clearance of up to 235mm, a wading depth of 800mm and extensive underbody protection make it a dependable and competent choice.
Selectable dual-range 4WD, Rough Terrain Mode, rear differential lock, and the all-important angles for approach, departure and ramp-over of 29.2 degrees, 26.4 degrees and 23.1 degrees, respectively (X-TERRAIN), makes it highly capable from the showroom floor.
In response to media and customer feedback, Rough Terrain Mode (RTM) has been refined to work across a wider range of surfaces.
Originally introduced as part of the 2021 MU-X, RTM revolutionised off-road capability by precisely modulating brake pressure at individual wheels when slippage occurs. This intelligent traction control system redistributes torque to the wheels with the most grip, for optimal driveability, tractability, and torque-transfer to the terrain, with little to no loss to momentum.
Building on the proven success of RTM, the 2025 MU-X 4×4 range features a recalibrated system that is better suited for uneven terrain and now works in tandem with the Rear Differential Lock, ensuring constant mechanical traction across the rear axle while simultaneously deploying traction control across the front.
Available from 1st March 2025, the 2025 Isuzu MU-X range remains competitively priced, starting at $46,990 drive away for the LS-M 1.9L 4×2 before topping out at $73,990 drive away for the feature-packed X-TERRAIN.
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