ONE of Australia’s top-selling large SUVs is set to receive a selection of feedback-driven updates, with Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) updating the 2023 (23MY) MU-X seven-seat SUV range towards the end of 2022, with new features, finishes, and a darker design aesthetic.
In recent years, with many Australians choosing to holiday at home and tour the Great Southern Land, large 4WD SUVs have soared in demand—with the Isuzu MU-X no stranger to that adoration; often listed towards the top of the shortlist of many travellers seeking a do-it-all, adventure-ready SUV. With the capability of a high-riding, dual-range 4WD, 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, and the proven versatility of a family-focused seven-seat SUV, the MU-X has earned its place on trails, beaches, and family driveways around Australia.
Since launching locally in mid-2021, the 2nd generation MU-X has quickly established its position as a podium contender in the hotly contested ‘SUV-Large <$70K’ segment, and the top-choice in the ‘Ute-based SUV’ sub-segment—a title the MU-X has held for eight-consecutive years, since the nameplate originally launched in 2013.
Proving its popularity with Australian drivers, since August-2021, over 12,000 examples of the latest-generation MU-X have sold locally, as reported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
“Since launch, the MU-X has received much adoration from Customers as the versatile choice of families and travellers looking to tow and explore Australia. These updates will only broaden its appeal and cement its place as one of the top-choices in the segment,” said Isuzu UTE Australia Managing Director, Hiroyasu Sato.
“Similar to the 2023 D-MAX stablemate—in which it shares much of its DNA with—these updates have been fuelled by Customer feedback, adding more value and features to an already value-packed vehicle, without the need of a price increase.”
“In a market where some manufacturers have removed features to meet delivery timeframes or increased pricing, we’ve worked closely with the factory to ensure we maintain the high-level of specification without compromise, which has been paramount in meeting Customer expectations and delivering on our award-winning Customer satisfaction.”
23MY MU-X RANGE
Available in three grades; LS-M, LS-U, and LS-T, in either 4×2 or selectable 4×4, all 23MY Isuzu MU-X variants will be powered by Isuzu’s legendary 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine generating 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. With customer-driven updates across each grade, a bold darker design aesthetic, and a fresh new exterior hue, the 23MY MU-X range is set to be the highest-specification vehicle ever manufactured by Isuzu.
ISUZU MU-X LS-M
Proving that base-models don’t necessarily need to be sparce, the LS-M is the ticket to adventure for savvy motorists and families who value a pragmatic interior with easy-to-clean trims—whilst still capable of towing up to 3.5-tonnes braked. With a bold, blacked-trimmed interior and exterior design accentuating its tough-not-rough demeanour, the 23MY MU-X LS-M looks the part on any trail or shaley slope, particularly with its new six spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain rubber, providing surefooted reassurance when off-road. In keeping with the dark exterior theme, the LED rear combination lights feature dark grey accents in lieu of the chrome of the previous model-year.
Simplifying the process when towing, the LS-M—just like the rest of the 23MY range—will automatically disable Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert driver aids when a trailer is hitched and detected via the genuine trailer wiring harness plug. This feedback-driven refinement comes a year after Isuzu introduced the Lane Support System Switch to the 22MY range, allowing the Driver to toggle lane keeping functions on or off, at the simple push of a button.
ISUZU MU-X LS-U
A popular choice amongst travellers, caravaners, and families who seek increased levels of convenience and comfort, the MU-X LS-U represents value and practical packaging in an SUV that features premium-appointments and inclusions at a competitive price point. Whilst retaining the same dark grey 18-inch turbine wheel design of the previous-model year, the 23MY LS-U is equipped with a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), affording the driver precise monitoring of tyre pressures to maximise traction and tyre life.
Taking the exterior design aesthetic of the LS-M a step further, the LS-U substitutes the silver and chrome from the previous model year with Magnetite; a dark grey shade used across the grille, fog light trims, sidesteps, roof rails and rear bumper. Similar touches of Magnetite can be found inside the cabin; across the dashboard and door trims. Adding a touch of additional functionality, Isuzu designers have introduced a handsfree tailgate system on the LS-U and LS-T, allowing the key bearer to open the rear tailgate by walking towards it and taking a step back—a welcomed feature for those who need access to the boot whist their hands are full. The tailgate can then be closed via the handsfree tailgate sensor, or at the push of a button on the dash, tailgate itself, or via the smart key.
ISUZU MU-X LS-T
Ruggedly refined, the flagship MU-X LS-T continues to headline the range by combining a lavish piano black and leather-accented interior trim with a bold exterior design—all packaged up as Isuzu’s most comprehensive vehicle ever. Receiving the same functionality and design updates as the LS-U, the 23MY LS-T receives additional Magnetite treatment across the lower front bumper, and a new set of 20-inch machined alloy wheels for a more distinguished aesthetic.
TOWING ENHANCEMENTS
With Customer surveys detailing that close to half of Isuzu owners chose their vehicle to tow with, Isuzu engineers have simplified towing with the 23MY MU-X by automatically disabling Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when a trailer is hitched up and detected via the Genuine trailer plug. This refinement comes a year after Isuzu introduced the Lane Support System Switch, giving the Driver the added convenience of toggling lane keeping functions on or off, at the simple push of a button.
