Isuzu MU-X Novated Lease

The MU-X is a design derivative of the D-MAX ute. Essentially, it’s a D-MAX with a seven-seat wagon body. Philosophically the MU-X’s relationship to D-MAX is the same as that of Ford Everest to Ranger, Toyota Fortuner to Hilux and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport to Triton.

This means MU-X uses the same powertrains as the D-MAX, and the same body-on-chassis construction. Vehicles in this class feature true off-road capability in extreme terrain, as well as heavy tow capacity (officially up to 3.5 tonnes, but 2.5-3.0 tonnes is a more reasonable target in the real world).

Many would-be owners put vehicles like D-MAX on their new vehicle shopping lists alongside other seven-seaters such as Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento - but they’re really not the same thing.

The softer trio just mentioned are more refined around town and on the highway, but fall short in the rough or when heavy towing. The reverse is true for MU-X and its ute-based cohorts, which are typically rougher but tougher.

This means it’s vital that you carefully consider what you actually need your new vehicle to do. If you really are going to exploit that additional all-terrain and/or tow performance, then the likes of D-MAX is a solid choice. If not, then one of the softer and more car-like seven-seaters perhaps makes more sense for you.

LS-T

• MU-X 4x4 LS-T
• MU-X 4x2 LS-T

LS-U

• MU-X 4x4 LS-U
• MU-X 4x2 LS-U

LS-M

• MU-X 4x4 LS-M
• MU-X 4x2 LS-M

You also learn more about your options when it comes to Isuzu finance.

Unlike Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest, which both offer a sophisticated AWD system that allows the use of 4WD (high range) on high traction surfaces, 4X4 versions of the MU-X retain the basic 4WD system from the D-MAX ute, and therefore must be driven in 2WD mode on bitumen and good dirt roads.

The Isuzu MU-X is available in three spec levels - LS-T, LS-U and LS-M. Seating capacity is seven across the range, and both 4X4 and 4X2 powertrains are offered in each grade. The single engine across the range is the 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel from D-MAX (and also featured in Isuzu light trucks). Across all three grades the transmission is a conventional six-speed automatic.