2024 Isuzu MU-X on/off-road (inc. 0-100) review: Is the smaller engine worth it?

[@CJTheReal]

I'd go with a 1.9 if there's a significant fuel saving over the 3.0. I don't tow and as long as the offroad capability isn't compromised I'd rather save a lot of fuel

[@Jim-kw1cz]

Unpopular opinion: the soccer mums who just need a valuable SUV to transport kids around couldnt care less about how powerful thr engine is.

[@trentmorris2502]

So why wouldn’t they save $10k and get a Santa Fe, Sorrento or CX8

[@apemaster6976]

@@trentmorris2502because even though most people don’t use 4wd they still want it, also the same reason sports suvs are a thing. People want to pretend they have something they don’t, take the Haval h6 gt, looks sporty but its dead slow, the reason people buy it is because it looks fast but is still cheap.

[@kosiekoos9408]

Realist u are and truth speaker

[@AD28197]

Not bad for the smaller engine, would stick with the 3L. For the Triton, the traction control was calibrated to work in hand with the terrain select mode.

[@fariq739]

Here in Indonesia we only get this engine for the MU-X, due to Isuzu here are more into trucking industry so MU-X we only get is a mine spec

[@bhoogewerf2823]

Same in many parts of Asia. Which is why the Toyota Hilux has no real competitor and is so successful.

[@peterj5751]

The biggest selling point of the Isuzu is the 3l for its relaxed torquey nature. Few will buy this smaller engine and those who do will normally regret it.

[@petertran141]

in some market, isuzu only selling 1.9L not the 3L, I believe it's worth for family use

[@JohnAgustinScuderia458595]

Finally I've been waiting for this!

[@SCELO_MYEZA.]

Wow, your testing facility has it all..😮.. all sorts of road surfaces that people will encounter in real life, big up for that.. I think this is exactly what everyone should go for. People are not towing big trailers, and they never take their SUVs offroad, which makes this enough for most people. The cloth seats are nice and comfortable, you can park it out in the sun and never have to worry about it getting hot. I think the interior is aging well. The screen is big enough, and plus, there are still some physical buttons around. Yes, the screen in the Ford Everest is cool,but controlling most of the things through it is not easy. Very practical, reliable , and efficient. My pick.

[@alfstewart22]

It's not 'their' testing facility. It's the Lang Lang test grounds in South Gippsland, Victoria.

[@PeterNelson-m1g]

Consider resale. Such a small engine really limits resale value.

[@ShaeReading]

I just bought the 3.00 love it

[@BingoDingo8394]

The Rough Terrain mode works exceptionally well in genuine off-road work.

[@michaelagi3777]

Hey Paul, great review as always. You mentioned that an updated MUX was realised in Thailand. I'm so close to looking at one (3 litre diesel), and I would love it if you had any information on Australia. Sadly, I haven't purchased a new car for years and would be shattered if an update MUX was around the corner.

[@fhclappen8595]

Good honest review. Spot on Paul. I Think Grandma's school bus. Drove the 1900 Ute here in Thailand a couple of times. Yeah, it will suit Grandpa. Full loaded and towing, you are going nowhere quickly, and it will probably use more fuel than the 3.0 in the same scenario.

[@joelawrence56]

Couldn't disagree more... just as much grunt as my 2.4 litre Hilux...in Thailand!

[@kosiekoos9408]

I car that goes nowhere? And quick?

[@mrnicktoyou]

For a saving of just $2000 over the 3.0 engine, it seems like a terrible deal. No way would I buy this.

[@tyzon00800]

@@mrnicktoyou dmax or mux no matter what motor no good

[@vtwin1979]

They are only commercial engines anyway. I don’t even know why they do 0-100 times. There’s not a quick commercial out there.

[@mitchell5064]

@@tyzon00800 what? a 4jj3 is a great engine

[@homer5103]

@@vtwin1979because people want to know

[@JamesW-5]

I’m the first viewer! Greetings from South Africa, love your reviews.

[@zenandendima7615]

Greetings from East London

[@zenandendima7615]

Greetings from East London

[@siphosymposiummadikizela3733]

Greetings from South Africa🇿🇦been a subscriber for couple of years# Johannesburg

[@buster_1972]

Greetings from Yaapeet, Australia 🦘

[@tsakane_onadventure]

I am From Mmakau South Africa

[@matias9412]

Saludos desde Chile Paul, excelente vídeo amigo.👍🏻

[@marcvanheugten9472]

Here in the netherlands we only get the d-max in 1.9td. If you draw straight lines from A to B on a map and try to drive that route and tow heaps get the 3L or a LC70. If you drive (un)sealed roads, some mud, an occasional hump and a lot of KM the 1.9 is quite a nice and economical ride. Wouldn't mind if they would send us the MUX 1.9

[@ezy.from.now.on.]

I'm just here to pls that the new series you started where you spend 5 mins talking about the latest car news, PLS can that not be replacing the proper Monday podcasts. I enjoyed the banter between you all, as well as all the news and different opinions on things.

[@UCMpDwp7VEfKXRH3NyAW7kuj]

Good review, it makes me more convinced tank300 is such a good product

[@sthembisomadlala6943]

Can't wait to see the release of the new one facelifted version

[@adamroberts9159]

I’ll go the 3.0 thanks

[@markt9028]

Might be ok for fleet and i see a heap as rental cars but ive ordered the 3.0l. Good upgrade from a 120 series prado.

[@rokuth]

On the color of the grill, in the US, we would have called it "Gunmetal Grey."

[@serilvelmurugan1177]

Great video like always! Also, would be much appreciated if you could do a comparison between the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Kia Sorento.

[@Gordon_L]

These smaller engines that have to work harder just to keep up will not have the same longevity as the bigger capacity option . The 1.9 would be a good choice for a 4 door sedan or station wagon where it really would achieve good fuel economy due to a better power to weight ratio.

[@bhoogewerf2823]

True..got to keep the engine on the boil to get decent performance. The 3L is a far superior engine especially if you need a work horse..

[@marloncalad8992]

Un saludo desde MEDELLÍN COLOMBIA 🇨🇴, que bueno ver tus videos. Ojalá esa marca traiga a Colombia este vehículo, la marca solo trae la DMAX.

[@XR_Martin]

This has about the same performance as a 3.2L 1988 EA Falcon. Even back then it was regarded as woefully slow and was only sold for 9 months. How far we have come in 36 years.

[@chrisgregory4796]

This thing would struggle to pass the early 80s Commodore 4 cyl.

[@FakeSpiderMan3434]

In India I don't know what's the mindset of Isuzu but they sell this mux with this engine still the price is 85000 aud.. that's why fortuner is so popular here despite fat price of 90000-95000 aud..

[@bhoogewerf2823]

Difficult to comprehend Isuzu engine choices and pricing. The 3L makes the perfect workhorse and if priced sensibly would make the Hilux sweat.

[@zayghamnawaz9617]

Mitsubishi had one of the best TC system in the world. Probably there is something wrong with triton

[@marora79]

3.0 sounds like tractor but extra power is worth it. Only if they could add mild hybrid with this 1.9L engine and take total power up to 200KW, it would be great.

[@joshuavanderham7239]

Could you do an explained video explaining how auto headlight levelling works specifically in utes and suvs and how it works when weight is added to the vehicle such as when towing?

[@Sno-re-lax]

i drive a 2019 ranger its got manual leveling headlights when i press and turn the knob it lowers and raises the beam of the lights at 5 its super close like about half of the range is gone at 1 its back to its highest and full range .... i guess its useful when the back of the pick up squats and the front raises up due to the load weight, you can lower it a bit so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic . . . i put mine at 2 so its a bit lower because sedans and lowered hondas and toyotas keep flashing me even if Im on my low beams... im guessing the auto ones works the same except its automatic when it detects the added weight

[@XR_Martin]

There's a sensor on the rear control arm (or leaf spring) that monitors the angle of the suspension and adjusts the headlight angle to suit.

[@tanialowe-d1n]

down hill assist is adjustable by gently squeezing accelorator or brakes to increase or decrease speed during descent. Also rough terrain mode and diff lock dont work together in mux. They work hand in hand in dmax however and should be an update for new model mux coming.

[@adamtonkin3800]

I come from a BMW X5 40D …. 600nm, pulls like a school boy and every feature I could want. Had the unfortunate luck of ending up with some less than ideal rental cars in aus recently. Acadia, MU-x and prado…. I wasn’t impress to put it politely….. and now I’m waiting for the RS facelift MU-X to be available to order 😮

[@Notsure00700]

Paul, just some feedback mate. I attempted to use your purchasing service for a Tiguan R and Peter replied. After numerous replies back to him with the specific model I wanted he never returned my enquiry despite being ready to buy asap. Disappointing point as his service for your business is not recommended and absolute rubbish to be honest! Thanks for your videos mate 👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the feedback - do you mind emailing us on the site and we can follow this up.

[@RedEemblem]

Quieter, great torque, lighter, cheaper, less annual tax, less payload so less bouncy suspension. Plus modern gbox does the job so no worries for downshifting more than the 3L. In basic trim and 4x2 It' s a great deal

[@ivanparada1203]

Way behind the competition

[@w1ldm4n82]

No, the pajero sport is. It sure is cheaper but already outdated. Could also say the same about the fortuner.

[@w1ldm4n82]

I feel bad for the markets that only get this small engine option, like vietnam. The 3.0l will always still be better in terms of overtaking, tackling uphills and towing, even tho it's louder and sounds more agricultural.

[@vtwin1979]

Did they fix the front suspension issue? Isuzu and Mazda have a class action lawsuit pending.

[@watataenjoyer]

Probably a good family car

[@dilligaf2818]

Has it still got the front end issues ???

[@roberthocking9138]

Looks like it was designed for fleet use to me, bare bones inside , fuel economy for fleets who have them as reps cars and don’t tow,. Not enough of a discount for me.

[@RedEemblem]

Not only that, also for taxes, in a lot of countries jumping 1L in cc means a big increase in yearly taxes

[@johnnumbat9782]

Thanks Paul - you can never beat power to weight ratios of a three litre diesel - the Ford twin turbo Ranger also suffered from poor forward motion and a constantly hunting 10 speed auto transmission - I drive a Hilux so the Toyota Fortuner is a no-brainer and if budget was a consideration then a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - I would never spend this amount of money on an Isuzu or Ford.

[@AdamAus85]

I have that ranger for work and it’s been quite nice up here in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley. I had a 21 Hilux, and that was nice and all but now I have seamless acceleration and radar cruise thanks to those extra gears.

[@johnnumbat9782]

@@AdamAus85 let’s hope your electronic dash doesn’t fail Adam and have installed a transmission oil cooler.

[@AdamAus85]

@@johnnumbat9782 We have a number of those Hyundai Venues in the metro areas and those have digital clusters that don't even power up sometimes.

[@johnnumbat9782]

@@AdamAus85 yes Adam - an analogue cluster is so much more reliable as you don’t need power - this is going to be a big problem as more manufactures adopt these - another observation is when Subaru removed the analogue coolant temp instrument from 2009 and only just reintroduced it for 2024/5 models - this cause a lot of engine overheating as drivers only saw a small below the tacho red light warning when it was too late - I owned 12 Subarus and stopped buying them when they did this and also introduced the flawed CVT in 2013.

[@ertugrulklc5624]

They should use this engine in the Jimny

[@kaneandmilly]

bring on the 1.9l hybrid !!!!

[@andresgroove]

C'mon mate, there's not cold places in Stralia, kiwis we still using short pants even in frozen morning!

[@Themitch343]

Small engine probably intended for fleet vehicles. Also possibly a marketing ploy to upsell to the 3.0 that they used to sell as standard

[@buncha5651]

Even if it was $5,000, I'd buy the 3.0 litre. Resale on the 1.9 litre would be dismal. 😊

[@YCOMNSW]

If you're towing light weight stuff like under 1 tonne such as a tinny or camper trailer it's fine. If you're on towing stuff that leaning towards the 2+ tonne id go the bigger engine.

[@ovidiumoro5470]

Comming to Europe too, hope!?

[@bryanmercado8116]

do a review of the updated pajero sport. thanks mate

[@kalomboC]

Great little engine, sips fuel has enough 'power' for 99.99% of what it'll be used for.

[@raysalter6456]

Can you do an updated tow/off road tests using 2/3 litre utes please...Thanks

[@aitkensmail9771]

Did they update the dimmer control for the dash and infotainment?

[@KatrinaNakale-v9q]

Pls do the new isuzu xrider

[@ArunKumar-nx8kq]

Will this come to India ?

[@John.John.Johnny.John.]

Any danger of Isuzu getting rid of the piano black trim?

[@tremoffatt8047]

What car do you personally drive Paul?

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

For $2k saving I’m not sure why anyone would go the smaller engine. Not enough of a saving in my opinion.

[@spiesonmars]

The 3.0 sounds like a tractor but the extra power is worth the price.

[@AdamAus85]

I had to use a dmax 4x2 single cab for a day when my dual cab ranger was in for a service, both 2024 models. That 1.9 and that trans were a big step down from the ranger drivetrain. Yeah not an apples to apples comparison, the ranger is the 4x4 model and not completely pov spec. But even the interior switchgear was horrible to interact with (ac knobs, indicator stalk, etc). Isuzu (and now Mazda) make a half baked product imo.

[@MBC1988.]

Why the heck do some car manufacturers put reverse lights at the very bottom of the rear bumper? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@3dr14ng4]

It illuminates to road better for the reverse camera vision.

[@tareskisloki8579]

Puts it at a similar level to 2wd vehicles, more chance to see it in a parking lot when they're all around the same height.

[@patfromozZ]

A smaller and less powerful motor in the MUX or DMax in the Australian market seems some what the wrong direction and big time. They need to at least get to hilux power and torque figures but even then the V6 diesel Ranger Sport/Wildtrak or the sister VW Amorok in V6 form just murder it. The $67,990 drive away price for a top spec MUX or DMax further negates a less powerful vehicle that is priced at $59,990 PLUS on roads so what’s the savings? $5k at best? When you go to sell it you will get more than that $5k difference back.

[@watch3r9]

is 11seconds possible without the wheel slip? the acceleration seems faster than the older 1.9 on the pickup truck.

[@watch3r9]

glad its got rough road mode

[@__PJ__]

Still no river crossing ??

[@HolyGrail98]

Hi Paul, I suggest that you do the braking test exactly at 100KM/H for more accurate reading. At high speed even 5KM/h makes a lot of difference, and here in the video you did it in 110Ks. That won't be accurate.

[@tonymillar5342]

@CarExpertAus doesn't use the vehicle's speedometer for braking or acceleration measurements due to inaccuracies across manufacturers. CarExpert uses a recognised GPS Application for such measurements on all vehicle tests to allow correct measurement and vehicle comparison.

[@BingoDingo8394]

The measuring devices used can calculate the exact speed it brakes from. So you can brake from 120km/h but it will calculate 100-0 time and distance. It uses science.

[@CarExpertAus]

Nup. Makes no difference. We shot a video explaining this previously: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOsf6KCgsucrc0si=aevNtLntxmx9mzi1

[@ScepticFrog]

Nothing major with the facelift, had a look at one today in Thailand. 360 camera (awful visuals), new digital dash still not great and electric steering finally for Thai market, new front and rear are the major changes. We lost the blue colour as well😢

[@cmelft2463]

Thats dissapointing. Still waiting on the latest facelift to hit aus just to get the 360 cameras and digital dash

[@Suroyfamilia]

If you don’t need to tow it’s fine but it’s such a small price difference so I’d go the 3.0

[@buster_1972]

If they had a traction control system that worked, you wouldn't need another button 😔

[@thatdave86]

1.9 could be 2wd only and maybe only as a five seater ,that way reducing weight . 1.9 litre brings back memories of the Holden Starfire 1.9 and the Sunbird with the Opel 1.9 . Are they going with 1.9 to cater to certain tax laws ,is it just a push to be in the green ? Please find out if it can tow 3,000kg with all passengers, onboard ? Also imagine the 0-100 times with full load of passengers and from the safety thinking ,how safe would the 1.9 be for passing with passengers ?

[@kylew_photography2843]

What the app you use for 0 to 120

[@localguy123]

Fuel economy?

[@motorsportfreak1]

Do you think in 2028 Isuzu will use a 1.3L before mandatory EVs in all new cars sold?

[@AandKs]

Sort of useless watching this when a new one is coming.

[@johnbrando2666]

I drove the mux2.5 and it is slow in its acceleration and top speed how much more with that smaller engine

[@kmuinde]

2000$ is not a lot of savings better just buy a 3.0 ltr

[@BingoDingo8394]

Now at $45,990 drive away in 4X2 LSM. That’s great value for a vehicle that will outlast a lot of the competition.

[@tonysambar]

If it was $5,000 cheaper then maybe, but to save $2,000 no way.

[@Bonino10001]

Don’t know why anyone in Australia would ever buy an Isuzu. Such crappy cars. If you watch the MU X commercial on TV, it’s all about its powered tailgate 😂 I owned an Audi A6 Avant 20 years ago that already had that feature back then

[@trentmorris2502]

$60k for manual seats with no heating etc. Old infotainment system with a small screen. Small and useless screen in front of the driver. No 360 degree camera. Slow takeoff and overtaking times. Terrible stopping distance even in the wet. Why would I buy this over a Sorrento? It’s not for the towing capacity cause you can’t tow anything near the 3T. I’m amazed that these sell. Hopefully the new model is better

[@IvelisseHalima-u8s]

Keaton Skyway

[@jamawl66]

Does this have a front locking diff?

[@tonymillar5342]

No.

[@chileshemubanga3594]

When is the next Toyota hilux comin???

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

6 months away

[@Timmokenn]

I have owned a MUX for 12 months and have never touched the dials on the audio system, it’s all on the steering wheel. A non issue.

[@Immatthew1371]

Good for old couples to go camping with it

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Yes , its now safe for old couples to go camping, just leave the drone at home.

[@OctavisSchmidt-e3q]

Gibson Spring

[@EldenBaker-v6l]

Leuschke Crescent

[@benjionetwo]

Top spec with blank buttons 😂😂. And really low on power even compared to the kia 2.2l diesel.

[@LuciaAgnes-f3h]

Trenton Shoals

[@RockofGame]

Just a remap on that engine will do 250+++hp easy!!!

[@givvia6782]

Isuzu needs to work on its rough road mode, needs Mitsubishi's offroad expertise!

[@PhilipEdelblute-u5w]

Eino Extensions

[@kosiekoos9408]

Im literally tired of constantly putting in fuel. Ive seen the vw 1.9 diesel in action while driving in convoy long distance and man did they do evevryyythinggg on ONE tank or that was the game these 1.9 ers play. I again stopped for fuel. 1.9 for me pls. I TOO WANA DO A THOUSAND plus ON ONE TANK

[@dhiquobgnaloo]

12.47 0 to 100 i have a crappy 20 year old Prado that still does 0 to 100 in under 10 seconds WTF?

[@GeorgeBeau-q4m]

Raynor Expressway

[@JeffreyRussell-u4p]

Ethelyn Island

[@IamAbdullah-d8v]

😊

[@AlyFrances]

900 Ronaldo Estate

[@charleschin2612]

The engine is definitely too small for it's size at least it should have been a little bit bigger, about 2.2 ,2.4 with about 210hp or 218hp and that would be a lot more better to do the job

[@426dfv]

1.9L? Do you know why the Japanese manufacturer keep offering junk to Australia? coz ppl will buy them no matter what. Have a look at Toyota with it's gutless 2.8L diesel Prado. Slow as a snail yet ppl just can't get their hands off.

[@kentakanashi7284]

Goes to show people prefer to buy vehicles that last long

[@426dfv]

@@kentakanashi7284 with proven dinosaurs tech and design, of coz they will last long.

[@MiggyMndza]

Sorry Paul, Mitsubishi doesn't need the Rough Road mode of this. The Triton already has 7 Drives modes, which you have failed to utilize properly as seen with other reviews where it performed spectacularly 😂

[@Wtrxprs007able]

Gotta be pretty stupid to think this engine would be a good purchase decision. Tiny engine in a 2T+ car, its going to be working waaay harder than it needs to be and the result will be dead engine sooner than expected. Less towing capacity as well. The only selling point is lower fuel economy in the best of conditions. Not a very good idea.

[@ThompsonUpton-k7l]

Graham Rest