Isuzu MU-X

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X in India is powered by a single, refined diesel engine option: the 1.9-litre Ddi VGS Turbo Intercooled Diesel. This 4-cylinder engine produces a maximum power output of 160.92 bhp (or 163 HP) at 3600 rpm and a peak torque of 360 Nm between 2000-2500 rpm. This engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and brake shift lock.

The powertrain delivers adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising. While it may not offer the outright punch of larger displacement engines found in some competitors, its strong mid-range torque ensures effortless overtaking and comfortable long-distance travel. The automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The MU-X is available in both 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) and 4x4 variants. The 4x4 system features Isuzu's "Terrain Command" control with 'shift-on-the-fly' 2-high and 4-high selection at speeds up to 100 km/h, enhancing its off-road capability. The claimed ARAI mileage for the 4x2 AT variant is approximately 13 kmpl, and for the 4x4 AT variant, it is around 12.31 kmpl, which is reasonable for a large SUV. While the 1.9-litre engine is efficient, some users might find it less responsive at very low RPMs in city traffic compared to larger engines.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X offers a comfortable and composed ride, characteristic of a body-on-frame SUV designed for varied Indian road conditions. Its suspension setup, featuring an independent double wishbone coil suspension with a stabilizer bar at the front and a penta-link coil suspension with gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar at the rear, is tuned to absorb bumps and undulations effectively. This ensures a plush ride quality, even over rough patches and broken roads, making it suitable for long journeys and diverse terrains.

Handling is predictable and stable, particularly at highway speeds. While it is not designed for sporty driving, the MU-X feels confident and planted. The steering is power-assisted, offering a good balance of lightness for city maneuverability and adequate weight at higher speeds. The minimum turning radius of 5.8 meters is manageable for an SUV of its size. Body roll is present, as expected from a high-riding SUV, but it is well-controlled, ensuring a sense of security around corners. The available 'shift-on-the-fly' 4x4 system further enhances grip and stability in challenging off-road or slippery conditions. The MU-X prioritizes a comfortable and reassuring driving experience over dynamic agility.

The interior of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X focuses on practicality and comfort for all seven occupants. The cabin layout is functional, featuring a twin-cockpit ergonomic design. Material quality includes luxurious quilted soft leather seats and soft-touch panels on the dashboard and door trims, providing a premium feel. Seating is configured for seven passengers across three rows. The front seats are anatomically designed bucket seats, with the driver's seat offering 6-way power adjustment for a relaxed driving position.

The second row provides decent space, with adjustable seating that can be folded in a 60:40 split for versatility. The third row, surprisingly, offers competitive legroom and toe room, making it usable for adults on shorter journeys, though headroom might be slightly restricted for taller individuals. A one-touch fold and tumble function for the second-row seats eases access to the third row. Cargo space is a practical 235 litres with all three rows up, expanding significantly to 878 litres when the third row is folded, making it suitable for long road trips with luggage. Amenities include cabin cooling vents for all three rows, individual reading lamps, USB charging ports in the second row, and a rear centre armrest with cupholders, enhancing comfort and convenience for all passengers.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Isuzu MU-X is centered around a 9-inch touchscreen display. This system provides essential connectivity and entertainment functionalities. It supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless integration of smartphone features such as navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, prioritizing ease of access to core functions.

The system also includes built-in Bluetooth connectivity, USB inputs, and camera inputs for reverse parking assistance, aiding in maneuverability in tight spaces. Audio output is delivered through a multi-speaker sound system, with specific speaker counts varying by variant. While the MU-X's infotainment system is functional and covers modern smartphone integration needs, it does not feature the expansive, multi-screen setups or advanced connected car technologies found in some of its more premium rivals. The emphasis remains on reliable and practical functionality for the target audience.

The exterior design of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X is characterized by a rugged and purposeful stance, reflecting its SUV credentials. The front fascia features a prominent grille, flanked by Bi-LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling and integrated LED daytime running lamps. The design emphasizes strength and road presence rather than sleek aesthetics. The front bumper is robust, designed to minimize injury to pedestrians in the event of an accident, and includes integrated fog lamps. The overall design is largely carried over from the 2024 model, maintaining its familiar and functional appearance.

From the side, the MU-X exhibits a classic SUV silhouette with a high beltline and large wheel arches housing 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (255/60 R18 tyres). The ground clearance stands at a substantial 230 mm, ensuring capability over challenging terrains and large speed breakers. The rear features sharp LED tail lamps and a practical tailgate. Dimensions for the 2025 MU-X are approximately 4825 mm in length, 1860 mm in width, and 1860 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2845 mm. The design is functional and bold, appealing to those who prefer a traditional, tough SUV look. Specific color options for 2025 are expected to remain consistent with the 2024 palette, including shades like Silky White Pearl, Galena Grey, and Red Spinal Mica.

Safety is a core strength of the 2025 Isuzu MU-X. The current generation MU-X has received a 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP, indicating a high level of occupant protection. This robust safety performance is attributed to its high-tensile steel body construction with tailor-welded blanks and anti-intrusion bars inside the side doors, providing enhanced structural strength.

Standard safety equipment is comprehensive, including 6 airbags (driver, front passenger, front side, and full-length curtain airbags), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control System (TCS). Other crucial safety features include Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Hold Assist, 3 ISOFIX child seat anchorages for the second-row seats, 3-point retractable seat belts for all seating positions with pre-tensioners and load limiters for front seat belts, and an engine immobilizer. A rear parking assist camera with guidelines and rear parking sensors are also standard, aiding in safe maneuvering. While it lacks advanced ADAS features like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring found in some rivals, the MU-X provides a strong foundation of passive and active safety systems.

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X competes in the competitive 7-seater body-on-frame SUV segment in India. Its primary rivals include the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Gloster. While the MU-X offers a compelling package, it faces stiff competition from these established players.

The Toyota Fortuner is the segment leader, known for its strong resale value, extensive service network, and powerful engine options (both petrol and diesel). The Fortuner often commands a higher premium and offers a more aggressive road presence. However, the MU-X counters with a generally more comfortable ride, particularly for passengers, and a slightly more accessible price point. The MG Gloster offers a more feature-rich and technologically advanced cabin, along with powerful diesel engine options and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Gloster emphasizes luxury and a more premium experience, while the MU-X focuses on rugged reliability and core SUV capabilities. The MU-X's value proposition lies in its combination of a proven, durable powertrain, comfortable 7-seater cabin, and genuine off-road ability at a price that undercuts the top-spec Fortuner, making it an attractive alternative for buyers who prioritize substance and reliability.

The 2025 Isuzu MU-X remains a strong and reliable contender in India's 7-seater SUV market. It offers a compelling package for buyers who value a robust build, genuine off-road capability, and a comfortable, spacious cabin for the entire family. Its proven 1.9-litre diesel engine, paired with a smooth automatic transmission, provides adequate performance and reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. The strong emphasis on safety, with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and a comprehensive suite of passive and active safety features, adds to its appeal for safety-conscious Indian buyers.

While it may not boast the latest in cabin design or advanced ADAS features found in some rivals, the MU-X delivers on its core promise of being a dependable and practical SUV. For Indian buyers prioritizing a durable, go-anywhere family vehicle with a comfortable ride and strong safety credentials, the MU-X is a smart choice. Considering its value-for-money proposition, particularly against the segment leader, the Isuzu MU-X 4x2 AT variant emerges as the best pick. It offers all the essential features, comfort, and reliability for most urban and highway uses, providing a balanced and cost-effective entry into the rugged 7-seater SUV segment.