Isuzu MU-X LS-U 2024 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7.5

Likes

Smaller engine means a smaller fuel bill
Diesel engine still feels perky in town
Strong standard safety

Dislikes

Tech and cabin feel dated
Design refresh coming soon
Towing suffers with smaller engine
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

2 min read

The LS-U is the middle child in the MU-X family, sitting between the entry-level LS-M and the top-spec LS-T. It’s also, for the every first time, available with the option of a smaller and more efficient 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, joining the carryover 3.0-litre turbo-diesel option.

The LS-U can be had with a 3.0-litre engine and 2WD for $55,400, before on-road costs, or $61,400 for 4WD. The 1.9-litre option is 4WD-only, and is yours for $59,900.

The smaller engine option delivers 110kW and 350Nm, which don’t sound like massive numbers, but Isuzu makes the point that the maximum torque band is wide, with peak grunt available from 1800rpm to 2600rpm, and 300Nm available from 1550rpm to 3700rpm, meaning there’s power there when you need it. 

Read More About Isuzu MU-X

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 140kW and 450Nm, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and delivering power to two or all four wheels.

Another perk of the smaller engine is a smaller fuel bill, with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel promising to drink 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle - almost a litre less than the 3.0-litre 4x4 model, which is more like 8.3L/100km. 

Emissions drop, too, with the smaller engine rated at 196g/km of C02 combined, compared with 220g/km on for the 3.0-litre 4x4 model.

Regardless of engine, the LS-U arrives with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, a leather steering wheel, a bigger 9.0-inch central screen, dual-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.

Read the full 2023 Isuzu MU-X review

Isuzu MU-X 2024: LS-U (4X2)

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 7.8L/100km (combined)
Seating 7
Price From $51,920 - $59,620
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$56,466
Based on 141 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$39,750
HIGHEST PRICE
$82,499
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

CarsGuide contributing journalist Andrew Chesterton is an award-winning Australian automotive reporter with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, digital publishing and automotive corporate communications. Andrew began his journalism career at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, reporting across business, courts, crime, property and state politics before moving into automotive journalism. He joined Top Gear Australia as its online editor in 2008, later being appointed editor of Top Gear New Zealand. He subsequently worked as an assistant editor during the Australian launch of the Daily Mail Australia, and as communications manager at FCA Australia, now Stellantis. His experience on both sides of the media industry gives him an unrivalled understanding of the automotive industry, and the relationship between car manufacturers, the media, and Australian consumers. Andrew’s work has appeared across leading automotive, news, business, luxury, travel and lifestyle publications, including CarsGuide, EV Central, DMARGE, The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire, Top Gear, GQ Australia, The Australian, WISH Magazine, Boss Hunting, The West Australian, The Nightly, Women’s Day Australia, Carsales, NRMA, Men’s Health, CEO Magazine, Australian Financial Review and more.   Andrew specialises in industry news, vehicle reviews, policy,  performance and luxury cars, electric vehicles, automotive technology, EVs hybrid and plug-in hybrids, and the broader Australian new-car marketplace. In 2025, Andrew was named Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year and was a finalist for the overall Journalist of the Year award. Earlier honours include Website of the Year wins at the Australian Magazine Awards and ACP Awards, the ACP Rising Star Award and recognition in the Bauer Media and News Ltd journalism awards. Expertise Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles Performance, luxury and supercars New-car reviews and road testing Australian automotive industry and new-car sales Chinese automotive brands and emerging manufacturers Utes, SUVs and family vehicles Automotive technology Policy Awards 2025 Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide EV Central DMARGE The Sydney Morning Herald Marie Claire Top Gear GQ Australia The Australian WISH Magazine Boss Hunting The West Australian The Nightly Women’s Day Australia Carsales NRMA Men’s Health CEO Magazine Australian Financial Review The Daily Telegraph The Sunday Telegraph Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$39,750
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2024 Isuzu MU‑X
See Pricing & Specs

Have you considered?

Volkswagen Id.4
Volkswagen Id.4
Subaru Uncharted
Subaru Uncharted
Ford Everest
Ford Everest
Hyundai Elexio
Hyundai Elexio
Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y
Audi Q3
Audi Q3
Peugeot 408
Peugeot 408
Smart 3
Smart 3
Zeekr 7X
Zeekr 7X
BYD Sealion 8
BYD Sealion 8
Kia EV5
Kia EV5
Toyota BZ4X
Toyota BZ4X
Peugeot 5008
Peugeot 5008
Renault Scenic E‑Tech
Renault Scenic E‑Tech
Nissan Ariya
Nissan Ariya
Mazda CX‑80
Mazda CX‑80
Lexus UX300H
Lexus UX300H
KGM Torres Evx
KGM Torres Evx
BYD Sealion 7
BYD Sealion 7
Renault Megane E‑Tech
Renault Megane E‑Tech
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40
Smart 1
Smart 1
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe
Cupra Terramar
Cupra Terramar
Mazda Cx‑6E
Mazda Cx‑6E
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner
Chery Tiggo 9
Chery Tiggo 9
Peugeot 3008
Peugeot 3008
Cupra Ateca
Cupra Ateca
Xpeng G6
Xpeng G6
Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Check out more SUVs
CarsGuide Logo

Rival reviews

Ford Everest 2024 review: Wildtrak - off-road test
7.8/10
Toyota Fortuner 2023 review: Crusade
7.0/10
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2024 review: GSR
7.5/10

Comments