Isuzu MU-X vs Peugeot 2008

What's the difference?

Isuzu’s 3.0-litre MU-X has attracted plenty of fans over the years – and for good reason: it’s a seven-seat 4WD wagon packed with features, driver-assist tech and it has a decent 4WD set-up including a recalibrated rough terrain mode.

But the Japanese brand's 1.9-litre experiment has now officially ended – it’s a Gary-goner. So, for this test I’m driving its replacement: the 2.2L MU-X. This 4WD wagon has a, you guessed it, 2.2-litre engine – offering better claimed fuel consumption than the 3.0L, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission and idle stop-start technology. And this MU-X has the same 3.5 tonne towing capacity as the 3.0-litre version, that’s 500kg more than the outgoing 1.9L MU-X.

So, how does this new 2.2L MU-X perform off-road? And does it make more sense as an adventure wagon than its 3.0L stablemate?

Read on.

Looks are subjective but Peugeot’s updated 2008 small SUV is good looking from every angle.

The update brings a raft of design tweaks and some tech upgrades, but mechanically there isn’t anything new.

It’s not a cheap car and its diminutive size might scare off some buyers who can cross-shop cheaper and more value focused alternatives from mainstream Japanese and Korean brands.

We are driving the range-topping 2008 GT variant to find out if it’s more than just a pretty face.