Lexus NX vs Isuzu MU-X

What's the difference?

VS
Lexus NX
Lexus NX

$56,990 - $103,598

2025 price

Isuzu MU-X
Isuzu MU-X

$49,900 - $77,100

2026 price

Summary

2025 Lexus NX
2026 Isuzu MU-X
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.5L

Diesel Turbo 4, 3.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
1.3L/100km (combined)

8.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

7
Dislikes
  • Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
  • Not as flashy inside as rivals
  • Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

  • Extra gruff
  • Laggy take-off
  • More power and torque wouldn't hurt
2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

View full pricing & specs
2026 Isuzu MU-X Summary

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.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Lexus NX 2026 Isuzu MU-X

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