Isuzu Reviews

A bigger engine designed to be more powerful and more efficient can only be a good thing for the Isuzu D-Max. Isuzu’s also gone to the trouble of adding a new gearbox and some new tech to go with it. But is it still a solid pick in an increasingly crowded ute segment?

Isuzu's MU-X range has undergone a much-anticipated update and it includes the introduction of a new variant: the new top-of-the-range X-Terrain.The X-Terrain is a seven-seat 4WD wagon and - as part of this new MU-X range - it has an updated chassis, a tweaked suspension set-up, some new safety tech and a recalibrated rough terrain mode (Isuzu's boosted off-road traction control system).

Isuzu’s updated 2025 MU-X range has a new flagship, the X-Terrain. To separate it from the rest of the range it comes with a range of unique black elements, including its 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, the horizontal bars on the grille, fog light surrounds and fender flares.It also gets a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, red ambient lighting and leather-accented trim with red and grey contrasting stitching. The X-Terrain is also exclusively available in Slate Grey metallic paint.The MU-X X-Terrain is only available with the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 (no 4x2 option). The X-Terrain is priced from $74,400 (plus on-road costs), but Isuzu is offering a very appealing drive-away price from launch at $73,990.

The entry to the updated Isuzu MU-X range remains the LS-M variant, which leads on value but still comes with meaningful choices for buyers.The biggest choice is the powertrain, with buyers able to pick between the 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel or the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, with the former available only with 4x2 but the bigger engine can be 4x2 or 4x4.For 2025 the LS-M gets some new equipment, including updated cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch digital display on the instrument panel, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as USB-C ports and bi-LED headlights.The LS-M begins the range with a $46,990 drive-away deal from launch for the 1.9L 4x2 (list price is $48,400 plus on-road costs. The 3.0-litre 4x2 LS-M starts from $50,400 (plus on-road costs) and 3.0L 4x4 starts at $56,400 (plus on-road costs).

The Isuzu MU-X LS-U sits in the middle of the range and arguably offers the best value as well as the most choice.It is available with a choice of the 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with 4x4, or the 3.0-litre four-cylinder with 4x2 or 4x4. The smaller engine makes 110kW/350Nm and the bigger punches out 140kW/450Nm.Some of the most noticeable enhancements for 2025 include new 12-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a new leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano black interior trims, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display panel, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, USB-C ports, LED fog lights and tyre pressure monitoring.The LS-U 1.9-litre 4x4 is priced from $61,400 (plus on-road cost), the 3.0L 4x2 from $57,400 (plus on-road cost) and the 3.0L 4x4 $63,400 (plus on-road cost).

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T is the brand’s rival to the Ford Everest Tremor 4WD, sitting just below the flagship X-Terrain.The LS-T is only available with the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, but it can be had as a 4x2.Key equipment for the LS-T includes a new 360-degree surround-view camera system, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented upholstery, black headlining, white ambient lighting and black elements on the front bumper, grille and rear bumper.The MU-X LS-T is priced from $65,400 (plus on-road costs) for the 4x2 and from $71,400 (plus on-road costs) for the 4x4. However, at the time of launch, Isuzu Australia is offering a drive-away deal of $69,990 for the 4x4 model.

Australian families are flocking to rugged, seven-seat SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado. The underdog in this contest is the Isuzu MU-X, which has become one of the most popular, has been refreshed for 2025.But this is more than just a 'nip and tuck' facelift, with some major changes underneath. We drive the new MU-X on- and off-road to put it to the test.

The D-Max Blade, a collaboration between Isuzu and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, was developed locally as a hardcore four-wheel drive. It has 3mm steel bash plates, Aussie-tuned and lifted suspension, light truck construction all-terrain tyres and Blade-specific design enhancements. But, without extra power and torque, is the Blade actually worth $15,000 more than the LS-U+ on which it's based?

With the help of engineering firm Walkinshaw, the Isuzu D-Max Blade gatecrashes the Australian-developed, off-road dual-cab ute shindig, as defined by the Ford Ranger Raptor and Nissan Navara Warrior. Aimed at the latter rather than the former, it may miss out on extra grunt, but gains improved on- and off-road capabilities, thanks to extensive engineering upgrades. Is it the best D-Max ever?

Don't want a HiLux or a Ranger? Is the facelifted 2025 Isuzu D-Max or the new-generation 2025 Mitsubishi Triton your next best option?