The term SUV (sport utility vehicle) has long been bastardised for modern automotive consumption habits. For those who remember and crave the original ethos of this particular segment, the 2025 Isuzu MU-X delivers.

EXTERIOR

On the outside, the MU-X holds much of the physical design language shared with its mechanical twin, the D-Max pickup, starting with the brand’s signature World Cross Flow front grille with surrounding LED daytime running lights. It deviates at the B-pillar, for necessity, to handle its function as a seven-seat SUV. From there on it’s an aerodynamic body designed to emphasise interior space as well as decrease wind noise and fuel consumption. Overall, the design is clean, sleek, and purposeful.

INTERIOR

Like the outside, the interior is form following function. Positioned to carry up to seven people and their cargo, and being able to be configured anywhere in-between those demands, space and access are very good. The third row is just an easy motion away, and when not in use it folds easily into the trunk floor for more cargo space. This can be combined with the folding second row for even more interior volume.

The second and third rows have their own heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and the latter has a set recline ability to comfortability accommodate adults for short distances.

The remainder of the cabin is built on the durability concept, featuring a combination of hard-wearing plastics to survive the use case expected of the MU-X, and soft-touch materials at the key contact points. Controls are large, clear, and simple, forgoing the modern trend that has pushed everything into the digital realm. There’s no need to delve five menus deep to operate anything of importance in the Isuzu.

Cabin noise and refinement are on par with class rivals at this level. The original SUVs were vehicles able to take on rough terrain, while providing enough comfort for daily use. The MU-X ticks the daily use practicality box.

ON THE ROAD

The next SUV ingredients were a torquey diesel engine, an off-road-capable chassis, and four-wheel drive. The Isuzu ticks all those boxes as well. The 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel delivers a meaty enough powerband on the road for ample pace, when necessary, with the extreme fuel efficiency expected from diesel. Off-road, the low-end grunt pulls the vehicle confidently over rough surfaces.

The chassis does the same, with its double-wishbone front suspension and rear multilink layout. Unlike the traditional pickup, it’s not leaf-sprung in the rear, aiding on-road manners and passenger comfort. This slight deviation in rear suspension technology for the class has precious little impact on off-road behaviour.

The MU-X still has the suspension travel, approach, break-over, and departure angles to keep it going over challenging terrain. More importantly, for the OG SUV-aficionados, there is a four-wheel drive with low range, available at the turn of a switch.

In the standard trim, the MU-X is a workhorse. Those who cringe at the thought of a front-wheel drive SUV, need go-anywhere-capabilities with a sense of long-term durability, have a daily trek that features mixed terrain, or have demands that require a bit more than the traditional pickup, then the MU-X should be placed in the purchase conversation as it holds fast to the main reasons SUVs became popular.

The higher 3-litre equipped trim adds a touch more modernity and convenience features without diluting its core abilities, if those elements are wanted.

The 1.9-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivers mid-range torque that works on- and off-road. (Photo: Rory Daley)