2026 Isuzu mu-X 3.0L LS-E 4x4 AT

Still one of the Greats

There’s nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of a turbodiesel 4x4 SUV.

With a commanding view of the road, a spacious interior, plenty of horsepower & torque on tap, a generous cargo area, a relatively comfy ride, and the confidence that you can overtake other vehicles on the open road with ease, it’s no wonder midsize pickup passenger vehicles (PPVs) continue to be popular in the country.

One of the mainstays in this segment is the Isuzu mu-X, now in its second generation (not counting the mu-7) and receiving its first-ever update. Not only did it get a facelift, but Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) also added creature comforts and extra amenities. 

Isuzu recently gave us the keys to the top-of-the-line mu-X LS-E 4x4, and it has all the bells and whistles you can think of. But with the SUV wearing its heftiest price tag yet, is it still a worthy vehicle for those who like to take it off-road and on-road with confidence?

The words “macho” and “suave” immediately come to mind when describing the exterior of the 2026 mu-X LS-E. Some might say it still looks relatively the same as the one revealed for the 2022 model year, but Isuzu was quite busy giving it a more chiseled appearance. For starters, it gets sharper LED headlights and more prominent LED daytime running lights that are sure to grab your attention.

I wasn’t exactly a huge fan of the pre-facelift grille design, so I was glad to know Isuzu changed it up for its latest update. Not only is it bigger, but the new Dynamic Design Titanium Carbide grille gives the mu-X a more prominent, distinct look. Combined with the Fighter Jet Wing Design bumper, the 2026 mu-X looks as dashing as ever. I also like that Isuzu repositioned the LED foglights in the latest update, since the pre-facelift version placed them too low on the front bumper.

Changes at the back are minimal, but Isuzu did install a sleeker pair of taillights called the Embrace Line LED Concept. The result is a more high-tech look that complements the front fascia's dynamic appearance. Last but not least are the 20-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, complete with a two-tone finish.

Isuzu didn’t have to do much in updating the mu-X’s looks. But I’m happy the automaker decided to refresh it to give it a more dynamic appearance. But what about the mu-X’s interior? 

Climb inside, and the refreshed SUV gets some new niceties to keep it fresh and up-to-date. All the doors come with ambient lighting, which creates a cozier feel, especially at night. In front of the driver is a new digital multi-info display that also doubles as a speedometer and a menu for accessing its suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). There’s also a thick leather steering wheel that feels nice to the touch and has buttons for both the audio and cruise control within easy reach.

Sitting front & center is a 10.1-inch touchscreen media display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, which is always a nice touch. Below that is a dual-zone climate control system that can easily cool a cabin on even the hottest of days. Unlike other brands that have switched to digital controls, I’m happy to report that Isuzu still prefers buttons and switches for its climate control.

Below that are a wireless charging pad for mobile devices and a button for the around-view monitor (AVM), which is a nice feature to have when navigating narrow pathways in the mu-X. Acres of gloss black accents cover the center console, which is nice, but they’re prone to scratches over time. Meanwhile, the driver is treated to a power-adjustable seat, while the front passenger will only have to make do with a manual-adjustment seat.

Since it has a third-row, I had to try it myself to see how much space there is. Thanks to the sliding second-row seats, those in the very back can have a bit more legroom if needed. This is something the first-generation mu-X lacked since its second-row seats cannot be slid forward for adjustment.

While everything seems nice inside the mu-X, I do have some minor gripes about its cabin. For starters, wirelessly connecting Android Auto with the touchscreen can sometimes be a hit or a miss. There are times when I have to repeatedly try connecting the phone via the touchscreen before the pairing is successful. While the system still supports a cable connection to make Android Auto work, I hope Isuzu changes the wireless system to enable instant pairing.

There’s also the matter of the key fob. While it can remotely unlock and lock the vehicle and start the engine, there appears to be an issue with its keyless function. Despite having a keyless lock/unlock function via the front doors, it doesn’t allow me to use that feature, which means I have to press the key fob every time I have to lock or unlock the vehicle. 

Powering this particular mu-X is the mighty 3.0L 4JJ3-TCX Blue Power turbo-diesel engine. It pumps out a healthy 190 PS at 3600 rpm and a generous 450 Nm of torque between 1800 - 2800 rpm. Power is then transferred to a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system.

It may not have the 500 Nm punch of Ford’s 2.0L bi-turbo diesel or Toyota’s 2.8L 1GD-FTV, but the mu-X has the largest displacement in its class. Combined with a smooth and responsive automatic gearbox, it feels like the 3.0L engine makes more power than what the brochure states. Off the line, the large displacement diesel engine generates plenty of torque, which may surprise drivers who are not used to having that kind of pulling power at low revs. With generous torque readily available below 2000 rpm, overtaking on the highway in the mu-X is a cinch. Take it out on the open road, and you’ll be able to enjoy its power with ease.

Once you’ve had some fun and you’re back on city roads and around town, the 3.0L turbo-diesel and six-speed auto is surprisingly calm & collected. The powertrain will quickly shift to the next gear if you’re not stepping on it. Equally impressive are the brakes, which feel car-like and give you confidence to slow down to a complete stop. This is a stark contrast to other frame-based SUVs, which have a truck-like brake pedal feel. 

When it comes to fuel consumption, the mu-X LS-E 4x4 surprisingly sips diesel despite the added weight of the 4WD system. Out on the highway at an average speed of 90 km/h, the 3.0L engine can return up to 15 km/L. This is made possible thanks to the engine’s large displacement, which allows the transmission to relax the revs. Heck, if you maintain your speed at 80 km/h, the engine will only be turning over at around 1500 rpm, which translates to better fuel consumption. In the city, however, you will feel its weight, but it can still average up to 9.5 km/L if you keep a steady right foot. In heavier traffic conditions, expect its average fuel consumption to hover at just 7 to 8 km/L.

Despite having 20-inch alloy wheels, the mu-X is manageable to maneuver. However, I was surprised to find that it still has hydraulic power steering, which is odd given that the version sold in Thailand has electric power steering (EPS). Yes, some drivers are used to driving big SUVs with hydraulic power steering (including myself), but for most drivers nowadays, having EPS will surely make maneuvering the mu-X easier, not to mention help in parking this huge SUV with less effort.

If there’s one aspect of the Isuzu mu-X that always shines, it’s the ride quality. Even though the LS-E comes with massive 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/50 series tires, the mu-X remains composed and delivers one of the softest rides in the segment. The Ford Everest, for me, is still the best in terms of ride quality, but the Isuzu mu-X is not that far behind in terms of ride comfort. Whether it’s rough roads, pockmarked streets, or the occasional potholes, the mu-X is an easy rider.

Complementing the mu-X’s comfy ride is the top-notch Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH). Yes, you can still hear the turbo-diesel clatter at times, but outside noise is kept to a minimum. Even outside noise from loud tricycles or motorcycles is kept at acceptable levels.

The top-of-the-line Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 surely impressed us with its power, comfort, and cabin space. It has plenty of features, including a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward-collision braking with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and a multi-collision braking system. However, I wish its forward-collision warning sensor weren’t so sensitive. Despite having it set for “near”, the system is still a bit overzealous. Fortunately, you can turn it off, but I hope Isuzu can recalibrate its sensors.

With a sticker price of PHP 2.67 million, the range-topping Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 is quite a huge investment. For several thousand Pesos more, you can get something a bit nicer, like a Mazda CX-60 SkyActiv-D, which makes more power, is more comfortable, and delivers better road-holding. However, you lose the third row, which can be a dealbreaker for some buyers.

Still, the Isuzu mu-X LS-E 4x4 is great for those who want a tall, capable, and comfy turbo-diesel 7-seater SUV. Just be prepared to cough up nearly PHP 2.7 million if you plan to get one soon.