All-new 2022 Isuzu mu-X will start at PHP 1.590 million

After making its global debut in Thailand last year, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has officially launched the all-new mu-X.

Featuring a bold new look inside and out, the 2022 mu-X is ready to take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Nissan Terra.

Unlike its competitors which only received facelifts/updates, the mu-X is all-new from bumper to bumper. The face gets a radical redesign thanks to the new headlights and more aggressive grille. Even the bumpers and foglights get a stylish makeover for the new-generation model. But perhaps receiving the most drastic change is the rear fascia as it resembles little to the outgoing version thanks to the slimmer taillights and revised tailgate design. And for the first time, the tailgate of the mu-X is plastic, not steel. 

HOLD- Mu-X Launch image

All variants of the 2022 mu-X come with LED headlights and taillights and LED daytime running lights for better nighttime (and daytime) visibility. There are 3 wheel designs available; the entry-level LS rolls on 17-inch wheels, while the mid-range LS-A comes with a larger 18-inch set. Only available for the top-of-the-line LS-E are the massive 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Size-wise, the mu-X now measures 4850mm long, 1870mm wide, and 1825mm tall. This makes the all-new SUV 25mm longer and 10mm wider than before, though the height is 15mm shorter than before (the base model LS is even shorter at 1815mm). The wheelbase has been extended by 10mm and now measures 2855mm.

HOLD- Mu-X Launch image

Pop the doors and the mu-X greets you with a more upscale interior. Those familiar with the 2021 D-Max will find the mu-X's appointments similar. It gets a new three-spoke steering wheel, a more dynamic-looking dashboard, redesigned seats, updated gauges, a bigger multi-info display, and a revised gear selector on automatic variants.

Sitting at the center of the dash is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's standard across the range. It supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, USB, and Aux. It also comes with a navigation system that's available on all variants.

LS-E variants get an extensive list of features such as dual-zone automatic climate control (manual aircon controls on the base model), leather upholstery with contrast stitching, an 8-speaker sound system (lower grade models get 6-speakers), power-adjustable front seats, a 220V accessory socket for the rear passengers, remote engine start, and a power tailgate. As is normal with vehicle variants, the list of standard features gets shorter as you move down the strata. 

HOLD- Mu-X Launch image

Like the D-Max, a choice between two turbo-diesel engines are available for the 2021 mu-X. First up is the 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC that makes 150 PS at 3600 rpm with 350 Nm of torque at 1800 – 2600 rpm. The other engine is the new 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX that cranks out 190 PS with 450 Nm of torque. The RZ4E can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the 4JJ3-TCX is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For the first time, the mu-X is now equipped with intelligent safety features. Dubbed the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), the full list is available on the top-of-the-line LS-E versions of the 2022 mu-X, while the LS-A models get some of the ADAS features. The safety package includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beam function, reverse camera, rear park assist, and a multi-collision braking system. The LS-A gets blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and the rearview camera. 

HOLD- Mu-X Launch image

All versions of the new mu-X are equipped with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, electronic traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and dual front airbags minimum. The LS-E gets 7 airbags: dual front, dual side, dual curtain, and one more for the driver's knee. 

The 2022 Isuzu mu-X will be available across all authorized dealerships in the country starting tomorrow. Colors available for the 2022 mu-X include Marrakesh Brown, Mercury Silver, Onyx Black, Satin White Pearl, and Splash White.

Pricing of the 2022 Isuzu mu-X is as follows:

RZ4E 4x2 LS AT - PHP 1,590,000

RZ4E 4x2 LS-A MT - PHP 1,770,000

3.0L 4x2 LS-A AT - PHP 1,900,000

3.0L 4x2 LS-E AT - PHP 2,100,000

3.0L 4x4 LS-E AT - PHP 2,450,000