The updated 2025 Isuzu MU-X
Looking to continue its momentum as Australia’s second-best-selling large SUV of 2024, the Isuzu MU-X is not only set for its feedback-driven midlife facelift update, but Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) will also expand the range, with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Isuzu MU-X X-TERRAIN.
The 2025 (25MY) MU-X range will be the Japanese marque’s most comprehensive SUV lineup to date, with the range starting with the LS-M 1.9L 4×2, before topping out with the X-TERRAIN 3.0L 4×4.
Drawing from the last four years of real-world consumer and media feedback, the significant facelift update refines the already popular 7-seat large SUV even further — evolving the specification and packaging with the updates improving on form, function, drivability and efficiency.
First impressions certainly count, with designers combining Isuzu’s signature design language with the latest in contemporary geometric and aeronautical themes cues across the exterior. Inside, the 7-seater sees updates by way of new upholstery trims and accents, an updated 4.2-inch or new 7.0-inch digital Multi-Information Display (MID) and new 8.0-inch or 9.0-inch infotainment systems featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On road, ride and handling has been improved with the introduction of new locally tested and validated suspension — developed in line with feedback from towing and touring customers. Isuzu’s comprehensive safety suite sees the most significant hardware upgrade since its introduction in 2021, with new stereo cameras, a 360-degree surround view system on the LS-T and X-TERRAIN, and refinements to the class-leading array of standardised active safety features.
Isuzu UTE Australia managing director Junta Matsui says the updated 2025 MU-X represents a major milestone in the evolution of one of Australia’s favourite SUVs.
“Built on a foundation of customer and media feedback, this significant update enhances packaging and specification across the range — keeping the MU-X at the pointy end of the highly-competitive large-SUV segment as one of the top choices,” he said.
“Following last year’s record-breaking sales results of nearly 18,000 vehicles sold and delivered, which was an increase of 27.2% year-on-year, these updates further strengthen the MU-X’s appeal among motorists, effectively answering their calls and positioning it to continue its momentum on the sales charts.”
2025 MU-X Range
As reported by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, SUVs accounted for over half of the 1.2-million new vehicles sold in 2024, with the MU-X proving popular for its versatility and capability.
With the addition of the new flagship X-TERRAIN at the top of the range, the 2025 MU-X range represents IUA’s most-comprehensive SUV lineup to date. An expansive choice of ten models, comprising of four different grades and available with either the 110kW/350Nm 1.9L or 140kW/450Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel engines paired with a 4×2 or 4×4 six-speed automatic drivetrain.
NEW – X-TERRAIN added to range
Answering the call from customers for a highly capable and well-appointed SUV with a dark and bold aesthetic, IUA turned to the Isuzu design team to produce a unique specification for the Australian market, the X-TERRAIN.
Built on the strengths of the all-encompassing LS-T 4×4, the X-TERRAIN features a dark and bold aesthetic — featuring a unique take on Isuzu’s signature double horizontal line grille design, fog light surrounds, 20-inch alloy wheels and fender flares — all finished in gloss black. Continuing with the black and sporty design, trims and accents that would ordinarily be magnetite, chrome or grey are also finished in gloss black. Lower body skirts across the sides and rear add to the muscular aesthetic, while a set of embossed ‘XT’ badges adorn both fenders, grille and tailgate, which not only complete the look, but gives the X-TERRAIN an unmistakable point of difference from the rest of the range. With several gloss black elements to contrast against, the X-TERRAIN is exclusively available in a choice of four achromatic finishes: Moonstone White pearl, Mercury Silver metallic, Basalt Black mica and the new X-TERRAIN exclusive colour, Slate Grey metallic.
Inside, it’s a familiar black and red affair — a nod to the D-MAX X-TERRAIN which features a similar theme. Isuzu’s signature red has been tastefully incorporated into sections of the leather-accented upholstery, while the entire cabin is bathed in the same red hue via ambient lighting across the doors, footwells and dashboard. The new 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display also features a unique red X-TERRAIN theme to compliment the interior finish.
For over half a decade, the X-TERRAIN name has built a reputation for itself as part of the D-MAX range as a variant synonymous with adventure, capability, and high-specification. For those who demand the best, the MU-X X-TERRAIN is the 4×4 7-seat SUV for them.
UPDATED – Suspension
While the MU-X has previously been lauded as one of the better riding and handling ladder-frame chassis SUVs in class, particularly when loaded up and towing, Isuzu’s engineering team were tasked to refine the suspension tune even further. Tested and validated locally, the revised suspension tune features new dampers with 6.6% larger diameter pistons and revised valving, for improved body control and stability across mid-to-high speed roads and corrugations.
Exterior design
An evolution in design, the latest iteration of Isuzu’s signature design language has been combined with contemporary aeronautical themes and Isuzu’s long-standing ‘Hexa Pod’ design language — with a series of chiselled angles and hard lines creasing the body work evoking a sporty and dynamic aesthetic. The incorporation of aeronautical design cues such as plane wings, stabilisers and winglets across the front facia, grille and daytime running lights, injects strength and dynamicism. Redesigned bi-LED headlights are sleeker and aggressively angled with the fog light surrounds, both drawing attention to the new double horizontal line grille — a design feature that has been synonymous with Isuzu vehicles across the better half of the past century. A taller and squared-off soft nose design and bonnet with full-length creases serve dual purposes as a channel for airflow and builds on the solid stature of the front profile.
Across the sides, X-TERRAIN models feature additional lower skirt trims and gloss black fender flares for a wider, bolder and sporty aesthetic. While LS-T and X-TERRAIN models also feature gloss black fender accents and gloss black sidesteps, roof rails, and mirror caps, that would ordinarily be magnetite, material black or chrome on the LS-M and LS-U.
The rear tailgate, which is hands-free electric on LS-U, LS-T and X-TERRAIN features a new integrated spoiler below the glass, with the rear bumper and taillights incorporating the same aeronautical inspired themes. Now completely LED, the rear taillights are wider and are tied together with a full-width trim piece, with smaller badging modernising the overall aesthetic.
While the LS-M retains the same 17-inch six-spoke alloy with all-terrain tyres from 2024, the rest of the range features new alloys and a matching set of highway terrains. The LS-U sports a set of 18-inch alloys featuring a sophisticated 12-spoke design and finished in titanium metallic. While the LS-T features a set of 20-inch machined face alloys, with a 3D texture incorporated into the contemporary six-spoke design. The flagship X-TERRAIN dials the aesthetic up a notch, with a set of gloss black 20-inch alloys, coated in a smoked clear finish. Red ring centre caps and a combination of raked angles featuring the ‘Hexa Pod’ design language within the negative space between each spoke gives the wheel a dynamic look.
Aerodynamic efficiency
Integrated into the front bumper are a pair of air curtains, which effectively channels airflow around the front wheels and works in tandem with airflow deflectors, air dams and sleek longitudinal body lines to optimise the overall aerodynamics.
Interior design
Packaging, specification and ergonomics remain as core focuses within the facelifted Isuzu MU-X range, with refinements made to the interior catering for modern families and adventurous explorers. Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, the 7-seat cabin remains spacious for up to seven adults, with cavernous storage spaces throughout and up to 2138 litres of cargo capacity with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded into a completely flat floor.
Renowned as the benchmark for comfort and support, the NVH-reducing engineered EVA foam cushioned seats effectively absorb minute vibrations, with the seats now upholstered in new premium finishes. LS-M and LS-U models feature an updated high-grade cloth with vertical wave patterns, while LS-T and X-TERRAIN models are as luxurious as they come, with perforated leather-accented seats, which are variably heated and electric adjustable across the front row. As expected from the flagship, the X-TERRAIN sports the signature red stitching throughout the cabin, with dark grey and piano black appointments in lieu of the chrome, silver, black and grey accents seen across the rest of the range.
Adding a touch of class and sophistication to the cabin, the LS-T bathes the interior with soft white ambient lighting and footwell lights, while the X-TERRAIN sports red ambient lighting, for a more dynamic atmosphere.
NEW – Infotainment
In response to common feedback from customers and media, the touchscreen infotainment systems have been significantly upgraded with new hardware. The LS-M now features an 8.0-inch display, while LS-U, LS-T, and X-TERRAIN models are equipped with larger 9.0-inch screens.
All systems sport USB-C connectivity, voice recognition, DAB+ digital radio, and wired and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, for true wireless connectivity, no matter the smartphone. With off-road enthusiasts in mind, an inclinometer, and Terrain Command 4×4 drive modes have been integrated into the system—affording the driver the ability to view essential systems at a simple tap and swipe of the screen. Keeping things simple and addressing commonly received functionality and usability feedback, a pair of tuning and volume dials have been added and warning messages automatically clear after a few seconds.
In addition to the features of the 8.0-inch infotainment system, the new 9.0-inch screen offers advanced functionality, featuring integrated satellite-navigation, ADAS settings control, two fast-charging 3.0-Amp USB-C ports, and real-time tyre pressure and temperature monitoring.
Off-road
Capability and versatility make the MU-X a long-standing favourite amongst Australian motorists, with the 7-seater rounding out the 2024 sales race within the top five selling 4x4s of the year. Generous ground clearance of up to 235mm, a wading depth of 800mm and extensive underbody protection make it a dependable and competent choice. Selectable dual-range 4WD, Rough Terrain Mode, rear differential lock, and the all-important angles for approach, departure and ramp-over of 29.2°, 26.4° and 23.1°, respectively (X-TERRAIN), makes it highly capable from the showroom floor.
UPDATED – Rough Terrain Mode
In response to media and customer feedback, Rough Terrain Mode (RTM) has been refined to work across a wider range of surfaces.
Originally introduced as part of the 2021 MU-X, RTM revolutionised off-road capability by precisely modulating brake pressure at individual wheels when slippage occurs. This intelligent traction control system redistributes torque to the wheels with the most grip, for optimal driveability, tractability, and torque-transfer to the terrain, with little to no loss to momentum.
Building on the proven success of RTM, the 2025 MU-X 4×4 range features a recalibrated system that is better suited for uneven terrain and now works in tandem with the Rear Differential Lock, ensuring constant mechanical traction across the rear axle while simultaneously deploying traction control across the front.
Revised with customer feedback in mind, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now displays real-time individual tyre pressures and temperatures on both the 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and the 9.0-inch infotainment screen fitted to LS-U, LS-T and X-TERRAIN models.
In response to feedback received, when tyres are deflated for off-roading, the new system will display a for five seconds before minimising into the background of the menu, allowing the driver full access over the MID and infotainment systems. When tyres are reinflated back to placard pressures, the MU-X will flash its turn-signals and beep three times, indicating that the tyre is at the optimal pressure.
Safety
Since the debut of the second-generation MU-X launched in 2021, the MU-X set a new class standard for safety, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance and safety systems across all models.
Validated by ANCAP and awarded with the maximum 5-star safety rating across the entire range in 2022, the 2025 MU-X range takes the comprehensive suite of safety systems further, with new hardware, features and refinements elevating the safety suite.
NEW – ‘GEN4’ Stereo Camera
Isuzu’s new ‘Gen4’ Stereo Camera sets a new standard in advanced driver assistance systems, actively scanning the road ahead and to the sides to identify pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles with greater speed and accuracy. With an increase in peripheral vision and depth perception, the field of view (FOV) increases by more than 200%, from 40-degrees to 120-degrees, while the vehicle detection range increases by more than 25%, from 120m to 150m, with the system able to identify the headlights of oncoming vehicles that are up to 700m away. An inbuilt USB-A charging port on the passenger side conveniently provides power to aftermarket dashcams, and an integrated demister preventing condensation from obscuring the vision.
NEW – Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC)
Calibrated specifically to meet feedback received from the Australian market, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) is an evolution of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which now uses Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) — including temporary roadwork speed signs and overhead digital gantry signs — to conveniently assist the driver in matching vehicle speed with the posted speed limit.
When IACC is active, the system detects changes in speed zones and alerts the driver, displaying the updated speed limit on the Multi-Information Display (MID). To adopt the new speed, the driver simply presses the ‘RES’ button on the steering wheel, which adjusts the vehicle’s speed to match the new limit.
Engineers have calibrated the IACC to be smooth and perceptive when maintaining distance and speed relative to the vehicle ahead. When activated, the camera system is able to detect the brake lights of vehicles decelerating ahead of the MU-X and proactively reacts and slows the MU-X earlier on approach, to better reduce speed and maintain distance with the vehicle ahead.
UPDATED – Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Updated to meet customer and media feedback, Lane Keep Assist (LKA) has been refined to provide smoother steering correction inputs and to actively maintain the vehicle’s position in the centre of the lane, rather than reacting to the outer lane markings. LKA has been updated to work across a wider range of vehicle speeds, from standstill up to 140km/h.
NEW – Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB)
Like a second set of watchful eyes scanning behind the vehicle, Rear Cross Traffic Brake (RCTB) is an active safety feature that detects approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing from a parking space or driveway and will apply the brakes to avoid or minimise a potential collision.
NEW – Welcome Headlight
Enhancing nighttime visibility and safety, when the MU-X is unlocked via the key or door handles, the Welcome Headlight function will illuminate the LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and bi-LED low-beam headlights.
NEW – Digital Reverse Camera
In response to feedback, all models are now equipped with a new digital reversing camera. This upgrade significantly enhances image quality and low-light performance compared to the previous camera. Additionally, the new camera includes revised dynamic guidelines with a hitch guide, a wider field of view, and a hydrophobic coating across the lens to prevent water and dirt build-up, for better visibility — especially when off-road.
NEW – 360° Surround View Monitor (SVM)
Providing a comprehensive view of the surrounds, both the 2025 MU-X LS-T and X-TERRAIN come equipped with a 360° Surround View Monitor (SVM).
The 360° Surround View Monitor is designed to simplify parking in tight spaces, navigating confined areas, and tackling off-road trails with greater precision. By integrating feeds from multiple cameras around the vehicle, the system creates a seamless composite image, allowing drivers to monitor blind spots and identify nearby obstacles that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Displayed via the 9.0-inch infotainment screen, the SVM significantly enhances situational awareness through a multitude of different views, including the traditional 360° surround view, bird’s-eye perspective, ‘turn view’ which illustrates blind spots when turning, ‘hitch view’ for lining up a trailer when reversing, and ‘under floor view’ which shows underneath the vehicle. The live video feed as part of ‘under floor view’ adds guidelines and illustrates steering position, which could prove useful when navigating tricky terrain requiring precise wheel placement or when monitoring clearances.
For added convenience, the system automatically engages during specific scenarios, such as shifting into reverse or driving at low speeds near potential obstacles, ensuring drivers have immediate access to a clear and intuitive visual aid.
 will also expand the range, with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Isuzu MU-X X-TERRAIN.){kind=link}