Isuzu MU-X 2022 LS-T- anyone that bought it???
I am in the market for a new car.
I have been looking at the Toyota Fortuner (new gen next year) but took the Isuzu MU-X 2022 for a test drive and loved it.
Always had Toyotas in the past. Rac, Kluger etc.
But need a car that I can take off-road (Gibb etc).
I would appreciate if anyone that has bought it can post some feedback.
Never thought I be interested in an Isuzu but it was such a comfortable 4wd. All the safety features.
I am driving a Kluger at the moment. Really like the new safety features and comfort in the new gen Isuzu.
I think 3.5 t towing capacity is excellent.
Most bigger SUV has a 3.5 t towing capacity. From memory, the new landcruiser can take almost 4 t but I might be wrong.
I think the LS-T (4x4) has a good special at the moment, around $65k drive away, which is really the usual pricing for the mid-range model.
I find that really surprising considering the Fortuner tops out at $68/69k, and considering Isuzu would/should normally be cheaper. Hell I remember when they were priced similar to a Colorado 7 lol
I am usually not easily impressed but the test drive (mid range model) was impressive.
I had to keep my poker face.
Not much room to bargain considering the delays in shipment. Currently 6 months…
And only getting worse with the issues overseas
@spackbace: Yup Thailand has big issues with COVID at the moment and it's not going to get better any time soon…
Would / should are things of the past;
I mean, Yaris, well Echos, used to be like $14k, now they're like closer to $30k (and I think I remember you saying you were surprised at the $27k pricing when they first came out). Landcruisers are now priced in the like Mercedes GLE400 or BMW X5 / you might even be able to sneak into a demo GLS / X7 at that price lol
But then, as much as we all want everybody to go out and buy a Toyota (preferably from your dealership), choices make us all unique :)
My point was that brands like Isuzu used to be cheaper than Toyota, and people would complain about the 'Toyota tax'.
If you're planning on towing, don't be fooled by the claimed 3.5 tonne towing capacity unless you're planning to be the only person in the vehicle and don't have much luggage. The remaining payload is abysmal, something like 220kg.
what? lets just say you carry 5 people in the car, each with a weight of 70kg, that is well over 3 tonne towing
Wrong. 5x70kg people = 350kg. Towball weight of a 3 tonne caravan will be around 300kg. So that's 650kg right there. Depending which model M-UX you buy, your allowable payload is between 588kg and 658kg. Filling the car with fuel will easily tip you over the GVM.
Kerb weight includes a full tank of fuel and payload is GVM minus kerb weight.
Whilst you couldn't do it in an LST, it's possible in an LSM with a 665kg payload but a lot of vehicles on the road would be overloaded no doubt.
Needs to be a lot of care taken when loading up vehicles to this kind of capacity, if you want to tow 3-3.5T regularly and have the vehicle loaded up, you're just better off getting a small truck.
Is this not the same for pretty much everything that claims 3.5 tonne towing?
No, the M-UX is the only wagon in this class that claims a 3.5 tonne towing capacity. Fortuner, Everest, Pajero Sport etc are all around the 3.0-3.1 tonne mark. To safely tow 3.5 tonne and still have a reasonable payload in the vehicle you need to be looking at the ute-based platforms such as Ranger, Hilux etc. The M-UX's claim is misleading and could easily result in people unwittingly going over their GVM when towing.
I'm pretty sure all of those end up being able to carry 300kg or less if towing 3.5 tonne. None of them are really properly capable of towing 3.5 tonne, they weigh 2.5 tonne or less.
Also, Touareg is also rated for 3.5 tonne. Edit - and grand cherokee
Edit - just had a look, top spec Hilux ends up with 98kg payload towing 3.5 tonne, hope the driver isn't fat. Similar with all the others, so unsure why you are singling this thing out.
@brendanm: Ranger has a 1300kg payload, so more than 900kg left over when hauling 3.5 tonne. Hilux 1100kg payload. Very good tow vehicles if you can live with the interior space.
Toureg isn't too bad for a wagon with 600kg-700kg payload, depending on model. The new Land Rover Defender is probably the pick of the bunch with up to a 900kg payload.
But going back to the M-UX, I would avoid it if I planned to tow. Especially considering the nearly $10K price hike over the outgoing model.
@nicktork: I like the revamped look. Reminds me of the Kluger.
I will not do much of towing at this stage. Need to have a capable SUV off road.
Prado is too old and outdated even though it is probably the most capable off road vehicle at the moment in its class.
I am sure that I will get something to tow that will keep me within the limits.
Strange conversation in relation to the new MUX. All about the towing capacity ha ha ha…
@vegemite2008: Don't rule out the Prado too early if looking at the whole length of life of the vehicle. Prado's resale and aftermarket parts availability is crazy, and when looking for something to go really regional (Gibb River etc), having the parts and know-how local to where you're going is a huge plus.
I get that it's an outdated platform, but it's also a proven one.
Break down in a small country town in a Prado, or blow a tyre, you'll find the parts and knowledge of how to fix it. Can the same be said of the new model Isuzu…?
@spackbace: "Can the same be said of the new model Isuzu"
You are 100% correct.
But, I would like to have a 4wd that I can enjoy driving when not going off-road. I like my comfort and tech when driving, that's just me….
Reality is, life is about compromising. In this case, a capable 4wd that is also comfortable for every day driving.
Going up North (WA) and travelling through Pilbara (all the mines) every second 4wd is a prado or landcruiser. That is a good sign…
They are the best 4wds.
New Landcruiser is beautiful and capable but I don't want to spend that much money.
Current Prado, it is capable but boring inside AND OUTDATED.
The new generation prado will be released 2024. Don't really want to wait that long. Life is short ha ha ha….
AND OUTDATED.
No need to capitalise lol what features would you want on a new car that the Prado lacks? Coz you had the Fortuner on the list yet the Prado shits all over it… No doubt the Isuzu is better, because the Prado is better to drive than the Fortuner
@spackbace: ha ha ha….
Would not buy the current fortuner but next gen fortuner (supposed to arrive Q3 2022) would be a great choice.
My current car needs to be replaced and don't want to wait that long…
I appreciate this thread and people's opinions (especially in relation to towing).
@vegemite2008: Not a chance a new Fortuner would be q3. Hell, the 86 will be about mid 2022 and it's already been revealed
Don't believe everything that CarAdvice's clickbait articles tell you 😉
@nicktork: The only Ranger I can see here close to 1300kg is the 4x4 cab chassis which wouldn't really be a popular vehicle compared to the number of XLT's and Wildtrak's you see getting around?
But even then, with a kerb weight of 1938kg, it only leaves 562kg in the 6000kg GCM once you throw 3500kg on the back.
It's even worse for something like the auto XLT which leaves a dismal 270kg in reserve coming in at 2230kg kerb weight. The MUX is actually better with a GCM of 5900kg and kerb weight of 2035-2085kg, leaving 315-365kg in the tank.
@whitelie: It’s not a simple equation like it sounds.
They claim whatever towing weight they do, but you need to take the ball weight off any payload and also add up for the GCM.
Most vehicles you’ll find that at their max towing weight you can not carry much payload in the vehicle. Ie it’s 3.5 tonne under ideal tow conditions, not with a family and their luggage in the vehicle.
Also don’t forget that any extras you add to the vehicles come off the total payload. Ie bullbar, dual batteries will reduce what you can legally carry because they are included in the GCM.
But going back to the M-UX, I would avoid it if I planned to tow.
Surely the MUX is a decent tow vehicle for a smaller load. Eg great for a 2t caravan.
@Euphemistic: It is, my inlaws towed a caravan for years around the country with the older series and loved it. Never an issue with weights, vehicle capability etc.
@nicktork: You are completely ignoring gcm. Ranger has a gcm of 6000kg. 6000-3500-2200=300kg left over.
Hilux gcm is 5850kg. 5850-3500-2055=295kg left over.
It's the same with most others.
If you liked driving it, do it. There’s nothing wrong with Isuzu. The main criticism of the previous model was it was a bit truck-like, reliability wise it has a good reputation.
Doing the Gibb River Rd etc i dont htink I'd go near a dual cab.. Specially if your towing..
Google or Bent chassis dual cab and then pick up ya jaw.
Not 100%, but appears OP want the MUX (wagon), not DMAX (ute). The Original post kinda mixes up the names to DMUX.
ahhhhhhh ya right.. mis read it
There are plenty of dual cabs doing that kind of work without problem, but they aren’t overloaded and are packed smart, ie load in front of the rear wheels where possible.
@Euphemistic: True. But they are badly designed and some appear really under engineered for the work.
We've had several in our club doing central etc without issue, but also had 2 totally shit themselves.. its a long walk ;)
I realised the mistake but cannot edit it…
Updated. For future reference, please report your deal and a moderator will fix it.
We put a deposit down on one a few months ago before the price and specs were released. Once we found out about the price and the specs we pulled the plug like many others. Test drove and were confident to give it a miss.
It didn't meet our 2 main requirements- Smooth city drive and honest reliable towing with decent payload. Ride felt extremely rough and towing figures are just bogus to mislead the clueless. For a smoother ride the Ford Everest titanium and pajero sport were much better. Same goes for towing.
You should look at the pajero sport before they join the rest of the mob and increase their price. Better ride and capabilities and a good 13k cheaper than the new mux as they haven't price jacked yet like others (similar price as the old mux which was a good vehicle).
It was near impossible to get attention from the Isuzu dealer before new mux release to put a deposit down as he had too many interested parties for the 7 cars he was getting in September. We were wait listed number 27. After the release he has been hounding us throwing freebies to get a deal for one of those 7 as buyers backed out after release.
From what I have heard at the moment they are one of the rare few vehicles not selling well.
Thanks for your reply. Really appreciate it.
May I ask what type of freebies have they offered you?
The dealer I went to had sold out shipment 1 and 2 and were taking orders for delivery in 6 months.
Not that I trust car sales people ha ha ha….
we were told similar stories before the release..I think it was around June end. Couldn't get the sales guy on the phone! He was on about All sold out blah blah blah will have to waitlist you and what not. After the release it all changed.
I think he offered floor mats, liner and seat covers. But I remember in his last call he offered reduced price bullbar, tow pack, ebc, Anderson etc (Sorry the husband knows better as he's the one who has been getting the calls). We found it a bit surprising in this hot market.
There's a guy on YouTube who does good car videos that I've just discovered. John cadogan or something that might give you a better idea otherwise is just good entertainment :p
I just read you want the vehicle for offroading. Just keep in mind that to us the mux felt nothing like the dmax so do drive it before making a decision. The new Dmax is fabulous but we felt the new mux was a bit of a flop. Cheers
John cadogan
You'll get mixed emotions throwing that name around here.
Personally can't stand the guy
@whitelie: I found him annoying and couldn't stand him at all. Now I find him entertaining. It might be coz of the lockdown or maybe coz I'm not emotional about cars! I find his script rather entertaining. The dog barks at the sight of him though :))
Lastest Update"
Put a deposit down already. Love the car :-)
Question is, will I receive it 2022 or 2023 ha ha ah
These are going to sell in bucket loads. Buyers are lining up for these, never mind the price they are selling anyway.Just a great vehicle.
just test drove the new MUX…but thought pretty boring to drive, probably to used to a manual transmission, it was very comfy
but just didnt feel engaging, going to try a manual dmax………..no beeps and alarms which i thought would be an issue, lane
assist didnt do anything unwanted
Any owners of the 22 MUX? Looking to replace our caravan tug and MUX is up there on the list.
Still a promo price on the top of the range LST model.
Waiting time is 12 months.
If you need one ASAP, call around to dealers and say you are interested in buying one now (some people do not wish to wait 12 months and have cancelled).
Check facebook groups. Lots of good info.
We should get ours in april-may. Ordered in Sep but no rush :-)
I love the car…
Thanks. I’ll likely be test driving when we get back home, along with a couple of others like Fortuner, Pajero sport, Everest etc.
We aren’t in a rush, just have the opportunity to upgrade and there’s a good chance we can get good money for our current vehicle. It’s not essential our current vehicle should last a good 5 more years without major issues.
Hi, do you know what is maximum speed for 4H mode on isuzu mux?
Thanks
AFAIK it’s an off road only 4H mode. Not suited for sealed surfaces unlike Mitsubishi super select for example. If true, top speed is however fast you feel driving on a gravel road.
I was wrong, i thought we can do it on bitumen road with 4H mode on, same like pajero sport super select. I didnt know because we never have 4wd suv. Thanks
Drove one yesterday. this close to ordering. Preferred it to the Fortuner which was also on the shortlist.
Fortuner's engine is better but Isuzu with the latest tech and towing capacity is superior to Fortuner. Waiting time for Isuzu lst 4x4 is 12 months.
Decision made. Delivery time expected 8months. frEe FLoOr MaTZ!!!
Nice, which dealer was this in QLD? any chance you can give a ref whom to contact
Took delivery in June 2022. Love it.
Best car ever. Bought the LST. Great teck.
Nice. We’re still waiting.
My brother has the previous gen and enjoys the car, esp being able to travel long distances, get off the beaten path, plus being able to tow his boat as well.
I think the LS-T (4x4) has a good special at the moment, around $65k drive away, which is really the usual pricing for the mid-range model.