Engineering:Isuzu MU-X

First generation (RF)
First generation (RF)
Overview
Production	2013–2021
Assembly	Thailand: Samut Prakan (Isuzu Motors Thailand); India: Sri City (Isuzu Motors India); China: Jiangxi (Jiangxi Isuzu);
Body and chassis
Doors	5
Related	Isuzu D-Max (RT); Chevrolet Colorado (RG); Chevrolet Trailblazer;
Powertrain
Engine	Diesel:; 1.9 L RZ4E-TC I4; 2.5 L 4JK1-TCX I4; 3.0 L 4JJ1-TCX I4; Petrol:; 2.0 L turbocharged Ford EcoBoost engine (China);
Transmission	5-speed manual; 5-speed Aisin TB-50LS automatic; 6-speed manual; 6-speed Aisin AWE6B45 II automatic;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,845 mm (112.0 in)
Length	4,825 mm (190.0 in)
Width	1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Height	1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Isuzu MU-7

Isuzu MU-7 (510)
Isuzu MU-7 (510)
Overview
Also called	Isuzu Alterra (Philippines)
Production	2004–2013
Assembly	Thailand: Samut Prakan (Isuzu Motors Thailand); Philippines: Biñan, Laguna (Isuzu Philippines)
Body and chassis
Doors	5
Chassis	Body-on-frame
Powertrain
Engine	Diesel:; 3.0 L 4JJ1-TC I4-T (2004–2013); 3.0 L 4JJ1-TCX I4-T (2006–2013);
Transmission	5-speed MUA-5H/MUX manual; 4-speed MaxMatic-II/III automatic;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,050 mm (120.1 in)
Length	4,955 mm (195.1 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,805 mm (71.1 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Isuzu Wizard
Successor	Isuzu MU-X

Isuzu MU-X
Isuzu MU-X
Overview
Manufacturer	Isuzu
Production	2013–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive; Front-engine, four-wheel drive;
Related	Isuzu D-Max
Chronology
Predecessor	Isuzu MU-7; Isuzu Panther (Indonesia)

Short description: Mid-size SUV made by Isuzu Motors

The Isuzu MU-X is a mid-size SUV produced by Isuzu. It is a body-on-frame SUV based on the D-Max pickup truck, and the successor to the MU-7.

The name "MU-X" stands for "Multi Utility – eXtreme".^[2]

Predecessor: Isuzu MU-7 (510; 2004)

Isuzu MU-7 (pre-facelift)

Isuzu MU-7 (facelift)

The predecessor to the MU-X, the Isuzu MU-7 is a D-Max-based SUV with a three-row seating arrangement. The MU-7 was released in Thailand in November 2004, being advertised as a "Sport Utility Wagon".^[4] The MU-7 has the same front fascia and chassis as the D-Max but has a covered rear end instead of a truck bed. Unlike the MU-X, the MU-7 retains the same wheelbase as the D-Max. It was only available in some markets such as Thailand, the Philippines and India. In the Philippines, this model is called the Isuzu Alterra.

The MU-7 was sold with either rear-wheel drive or a 4x4 drivetrain. One engine, the 3.0 L 4JJ1-TC, was available. The car's "MOVE" suspension consists of torsion bar-sprung double wishbones on the front axle and leaf springs on the rear.

In the late third quarter of 2006, the MU-7 drivetrain options were named the Primo (4x2) and Activo (4x4).^[where?] With a new 3.0 4JJ1-TCX engine option, new transmissions were implemented as well: a five-speed manual transmission and a MaxMatic-III automatic transmission. Also new was the interior, incorporating a console with wood trim and new seat upholstery.^{[citation needed]}

As with the Gold Series trim of the D-Max, both the MU-7 Primo Gold Series and Activo Gold Series also received gold Isuzu badges in 3 locations. All Gold Series models also came equipped with a new navigation entertainment system incorporating a new reverse assist, all optional from early 2008. The Primo and Activo received a Wide Vision blind-spot rear view mirror. Also added was a lower-cost 4x2 model, the S with a 146 PS (107 kW) 3.0-litre engine, which was priced below the Primo.^{[citation needed]}

MU-7 Platinum models were sold in Thailand from 1 November 2008, with tweaked front, fender, and side trim and platinum-painted engines. The MOVE suspension for Activo and Primo models was also retooled. The S model also received an automatic transmission as optional.^{[citation needed]}

MU-7 Super Platinum models were introduced in the same month as the D-Max. Exterior changes include a new front bumper, new alloy wheels (except on the S), and newer blind spot rear view mirrors. Models with the 3.0 VGS Turbo engine also received light silver trim on the hood scoop.^{[citation needed]}

In April 2011, the MU-7 Choiz was revealed at the Bangkok Motor Show, with new alloy wheels and small changes to the interior.^{[citation needed]} In December 2011, the Choiz was facelifted with new alloy wheels. It was available in 4WD, 2WD 3000 VGS Turbo and 2WD 3000 DDi configurations.

First generation (RF; 2013)

Rear view (pre-facelift)

The MU-X had its world premiere in Thailand on 31 October 2013 and was sold from 6 November 2013. The MU-X is a product from the collaboration between General Motors and Isuzu. As the result, it shared its platform with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Holden Colorado. Due to an agreement with GM, the Trailblazer was released prior to the MU-X.

In Australia, it was launched in December 2013. To date, the MU-X has been sold only in Thailand, Australia , Paraguay, Indonesia, Philippines , Malaysia, Brunei (until 2016), Vietnam, China and India . Isuzu Motors has plans to market it overseas in 50 countries.^{[citation needed]} In December 2013, the MU-X was showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, but is not sold in Japan.

Markets

Thailand

In Thailand, the MU-X was available in three trim levels, being: Base (CD), Standard (DVD) and High (DVD Navi).

CD and DVD-trim levels are available with the 2.5-litre engine. These trims are called the 2.5 VGS CD and 2.5 VGS DVD respectively. when equipped with the 5-speed automatic (or 5-speed manual, which is 4x2 only). The DVD Navi trim level is available with both the 2.5- and 3.0-litre engines, with the 2.5-litre engine, it is called 2.5 VGS DVD Navi, In 3.0-litre engine with automatic transmission, it is badged as 3.0 VGS DVD Navi.

The 4x4 (which is 5-speed automatic only) is solely available in the 3.0 VGS DVD Navi trim level.^[5]

Philippines

On 9 September 2014, Isuzu Philippines launched the MU-X to retire the Alterra. It was available in 3 trim levels, LS, LS-M and LS-A. However, only the 2.5-litre engine has been made available due to fuel quality concerns. The two lower-end variants were only available in 2WD with a manual transmission, while the higher-end LS-A can be had in 2WD or 4WD with Terrain Command.^[6]

In October 2015, Isuzu Philippines Corporation introduced the 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TC engine with an output of 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) and 380 N⋅m (280 lbf⋅ft) of torque. This engine differs from the global 3.0-litre engine as it is still Euro II-compliant and produces less power than the 4JJ1-TCX. Apart from the new engine, a chrome exhaust tip, 3.0 TD chrome emblem, and daytime running lights are fitted as standard on the 3.0 models to differentiate them from the 2.5 models.^[7]

In September 2017, as part of the 20th anniversary of Isuzu Philippines, the heavily revised Isuzu MU-X debuted in the Philippines. The Philippine-spec Isuzu MU-X gets similar features as the Thai-spec model. It gets the newer Euro IV-compliant 3.0-litre 4JJ1-TCX with Blue Power. This new engine also powers the 2018 D-Max.^[8]

China

In China, the MU-X was launched in May 2015 and was produced by Jiangxi Isuzu Motors.^[9]

Facelift

2017 facelift

On 14 February 2017, the facelifted MU-X was revealed in a teaser video and website.^[10] It debuted on 4 March 2017 prior to the Bangkok International Motor Show. This facelift including integrated LED front and tail lights, improved interior quality with the addition of soft material, a two-tone interior, and improved NVH. Engines remained the same as the outgoing model.

Engines

Diesel engines
Model	Code	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmissions	Year
1.9 DDi Blue Power	RZ4E-TC	1,898 cc common rail injection turbodiesel I4	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) @ 3,600 rpm	350 N⋅m (36 kg⋅m; 258 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–2,600 rpm	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic	2016–present
2.5 DDi VGS	4JK1-TCX	2,499 cc common rail injection turbodiesel I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @ 3,400 rpm	320 N⋅m (33 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–2,800 rpm	5-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic	2013–present
3.0 DDi VGS	4JJ1-TCX	2,999 cc common rail injection turbodiesel I4	163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) @ 3,550 rpm	380 N⋅m (39 kg⋅m; 280 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–2,800 rpm	5-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic	2013–present
			177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) @ 3,550 rpm	380 N⋅m (39 kg⋅m; 280 lb⋅ft) @ 1,800–2,800 rpm
			177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) @ 3,550 rpm	430 N⋅m (44 kg⋅m; 317 lb⋅ft) @ 2,000 rpm

Second generation (RJ; 2020)

Second generation (RJ)

Overview
Production	2020–present
Assembly	Thailand: Samut Prakan (Isuzu Motors Thailand) China: Jiangxi (Jiangxi Isuzu)
Designer	Hiroshi Sasajima, Tomonobu Nishikawa, Yukinari Kato, Motoyoshi Tono, Shigeya Takahashi, Kunio Yoshida, and Atsushi Serizawa^[11]
Body and chassis
Platform	Isuzu Symmetric Mobility Platform
Related	Isuzu D-Max (third generation) Mazda BT-50 (TF)
Powertrain
Engine	Diesel: 1.9 L RZ4E-TC GEN2 I4-T 3.0 L 4JJ3-TCX I4-T
Transmission	6-speed Aisin AE6 manual 6-speed Aisin AWE6B45 II Rev-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,855 mm (112.4 in)
Length	4,850 mm (190.9 in)
Width	1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
\|uk\|Kerb\|Curb}} weight	1,820–1,955 kg (4,012–4,310 lb)

Rear

Interior

The second-generation MU-X was revealed on 28 October 2020 in Thailand.^[12]^[13] It shares the same platform with the third generation D-Max, which in turn is also closely related to the third-generation Mazda BT-50.