Isuzu prices 2.2D MU-X and D-Max range

ISUZU UTE AUSTRALIA (IUA) has replaced its short-lived turbocharged 1.9-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a cleaner, more efficient, and larger displacement unit.

Available alongside the flagship 4JJ3-series turbocharged 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, the new RZ4F-series 2.2-litre engine will be offered across the MU-X and D-Max range from 1 October, with pricing from $36,990 plus on-road costs.

Pricing increases over the 1.9-litre model range by $1500 with 3.0-litre variants increasing by up to $2500 – despite no change in appearance, specification, or equipment levels (see table below).

Outputting 120kW/400Nm and paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2.2-litre unit provides the same 3500kg braked towing capacity as the 3.0-litre alternative and arrives with a suite of model-year updates that will be applied across the range.

IUA says the new engine is capable of returning a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of as low as 6.3 litres per 100km. It is capable of generating 255Nm of torque from just 1000rpm – an increase of 60 per cent over the outgoing 1.9-litre mill.

In terms of equipment, we find the MU-X LS-M 4x4 (from $49,900 plus on-road costs) arrives with a locking rear differential, idle-stop technology, an electric parking brake with auto hold functionality, an 800mm water wading depth, 230mm of ground clearance, and approach, break-over, and departure angles of 23.4-, 19.1-, and 27.6 degrees respectively.

Cargo space continues to measure 311 litres in seven-seat model, 1119 litres in five-seat mode, and 2138 litres all told.

Equipment highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, black exterior garnishing, carpeted flooring, a polyurethane steering wheel rim and gear shift knob, cloth upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, and dusk-sensing LED lighting front and rear.

The variant further includes an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with DAB+ digital radio reception, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth telephony, and four-speaker sound. USB-A and -C power outlets are fitted front and rear.

For the MU-X LS-U (from $62,900 + ORC) we find a modest change in ground clearance (235mm) and off-road geometry (24.0 degrees approach, 19.6 degrees break-over, and 26.9 degrees departure) due predominantly to the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels and highway-terrain tyres.

Powered and heated wing mirrors also join the kit list, alongside tyre pressure monitoring, body-colour exterior door handles, a black and titanium carbide finished grille, magnetite coloured side steps and roof rails, rear privacy glass, chrome window framing, a leather wrapped steering wheel rim and gearshift knob, electric driver’s seat lumbar support and six-way adjustment, model-specific instrument panel detailing, and walk away locking.

The infotainment bundle upgrades to a 9.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, voice recognition, and eight-speaker sound, while the LS-U further adds dual-zone climate control, LED front fog lights, front parking sensors, and a powered tailgate.

Finally, for the range-topping MU-X LS-T (from $71,400 + ORC) Isuzu has added 20-inch alloy wheels with highway terrain rubber, leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment, LED ambient cabin lighting, a 360-degree camera system, and remote engine start.

Moving across the Isuzu D-Max range we find the opening SX grade (from $36,200 + ORC) again offered with the choice of two- and four-wheel drive, 800mm of water fording ability, 235mm of ground clearance, 3500kg of braked towing ability, and 1350kg of payload capacity.

Rough Terrain mode is offered on 4x4 models, the SX line-up further including a urethane steering wheel rim and gear shift knob, USB-C and -A power outlets, vinyl flooring, cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch multi-information display (on the instrument panel), and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment array with DAB+ radio reception, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and four-speaker sound.

Other SX grade highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain rubber, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing halogen headlights with auto high beam, and tailgate assist struts (pick-up).

For the flagship of the 2.2-litre range, the D-Max X-Rider (from $59,500 + ORC), we find higher grade cloth upholstery, LED exterior lighting, rear parking sensors, black and dark grey exterior trim, black interior garnishing, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres, X badging, a black tonneau cover, and a satin black finished sports bar.

Safety features across the D-Max and MU-X ranges are extensive, with eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, driver monitoring, emergency lane keeping, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, trailer sway control, and more.

ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchorages are fitted where relevant.

IUA will offer the 2.2-litre powered MY25.5 MU-X in a choice of eight exterior finishes and the D-Max in nine. Colour options include Basalt Black, Magnetic Red, Mercury Silver, Mineral White, Moonstone White, Neptune Blue, Obsidian Grey, Slate Grey (MU-X XT only), Sunstone Orange (Blade and X-Terrain only), and Wolfram Grey (D-Max X-Rider, LS-U, LS-U+, and X-Terrain only).

Accessory highlights for the incoming MU-X and D-Max ranges include a tow bar (+$1239), electronic brake controller (+$948), and rear canopy (+$1239, pick-up models only).

Scheduled servicing intervals and pricing remains relatively unchanged with 12-month/15,000km maintenance visits available at the fixed price of $469 per annum. All IUA models are backed by a six-year warranty and up to seven years of roadside assistance.

“Isuzu Ute Australia’s success has been built on listening to our customers, and understanding three crucial factors: value for money, durability, and performance,” said Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Junta Matsui.

“It’s vitally important that we maintain the strength of our product across the board, noting feedback, responding to the market, and ensuring the product we deliver resonates with Australians.

“This dynamic new 2.2-litre engine helps to keep both Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu MU-X vehicles in powerful positions.”

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch drive review of the new 2.2-litre powered Isuzu D-Max and MU-X range.

2025 Isuzu MU-X pricing*:

2025 Isuzu D-Max pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.