THE new second-generation MU-X has big shoes to fill when it comes to the sales charts; its predecessor was a customer favourite thanks to its rugged reliability, charming character and sharp pricing.

Despite not being a segment front-runner either on or off-road, the first-gen MU-X sold in droves and its replacement has been one of the most hotly anticipated vehicles to come to market in recent months.

We’ve already seen from our previous launch review that the new model, while noticeably more expensive, is a monumental step up in terms of refinement, quality, comfort and safety, but what about off-road?

The opportunity to take the new MU-X properly off the beaten track evaded us when it first came out, especially as all these ever-lasting lockdowns came into effect.

Now however, we have taken it off-road and it’s pretty accomplished, but so was the old model; it just didn’t have quite same arsenal of tech and mechanicals – a locking rear differential primarily – to match the segment leaders.

But the new one does.